What is important to pack for a European ski trip?
Just because you may have uber chic gear on the slopes does not make you a better skier, but it helps to lessen the pain if you look good. Off the slopes is another matter that I will also attempt to assist you with.
I’ll avoid the basics, and concentrate on the important. A helmet is a must regardless of your skiing ability. I actually really like my helmet; I seriously am unaware that it is on my head. But some sage advice, do the chinstrap up, so that when someone else takes you out! It stays on your head. OK, personal experience.
The boots
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Great fitting and comfortable (what an oxymoron) ski boots are an essential. Look they don’t exist, so go with the best you can cope with. I had a private ski lesson once. And after the ‘I’m taking the stocks off you routine’, he said now undo your boots. He said, you’ll hate me and you will fall over a lot. No, I loved him, and I did not fall over once. It was so liberating. Makes you wonder?
The thermals
Really high quality thermals are worth their weight in gold, for a number of reasons. They keep you warm (like derr…) and they can be worn for days and days and days without a wash (but that’s your choice). Because they do not smell because they are, listen to me people, MERINO – 100%, they keep you warm, don’t smell and are comfortable. I know, I have worn them for years (not without washing, for those smart people who were about to say something!). Pay the money for what will be a great and long lasting investment. In fact buy, two lots – undershirt and long pants, one for skiing and one for under your après gear.
The ski jacket
The ski jacket similarly should be selected for its warmth and also for its ratings – higher fill down allows for better warmth-to-weight ratios. You will see 550, 650, 850 etc – just talk to someone and buy a beauty. Yes, you will pay for it but it is a once in a while investment. Try and go for a basic colour and not for what is in season, as it will date quickly. I go black, but change my ski pants, and neck warmer and accessories often. The ski pants are not that important if you have your merino thermals under. So, yes I have a few pants and maybe a few jackets, but I only take the ‘mothership’ overseas with me to Japan and to Europe. For boarders of either sex, go right out there with your pants. I’ve seen some serious designs.
Gloves, hats, goggles etc etc – do what you want. These are just enhancements to your skiing ability!
What to pack for a European ski holiday – the all important apres scene?
Now the European après scene is seriously cheap legitimate cialis scary stuff. They do know how to do class well. It appears effortless for them to look seriously elegant. The only way to get away without looking like a total bogan – (a derogatory Australian term for people who are comfortable in social situations wearing stubbie shorts which are seriously disgraceful short shorts that leave nothing to the imagination as most of the gear is hanging out, flanelette shirts and wearing thongs/flip flops. A female bogan wears an ensemble from the local discount chain!), is to wear black. That simple.
For wandering around the villages you can you can wear jeans – thermals under your second set, a great black polo/turtle neck jumper (wool or cashmere would be nice), a really trendy black coat and black wool socks. Now you can accessorize with anything you like. For women, coloured scarves, hats, berets and gloves all in a nice fabric. Great sunglasses. Be selective with the jewelry, less is more. Men just select – with some class.
The shoes
The footwear is a hard one. There is no worse look, or feeling for you, if you slip on the ice which is highly likely. So you need super excellent tread on a stylish waterproof boot. You can get away with gumboots in Japan, but not in Europe. These boots do exist, so invest in a pair that will team well with your outfit. Colour – black. Any faux fur is good.
The LBD etc
For evening après, the LBD is very much acceptable for women, or men if you so desire. A nice and ‘coloured’ leather jacket is chic for women, ‘maybe’ men as well. Not sure on that, you don’t want to look like a pimp. As you will be inside you will not be cold and can wear a pair of ballet flats. Yes, the Europeans endorse ballet flats. Men, some nice black leather shoes, or boots. A skirt with a nice silk blouse will also work, with black tights and ballet flats. For men, colour it up with a pure wool shirt of a very nice fabric. Should you be venturing outdoors you will need to wear your non-slip boots; ladies carry your flats in your bag if you wish.
The bag!
The handbag or man bag (more acceptable in Europe than other places) must be trendy for day and night and be able to fit in what you need so you don’t look like a tourist. Here, more is good. Ergo, large enough for camera, phone, etc. For evening, a little clutch bag (that can fit your flats), can work well.
The other alternative to the black theme is to go vintage bohemian. But remember every colour you choose will undoubtedly require footwear, underwear that match. Luggage weight restrictions could get you down.
There you go, you are sorted for your European ski trip. You will not be mistaken for a local, nor a celebrity but nor will you look like a bogan.
