subject: Packing For A Skiing Holiday [print this page] Now that the winter's well and truly upon us, you could be forgiven for not wanting to surface from your bed for the next few months - obviously, that's unfortunately not an option for most of us. However, there are all sorts of fun new things to try during the winter, so it's well worth getting out there and exploring new experiences and new places you might not have tried before. One of the most popular pursuits in winter is, of course, skiing. Millions of people take to the slopes of Europe and North America every winter - so it's clear that skiing must have something going for it.
Enjoying a skiing holiday can be a great way to spend at least part of your winter. But if you've never been on a skiing trip before, you might be wondering just what you need to pack and how. What you have to remember when packing for a skiing holiday is that you need to ensure you have enough clothing to keep you warm when you're bombing around on the pistes, but you obviously need to ensure that you don't end up overburdening yourself with all sorts of bits and pieces you don't really need. You should look to pack plenty of warm clothes for when you're taking a break, but there's a more delicate balance to strike for when you're on the slopes.
Also, you should be aware of the need for robust sun protection. The temperatures might be far lower than they are when you're lazing around on the beach in summer, but the need to protect yourself from the sun's rays is no less important. Sunlight can be particularly damaging to your skin when it's reflected back off snowy surfaces, so make sure you pack facial sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. Packing lip balm and sunglasses is also a good idea when you're going away on a skiing holiday.
Of course, hats and gloves are essential for any skiing trip, so you'll need to make sure you pack headgear and something to keep your hands warm. You may find that mittens are warmer than gloves and better for your circulation, but gloves are more convenient and so it's really up to you which you choose to wear. You should also ensure you pack plenty of thick socks. Wearing several layers on your feet is a good idea, as you'll probably end up with water in your boots at some point - and needless to say, this can be rather uncomfortable.
