After surviving a week in Val Thorens with the Exeter Snowsports Society (see the official trip video here), I thought I’d pass on my wisdom in the form of the must-have essentials for any skiing holiday…
1) Sunscreen (Preferably factor 30 or above – you will get burnt, trust me)
I’ve always been rather arrogant about my swarthy skin and inability to burn… I had my comeuppance this Easter. Unless you want goggle marks and a very sore face (all the après in the world could not seem to numb the pain of my nose), you definitely need a good lotion to protect your skin.
2) Lip balm
Unsurprisingly, cold weather and strong winds do not result in smooth, moisturised lips – that bit’s up to you! Vaseline, Carmex, Blistex – any is good, just make sure you take some.
3) Sunglasses
It’s hard to Après in style with a permanent squint!
4) Hipflask
Hipflasks have always reminded me of one-legged pirates and strong rum, but it turns out they’re all the rage on the slopes! Small and easy to carry in your jacket, it makes Après much easier and lighter on your purse! There are lots of jazzy hipflasks around at the moment…
Urban Outfitters sell a banana hipflask. Need I say more?
5) Beanie/Woolly hat
You may be wearing a helmet on the slopes, but keep a beanie handy to hide that helmet hair and keep your ears warm when you’re back on flat land in the resort.
This list hopefully ensures you have all you need for an awesome (chapped-lip, burnt-skin free) ski trip…
just remember your skis and poles too!
Photo credits:
- Chania Fox