Going skiing for the first time? It can be a minefield knowing what to pack and what to wear for your first time skiing! I recently went skiing for the first time in Switzerland and had only a week to prepare. I had no experience of packing for snowy, mountain climates or for the practical gear I would need for a few days on the slopes. It was panic stations but luckily I pulled it together and managed to get my beginner ski kit together in time.

I know how flustered I was and how worried I was that I would end up spending a lot of money without knowing if I actually had good gear. Which is why I've created this post to help advice you on the key items you need in your beginner ski wardrobe, what items you need to invest in and which ones don't need to break the bank. If you're wondering what to wear skiing and feel overwhelmed by the choice – this guide will help you know exactly what to buy and where you can save money.

First Time Skiing Packing Guide:

    1. 3 Things to Know Before Investing in Ski Gear
    2. What do you wear to ski for the first time?
    3. Ski Packing List: The Essentials for First-Time Skiers
    4. Other Useful Items to Pack for your First Time Skiing
    5. What not to wear while skiing?
    6. Can I wear normal clothes to ski?
    7. How to dress for skiing as a female?
    8. What gear do I need for first time skiing?
    9. Travel Insurance for Skiing
    10. Get an eSIM for Skiing

3 Things to Know Before Investing in Ski Gear

Check the weather before your trip

The ski season stretches from November to April and the weather can change dramatically during this time. It's a good idea, particularly if you are new to skiing, to do some research into the typical weather and temperatures in your ski destination before you travel. You should also keep an eye on the weather reports in the weeks leading up to your trip, the climate is more unpredictable now than ever so you want to be prepared for sudden cold snaps or warmer weather. For instance, I travelled to Switzerland in March which was a lot warmer than I expected and I actually found I didn't need a mid-layer and was roasting in my thermals in the sunshine.

You can hire a lot of ski gear

If you're not sure whether skiing is going to be for you, it's worth looking into hiring your ski gear, or another way to make it cheaper is to look for second hand options either in charity shops or on Vinted. I actually have an amazing vintage ski jacket, which I also took on the trip, I found it in a vintage shop in Copenhagen. You can hire a lot of ski gear – I hired my boots, skis and helmet at a ski shop in Switzerland to save me buying or travelling with it. You could also hire the ski clothing at the shop with everything on offer from ski jackets and trousers, to gloves and goggles. This is a great way to make packing lighter and also save money on buying all new gear until you're sure it's worth the investment.

Look out for adjustable trousers

A great hack for the petite girlies with small waists – look out for ski trousers with adjustable waists. My trousers have a drawstring waist but also adjustable straps to fasten them tighter and make them sit higher on my waist. As a shorter woman (5ft3) I found this amazing for keeping my trousers the right length and making sure they didn't budget during my ski lessons. I have these adjustable ski pants from Roxy and highly recommend them!

What do you wear to ski for the first time?

If you're feeling daunted by the thought of picking your ski wardrobe for your first ski trip, I really recommend ski clothing from Roxy for women – they're a brand that specialises in outdoor clothing inspired by the mountains and waves. Their clothing is designed for women who love the outdoors and staying active. I had so many compliments on my Illumine Warmlink Snow Jacket and my Nadia Snow Pants which were super cosy and comfortable for a few days of skiing in Switzerland. They're great investment pieces and I know I will be wearing these items for many ski trips to come.

Ski Packing List: The Essentials for First-Time Skiers

It can be really overwhelming to pack and prepare for your first ski trip. Ski clothing can be very expensive so it's important to know you're investing in the right pieces of clothing and ones that will last you a long time. Here's a packing list for first-time skiers to make sure you are only packing the essentials:

>> Shop my First Time Ski – Shopping List

Other Useful Items to Pack for your First Time Skiing

My first ski trip was an education because I realised not only do you need specific items for the slopes, but there are some things you will really want after a day of skiing. Here's a few other useful items worth packing for your first ski trip:

What not to wear while skiing?

If you're new to skiing – it's important to know what NOT to wear to ensure your comfort and wellbeing on the slopes. Here's three things you shouldn't wear when skiing:

  • Don't wear cotton clothing for under layers or mid-layers – it can retain your sweat and leave you feeling cold.
  • Don't double layer or wear socks that aren't ski socks – they can rub and cause friction burns under your boots.
  • Don't wear jeans or any non-waterproof fabrics – make sure to choose moisture-wicking materials.

Can I wear normal clothes to ski?

While you might be able to make do with some of your existing outdoor clothing for skiing, it is not recommended to wear "normal clothes" for skiing. Ski clothing has been specifically designed to provide insulation, waterproofing, and protection while you are on the slopes. If you've never skied before, you may find it difficult to anticipate the temperatures, wind chill and exposure when skiing in the mountains. If you have thermal layers and a thermal, well insulated and waterproof jacket, these may be suitable for skiing in a pinch, but I recommend going prepared and speaking to those with experience of the climate and skiing in your chosen destination.

How to dress for skiing as a female?

Preparing for your first ski trip? It's important to prioritise finding clothing that is waterproof, windproof and will keep you warm during long days on the slopes. You'll be very exposed to the elements which is not a problem if you go prepared, but could ruin all your fun if you don't and you're left feeling cold. I know that as a woman I am a lot more sensitive to fabrics and the cold than my partner, so I think it's important to consider that dressing for skiing as a female might take more consideration. Three things you should remember to take into account as a woman dressing for a first ski trip:

  • It's all about layers! Make sure you choose clothes you can adjust as the weather warms up or changes throughout the day. By planning your skiwear well – you will find your ski attire suitable for all conditions of skiing.
  • Pick good thermals – your base layers will transform your ski experience so make sure they're moisture wicking and breathable to ensure that they don't get sweaty or smelly – then you don't need multiple pairs for a ski trip.
  • Don't pick ski clothes that are too tight – often the ski outfits you see on IG are not practical for actually skiing – you need some flexibility and movement in your ski pants and your jacket needs to be loose to fit your layers underneath.

What gear do I need for first time skiing?

One thing I learned from my first ski trip was that actually I didn't need as much skiing gear as I expected, and it was far more budget-friendly than I had anticipated. While, yes, ski clothing is an investment and a luxury, it doesn't have to break the bank. The key items worth investing in are a ski jacket and trousers, thermals, goggles, gloves and ski socks. I really recommend hiring the following items for your first ski trip – I will also continue to hire these items for upcoming ski trips to save on packing space and keep things simple:

  • Skis
  • Ski Boots
  • Ski Helmet

Travel Insurance for Skiing

When planning your trip to Grindelwald, it's important to remember that for more adventurous trips, you will need to have the right travel insurance. Having good travel insurance that covers me for every eventuality is an essential for adventure travel and gives me peace of mind as a solo female traveller. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance covers 175+ countries, and they've recently expanded coverage to include adventure sports and electronics theft too. Think of it as your safety net, if something goes wrong it's great to have a backup in case you get sick, injured or your kit gets damaged. 

I know how frustrating travel can be sometimes. So, it's good to know that when things go wrong, I've got a good insurance policy in my corner. SafetyWing provides Travel Insurance for Nomads including global coverage that you can purchase while outside your home country, with a simple claims service and 24/7 human support. Their cover provides the following:

  • Meals & accommodations if you have a travel delay over 12 hours
  • Emergency dental care up to $1000
  • Medical care including prescriptions, emergency care and hospital stays
  • Coverage for lost checked luggage
  • Flights home if something bad happens
  • Continued coverage for visits back home
  • Coverage for motor accidents
  • Coverage for injuries from leisure sports & activities

Read my full blog post on Choosing Travel Insurance for Solo Female Travellers to learn the importance of reliable coverage and the companies I rely on for all of my adventures. 

Get an eSIM for Skiing

I never travel without an eSIM and find them super helpful for getting service on my mobile wherever I travel and they're my number one travel hack for solo female travellers and ensuring your safety. For adventure travel trips such as skiing where there's always a small chance you may need help or get lost – it's a good idea to go prepared. I always use Holafly for eSIMs for an affordable option and unlimited data so I don't run out at the top of a mountain. 

>> Save 5% on your Switzerland eSIM using the code ABSOLUTELYLUCY