Taking a late skiing trip this season? Whether it’s a last minute trip or one you’re had in the diary for months, when it comes to packing, you need to think strategically. Unlike a beach break where all you need is a couple of killer new bikinis and a bottle of sun tan lotion, when you’re hitting the slopes, you need to consider the sun, the altitude, the icy temps and the après ski. Going later in the season usually means warmer weather but that’s not to say you don’t face all the elements still and if anything it means harsher sun.
Yes, it all looks totally glamorous (all those fur-trimmed coats and designer sunnies) but in reality, sun + speed + ice cold climes means dry skin, burnt scalps, chapped lips, red noses and seriously sore muscles. And now that spring is pretty much here, the last thing you want is a Rudolph nose and a flaky pout to go with your new SS/15 ensemble.
To help you get it right this season (and sort of ready for spring!), we’ve compiled a packing list with all the beauty products, accessories, gadgets and garms (on sale!) you need, so you can shoop, shoop, shoop in style and come back feeling fresh.
**Roxy Free Spirit Jacket, £245, available at Roxy **
Steal snowboarders’ style with this clever Roxy jacket, that’s actually 2 great jackets in 1. Waterproof and windproof, it has all sorts of elements that have been developed for the slopes such as breathable mesh vents, a goggle pocket, a 3-way adjustable hood and a pocket for your lift pass, but the best bit of all is that the liner is completely detachable meaning you’ve got a super lightweight, super warm zingy green jacket for spring. We love it.
Ray-Ban Polarized Mirrored Sunglasses, £190, available at Net-A-Porter
Protect those peepers with a quality pair of shades, which offer 100% UV protection, before going on to sport them all summer long.
House Of Holland + Roxy Polka Dot Hat, £60, available at Net-A-Porter
Keep those ears warm whilst looking chic on the slopes!
The Edge Meribel Ski Gloves, £25, available at Go Outdoors
Without gloves you’ll inevitably wind up with frostbite. Stop your fingertips from going numb with a good pair of snow sports gloves. These ones go with every outfit!
Falke Egonomic Sport System Stretch Top, £60, available at Net-A-Porter
When the sun isn’t shining it can be freezing up there. An effective base layer will stop you feeling the chill so these temperature-regulating leggings are perfect for putting on under your salopettes. Once you’re back, they’re perfect for the gym.
Roxy Mist Mirror Mask, £45.50, available at Roxy
When it’s snowing sunnies just don’t cut it. Make sure you’ve got a mask so your vision isn’t compromised.
Antipodes Immortal SPF15 Natural Sun Protection Face & Body Moisturiser, £28.99, available at Antipodes
Make sure your face is protected from harsh UV rays with Antipodes’ SPF15 Face & Body Moisturizer. It goes on light and non-greasy like any other daily face cream, so you can happily wear it daily once your back too.
Olloclip 4-in1 Lens Attachment, £69,99, available at Olloclip
****Make your iPhone snaps extra impressive with this 4-in-1 lens attachment. Super lightweight and tiny too, it features a fisheye, a wide-angle and two macro lenses. Instagram, look out!
This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil, £25, available at This Works
After a long day on the slopes, a good night’s sleep is essential. Get all of your 40 winks with the help of This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil – with its blissful lavender scent on your pillow, you’ll be asleep in minutes. (We swear, you’ll quickly grow addicted so make sure you’ve got some by your pillow back home too!)
** Hurraw Moon Balm, £4.49, available at My Pure **
The extra thick and rich formula of this lip balm is designed to be lathered on overnight for an intensive reparative treatment. Perfect for the slopes and also when you hit the rays too hard in the summer, right?
**Ultrasun UV Hair Protector, £18, available at QVC **
Remember the sun and UV rays are extra intense up there in the high resorts. Rehydrate your scalp and nourish those ends with Ultrasun’s UV Hair Protector which restores optimum moisture levels, without making hair greasy.
**Manuka Doctor ApiNourish Rejuvenating Face Mask, £39.99, available at Superdrug **
After a hard day hitting the pistes in icy temps and blazing sun, your face is feeling the burn. Manuka Doctor’s facemask contains purified bee venom, moisturising Manuka honey, cocoa butter, avocado oil and vitamin E, which will rehydrate and nourish your skin, so that it’s ready to take on day 2.
Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum, £33, available at Pestle & Mortar
****Keep your complexion glowing with Pestle and Mortar’s hyaluronic serum, which does wonders after slope and flight dehydration — your new holiday staple.
Polar Frost Muscle Relief Gel, £8.99, available at Holland & Barrett
Rub this bright blue gel into your tired limbs at night, fall asleep with tingles and feel the benefit of soothed muscles in the morning. Don’t forget to use it back at home after the gym too.
No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Anti-Ageing Sun Protection Spray, £14.95, available at Boots
The sun is extra strong up there on mountaintops, and as it reflects off the snow it’s hard to get away from it. Make sure you’re always wearing sun tan lotion – this No7 spray offers maximum protection.
**Polaroid SocialMatic Digital Instant Camera, £249, available at Amazon **
Just look how cool! You can print your digi pics as you go, with a camera that looks exactly like Instagram. This little guy is going to come everywhere with you.
**Link Lock, £9.99, available at Go Travel Products **
For keeping those skis safe whilst you’re stopping for a pint on your last run down.
Spaced360 Bluetooth Speaker, £249, available at John Lewis
****Hook up to your Spotify via Bluetooth and get the après ski party started. Great for chalets, this guy is loud. And then when summer hits, think of all parties in the park you can have thanks to its 12-hour playback battery life.