Planning for a skiing holiday can take a lot of preparation and can be especially hard if it's your first trip and you're debating about the kind of ski clothing to take along and how

to handle the issue of equipment. You should never let ski vacation planning detract from the pleasure you take in the trip itself. With some pre-planning and the right ski bags you can meet the airline guidelines and take everything you're likely to need.

The Issue of Equipment

For starters, it's probably easier and cheaper to rent your equipment from the resort if possible. People who ski often and who have their own equipment also have the specialized ski luggage to pack their equipment properly and safely and they know the ins and outs of checking the odd shaped pieces with the airlines. (Ski vacation air travel can be a nightmare for the uninitiated.) That may be in your future, but as a beginner on a ski vacation, rental is the way to go.

You'll need skis with bindings, ski poles, boots, a helmet, gloves, and goggles. If you try to pack all that for your first winter ski vacation you'll quickly find yourself overwhelmed with the burden of your luggage. Chances are also good that unless you are an experienced skier you won't get exactly the right items the first time around. And for that matter, you may find you don't even enjoy skiing. Better to save your money until you know what you're doing and decide that this is indeed a sport you plan to pursue on a basis regular enough to warrant the financial outlay for personal equipment.

What You Should Wear Off the Slopes

Off the slopes it's still important to wear comfortable, warm clothing but there's no reason why you shouldn't take one or two nice outfits for an evening out. Most resorts are casual so both men and women can get away with casual leisure wear or so-called "business" casual attire. If you're uncertain about the level of dress at the ski lodge, call and ask to speak to the concierge.

Don't forget to take along some warm pajamas. Even in a comfortable, heated lodge you'll get cold at night. And, odd as it may sound, pack a swim suit. There's always at least one indoor swimming pool and usually an outdoor, heated pool for the intrepid swimmers. You'll also need a suit to take advantage of the lodge's hot tub. There's nothing that quite so typifies a ski vacation as a soak in a steaming tub surrounded by a snowy landscape.

Continue to: What Type of Ski Clothing You Should Wear On the Slopes

Related Resources

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The Well Dressed Gent on the Slopes: Men's Ski Wear
Ski Boots: Shop Carefully or Pay the Price
Book Early for the Best Ski Condos
Tips to Choose the Right Ski Resort
Best Safety Tips for Alpine Skiing

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How to Pack for a Ski Vacation

The Issue of Equipment

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