Packing For a Family Snow Trip: The Ultimate Checklist

Skiing and snowboarding are a lot of fun, but they also require a lot of gear – for both adults and kids. Imagine arriving at the mountain only to realise you’ve just packed jeans and no snow pants!

Avoid this with a simple checklist of the gear your family will need, so you don’t have to worry about heading to the ski shop to replace a forgotten item before hitting your first run. Here are some initial tips when travelling to the snow with kids:

• Pack two days before your trip (not the day or night before leaving); you are more likely to forget something if you rush
• Always double-check your packing list
• Categorise your luggage into warm clothing, ski equipment, travel essentials, entertainment/miscellaneous
• Always use quality luggage and aim for one individual bag per person for clothing, then a big family bag for gear(ski helmets, boots, etc.)
• Have you booked your entry passes? Keep them in an easily accessible spot as you’ll need to show them before you get on the lift every time

Now that you understand our initial packing tips let’s take a deep dive into the ultimate snow checklist. Run through this list and check the items off as they are packed.

When most people think of snow clothing, they picture a big ski jacket and snow pants, but it is essential to remember that the inner layers are just as important. Insulating your kids is vital in colder temperatures, so be sure to include all of the following items:

• Underwear (top and bottom)
• Jackets and Fleeces
• Insulated snow jacket and pants
• Technical base layer and long johns
• Trousers/Pants
• Snowsuits
• Beanies
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Snow socks (one pair of ski socks for every two days on the slopes)
• Weather-appropriate footwear

You won’t be flying down the mountain for the entirety of your trip, so it is important to consider some warm and comfortable clothing for your off-mountain activities. While you aren’t necessarily in the slush, things will still be cold and wet, so pack accordingly:

• Beanie
• Scarf
• Hoodie
• Jeans
• Underwear
• Down Jacket
• Rain Jacket
• Fleece
• Track Pants
• Extra Socks

Ski gear is very important! While you can hire gear on the mountain if needed, you may be more comfortable in your own equipment, especially if it has been worn in to suit your body type. Adapt this list based on your ride of choice; ski or snowboard:

Please note, Lake Mountain does not cater for downhill skiers.

• Skis/Ski boots/Ski poles
• Snowboard/Snowboard boots
• Carrier Straps (lighten the load when hiking back up to the mountain)
• Boot heaters (useful in particularly cold temperatures)
• Helmets
• Goggles
• Neck Gaiter (to provide warmth for the neck and chin area)
• Sunglasses
• Ski Boot Bag(keep those loose items together as you move to and from the slopes)

There are some important items that likely travel with you on every holiday, regardless of hot or cold weather. Make sure you include the essentials when packing, as some of these cannot be picked up at the local convenience store:

• I.D
• Credit Cards
• Health Insurance Cards
• Entry Pass
• Toys, Books, Games
• Sunscreen
• Charging Cords
• Camera
• Snacks
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Bed linen & towels

Packing the proper footwear is very important in the snow as there will be no flip-flops on this vacation (except for around your accommodation). The key is warm, waterproof footwear that can handle a bit of slush. You’ll wear your ski or snowboard boots while on the runs, but your feet will get tired, so it’s a good idea to have something comfortable but suitable during the breaks:

• Insulated snow boots
• Waterproof Hiking Boots
• Fleece slippers (for the evening downtime)

If you are parents with young children, you are likely already packing experts! Well, all of that fun stuff that you pack for a simple trip to the park also needs to come along on your ski holiday but amplified:

• Diapers
• Portable high chair
• Pram (with all-terrain wheels if possible) or baby carrier
• Warm blankets
• Toys
• Waterproof containers for snacks
• Sealable sippy cups
• Spares. Of everything. Lots of spares!

Hygiene is just as important on the mountain as everywhere else, and you will enjoy your time on the slopes if you feel clean and fresh! As a result, the following toiletries are a must:

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Body/face wash
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Hairbrush
• Hand sanitiser
• Tissues
• Baby wipes
• Panadol
• Saline nose spray
• Sunscreen with a high SPF
• Lip balm
• First aid kit
• Water bottles

As Lake Mountain is so accessible from the Melbourne CBD, you are likely heading here by car. The same can be said about other popular snow sports in Australia as a car is the main mode of transport up the mountain!

Consider these essential car travel items before you start the engine:

• Vehicle prep: 4WDs are better suited to snow driving than 2WD vehicles, but all will be required by law to carry snow chains on declared days. Always check tyres, lights, battery, brakes and engine before you leave home and add antifreeze to your radiator and windscreen washing fluid to prevent freezing.
• Fuel: Fill your tank before heading up the mountain. Diesel vehicles should use Alpine diesel if possible to avoid standard diesel hardening at low temperatures.
• Chains: Regardless of the weather, play it safe and carry snow chains that can be bought or rented from most service stations. Fines can be issued to drivers who are not carrying chains in their vehicles.
• Emergency gear: Pack spare warm clothes, torch, spare wheel(s) and a first aid kit in case of emergencies.
• Things to entertain the kids: While it’s not a long drive, half the fun is getting there, so check out our handy article for how to keep the little ones entertained.

Be extra careful when driving on mountain roads which are usually winding and wet with poor visibility. Drive slowly, leave plenty of room between the vehicle in front of you, and try to travel during daylight.

In white-out conditions (zero road visibility), pull to the side of the road and switch on your hazard lights. Keep the engine running (hence the need for a full tank) and always clear off any snow that may have gathered on your car before driving.

We understand that not everyone is snow ready, so if you’re a first-timer or just don’t have the gear, never fear, we have both gear hire and a retail shop on the mountain.

Gear Hire

To avoid the queues and make the most of your big day, think about booking your gear hire before you arrive. We have the following options to hire;

• Snow jackets
• Snow pants
• Snowsuit
• Snowshoes and boots
• Snow gear

Contact our friendly team to find out more.

Retail Shop

We have a fully stocked retail store so if you prefer to buy rather than hire, that is totally fine by us. As you arrive you will see our retail shop, please come in and our friendly staff will be able to assist. We cater to all ages, genders and sizes.

The Retail Shop proudly stocks Australian brand clothing and accessories from XTM and ROJO. We specialise in small-sized mittens, socks and boots for your little ones’ first trip to the snow, to keep them toasty warm and dry!

Always double-check the things you have packed and run through the above list to make sure you have everything you need! While there may be some variances based on the length and distance of your trip (and if you have air travel luggage limits), the ultimate checklist above will serve as a great reminder of the essentials.

As Lake Mountain Alpine Resort is roughly only a two-hour drive from the Melbourne CBD, you will have plenty of opportunities to re-stock supplies if needed. Remember, packing is part of the fun; it signifies the beginning of a great family holiday that will create some fantastic, warm memories – despite the cold weather. Have fun!