What to pack for a self drive ski holiday

Packing for a self drive ski holiday is very different to packing for a trip where you’re flying.

One of the biggest advantages of driving is that you’re not restricted by luggage limits, so you can bring everything you need for a comfortable stay. This is particularly useful if you’re staying in self-catered accommodation, where having your own supplies can make a real difference.

Being organised with your packing will pay dividends later, especially on a long journey.

Quick packing tips

• Take advantage of the extra space and bring what you’ll actually use

• Pack food, drinks and essentials for the journey

• Keep important documents and key items easily accessible

• Think about comfort as well as skiing

What are the advantages of packing for a self drive ski holiday?

Packing for a self drive ski holiday gives you far more flexibility than flying.

You don’t need to worry about baggage limits, which means you can bring everything you need without having to compromise. That includes ski equipment, food, and the small comforts from home that can make your stay easier.

For many people, this flexibility makes the whole experience feel more relaxed from the moment you set off.

What car essentials do you need to take?

There are a number of practical items you’ll need to take with you in the car when driving to the French Alps.

These include:

• UK sticker or UK identifier (this is a legal requirement)

• Stick-on headlight deflectors

• High-vis jackets/vests (one per person)

• Warning triangle

• Spare bulb kit

It’s also worth packing:

• Ice scraper and de-icer

• Warm layers in case you need them en route

• Euros, including loose change for tolls

• A car phone charger (and long lead tablet charger if you decide to go down the technology route with your kids)

• An Emovis toll tag, if you have one

For the journey itself, having the following close to hand will make a big difference:

• Pack a picnic! Rather than buying food along the route, taking a picnic can be a definite cost-saver. Better to spend your pennies on yummy food in the resort. You could even take food flasks with pre-heated food in if you fancy a hot meal on your drive.

• Easy to grab non messy snacks for the car such as fruit, crackers, granola bars.

• Plenty of drinks or water

• Entertainment for children, such as magnetic games, mess free colouring, sticker books or fully charged tablets with favourite films and TV shows downloaded

Realistically, it’s often the small things that matter most:

“Toilet roll and hand sanitiser for the services which never have enough!” Nicola B

“Make sure you take a charger that has at least 2 USB sockets… and cables that reach the back seats.” Tommy T

What ski gear and clothing should you pack?

One of the great things about driving is that you can bring the ski equipment and clothing you actually want to use, rather than cutting things back to fit within luggage limits.

Rather than listing everything here, we’ve put together a full checklist covering exactly what to pack:

See our guide to what to wear on a ski holiday

What documents do you need?

Having the right documentation with you is essential when travelling to the French Alps by car.

Make sure you have:

• Passports for each member of your party

• Driving licence for any drivers

• Car insurance documents

• Breakdown cover documents

• Vehicle registration document

• Eurotunnel or ferry booking confirmation

• GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card)

Keeping these together and easily accessible in your vehicle will make things much simpler during your journey.

What food and supplies should you bring?

One of the biggest benefits of driving is being able to bring your own food and essentials.

Consider taking cupboard essentials that you can easily transport such as:

• Tea

• Coffee

• Biscuits

• Herbs, spices, oil and seasoning

• Your favourite condiments

It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference. Being able to make your favourite morning coffee or have familiar food on your first night can make settling in much easier.

Note: meat, milk and their products cannot be taken into the EU.

What home comforts are worth packing?

One of the best things about a self drive ski holiday is that you don’t have to leave the home comforts behind.

Some popular options include:

• Slow cooker – ideal for having a meal ready after skiing

• Reusable water bottles

• Board games or card games

• A snuggly blanket

• Bluetooth speaker

• Diffuser (for a smell of home)

• Reusable food containers

“Pack a slow cooker… at the end of a long day skiing it’s good to have a meal ready and waiting!” Sian ED

These are the things that can make your stay feel more comfortable and convenient, especially in self-catered accommodation.

What should families consider when packing?

When travelling with children, the flexibility of driving makes things much easier.

You can bring:

• Extra snacks and drinks

• Entertainment for the journey

• Comfort items

• Anything you might need without having to prioritise

This is one of the biggest advantages compared to flying, where you’re often restricted in what you can take.

How can you make packing easier?

Packing for a self drive ski holiday is largely about making the most of the flexibility you have.

Rather than trying to minimise what you take, focus on bringing what will make your journey and your stay more comfortable.

With everything you need packed and organised, you can settle into your accommodation quickly and start enjoying your holiday straight away.

Related guides

• Driving to the Alps from the UK: A Practical Guide

• Driving to the Alps with children

• Best routes to the French Alps from the UK

• Preparing your car for a ski holiday

• Where to stop overnight on the way to the Alps

• Do you need snow chains for a ski holiday in the Alps?