6 Things You Should Pack on Your Next Ski Trip

Apart from the perfect après-ski outfit, of course

Once you’ve packed your skis and stuffed your winter gear into your bulging suitcase, along with your thermals, goggles and breathable wool socks, save a little room for these handy items…

Swimming costume – It sounds counter intuitive to take swimmers to the snow, but a spa or sauna soak is exactly what your body will need post ski run. Luckily, most resorts have a spa, heated pool or even outdoor Jacuzzi to relax in at the end of a cracking day on the slopes.

via Instagram @allymaycarey

Magnesium oil or cream – Magnesium is an important mineral for our bodies and it actually helps us out with hundreds of different functions. For tired muscles, magnesium is an amazing cure-all; some studies even suggest when we exercise we need 10-20% more magnesium to function optimally. By using an oil or cream infused with magnesium, our body can absorb it faster.

Thongs/ flip flops – Depending on your accommodation, you may need thongs for communal bathrooms or for just hanging around your lodge, but they’ll also come in handy for the spa and will give your tired feet a little room to stretch.

via Instagram @sarajanewirtler

Hydration tablets/ electrolytes – Even though you’ll be surrounded by frozen water and single digit weather temps, you’ll still be sweating up a storm as you carve up the slopes. Make sure you don’t dehydrate by using hydration tablets (from the Chemist). They’ll help you recover for the next day and are also pretty effective for hangovers too…

Yoga-friendly clothes – Sure, you’ll be doing exercise all day, but fitting in 15 minutes of yoga or stretching before your après-ski activities will stop your muscles from seizing up the minute your head hits the pillow.

Lip balm – Everyone needs an SPF lip balm on the side of a mountain. Not only is the sun’s glare going to dry your lips out, but so will the wind and cold. FYI, professional make-up artists swear by nipple cream (the one mums’ use) as the most effective product for soft, perfect lips…