Planning a ski holiday with little ones is exciting 😍 but let’s be real, taking your toddler to the snow comes with its challenges. Between keeping them warm, managing the gear, and making sure there are enough snacks to last until après-ski, it can feel overwhelming.
The good news? With the right packing list, you can be prepared with the right gear to make your family ski trip as magical as it should be. Here’s your complete guide to what to pack your toddler for their first (or next) snow trip ❄️
What to Pack for a Toddler Snow Trip
1. Warm & Waterproof Outerwear ⛄
Toddlers can’t regulate their body temperature as easily as adults, so keeping them warm and dry is the top priority.
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Snow Suit and/or Jacket + Pants/Bibs ➡️ Waterproof and insulated. We like to have both options in case one gets too dirty. Separates are good value, as the jacket can be used in other environments too!
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Base Layers ➡️ Merino wool or thermal leggings and tops (avoid cotton! you need moisture wicking materials to draw moisture away from their little bodies).
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Mid Layers ➡️ We use fleece jackets for extra (and easily removable) warmth.
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Mittens (not gloves) ➡️ Warmer and easier to slip on little hands.
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Wool Socks + Snow Boots ➡️ Waterproof boots with thick socks keep toes cosy. We buy the boots a half size bigger to make room for thick, comfy, warm socks.
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Beanies + Neck Gaiter ➡️ Ditch scarves - neck warmer tubes are safer and snug.
- Balaclava ➡️ If your little one will tolerate it, a balaclava is perfect for keeping little necks and faces warm.
2. Ski & Snow Play Essentials 🎿
Whether your toddler is in ski school, learning to shuffle on skis, or simply building snowmen:
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Goggles ➡️ Non-negotiable for safety (and comfort!).
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Sunglasses ➡️ Glare from the snow can be bright for little eyes, find yourself some polarised sunnies for added comfort, especially if your tiny human has sensory preferences.
3. Après-Ski Comforts 🔥
After snow play comes cosy downtime.
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Comfy Clothes ➡️ Tracksuits, leggings, and jumpers.
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Slippers or Indoor Shoes ➡️ Resorts can be cold underfoot.
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Swimwear ➡️ Many resorts have heated pools or onsens - a toddler favourite.
4. Daily Travel Essentials 🎒
Your HuddoCo bag is your best friend on a family snow trip.
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HuddoCo Anywhere Backpack ➡️ Perfect for keeping nappies, wipes, snacks, spare layers, and toys neatly organised. (Trust us, organisation is everything when you’re juggling ski gear and a toddler!)
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HuddoCo Nappy Buddy ➡️ Just keeping the essentials on you? The Nappy Buddy can carry the must haves - nappies, wipes, snacks, phone, wallet. Easily and comfortably worn while exploring a winter wonderland.
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Entertainment ➡️ Books, colouring pads, or a tablet for downtime.
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Snacks ➡️ Stashed everywhere! Jacket pockets, backpacks, even ski pants. Hungry toddlers melt down faster than snow in spring.
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Comfort Items ➡️ A soft toy or blanket helps with naps away from home.
5. Room Sharing Saviours 😴
When on-the-go, we use our ultimate toddler travel bed setup for peaceful, private, stress-free sleep, for the whole family:
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SlumberPod SlumberTot Inflatable Toddler Mattress ➡️ a game-changer for parents who want a portable yet comfortable sleeping solution for their toddler. Designed with durability and comfort in mind, this inflatable mattress provides a cosy and secure sleeping space wherever you go.
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SlumberPod Portable Privacy Pod ➡️ Pairing the SlumberTot with our SlumberPod takes our toddler’s sleep experience to the next level. The SlumberPod is a portable blackout canopy designed to create a dark, private sleeping space - perfect for overcoming jet lag, time zone changes, or simply maintaining a consistent sleep routine while we're travelling.
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Flextail Tiny Pump ➡️ After a long travel day, we don't have the time or energy to use a hand pump, so we inflate out SlumberTot with our favourite portable mini pump. This little guy is a low key MVP for travel, we use it to inflate our mattress or pool toys and to compress our vacuum bags to maximise room in our luggage.
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Bedding ➡️ A single fitted sheet, toddler pillow and blanket complete our toddler travel bed setup. (Pro tip - if you're struggling for room in your suitcase, the items compress perfectly in a vacuum storage bag).
Parent-Proven Tips for Packing Light 💡
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Packing Cubes: Keep ski gear, après wear, and travel items separate, and compressed for extra room.
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Double Up on Gloves & Socks: Toddlers always lose or soak them.
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Check Laundry Options: Resorts with washing machines = lighter packing.
- Vacuum Storage Bags: Take a vacuum bag to put your bulky, dirty ski gear in once you've finished the ski part of your trip. This will help compress and separate what you don't need, before heading to your next destination (Pro tip - we use our Flextail Tiny Pump to inflate our toddler mattress, as well as compressing our vacuum bags!).
Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Snow With Your Toddler ❄️
Taking your toddler to the snow will look very different from your carefree, pre-kids ski trips, but it’s just as magical. Watching their joy as they see snowflakes fall or wobble on skis for the first time is an experience you’ll treasure forever.
With the right gear, a little organisation, and your Anywhere Backpack by your side, you’ll be ready for a stress-free, unforgettable family ski holiday ✨
Happy travels ♥️
HuddoCo x
