We know that packing for any holiday can be stressful. What to take? How much will I need? What if I forget? This can be the same when you’re heading up on the mountain for a days skiing. Weather in the mountains can change very quickly so it’s good to be prepared. We asked the industry professionals what was the one thing they can’t leave without when they’re heading up on the mountain (apart from the obvious items such as skis and boots!). Here’s what they had to stay:
 Martin Bell, Ski Instructor and Former Olympian“My favourite thing to take with me is my harmonica. I enjoy learning to play various tunes on it, or just making vaguely “bluesy” sorts of noises. I don’t mind the strange looks – generally the response is positive! When you spend a large part of your life skiing, you obviously spend an even greater time riding various lifts. It’s good to have something to do with all this time.” |
 Arnie Wilson, Former Editor of Ski+Board Magazine“I try never to leave my chalet without my helmet – and that’s not just because of Michael Schumacher’s tragic accident. I feel naked without one. I’ve worn a helmet for the last 20 years. On my first morning skiing this winter I DID forget to bring it (first days are like that there’s so much gear to remember to bring). I always carry a wooly hat in case someone else needs one, but this time I wore it myself and it felt very strange. I remember once not bothering to wear my helmet on a day when I was skiing with slow skiers- then guess who I met at lunch time? Graham Bell, who invited me to ski with him after lunch. You can imagine how vulnerable I felt skiing flat out and helmetless with a five-time Olympic racer!” |
 James Cove from PlanetSki“My inner gloves – it means I can take photos, shoot video and use phone without getting cold hands.” |
 Andy Perrin, CEO of HotelplanUK“Definitely my camera – a chairlift ride feels like wasted time without one!” |
 Neil English, 25 years travel/ski journalism – 20 years ski editor at Mail on Sunday“My asthma inhaler and local currency for refreshment in any mountain establishment, regardless of how rustic” |
 Peter Hardy from WeLove2Ski“I always carry a backpack when I ski – not sure that I know how to turn without the weight of it! Beyond the essential shovel and probe It’s full of stuff I rarely need, but you never know, do you? A space blanket and a beanie – if someone is injured then keeping them warm is essential; an extra layer of clothing and one of those multi-tools for fixing bindings, an ancient bar of chocolate, and spare goggles and gloves. But to me the most essential item is my avalanche transceiver. I ski around 80 days a year and I strap it on as I get dressed each morning – regardless of whether I’m planning to ski on-piste or off. Call me over-cautious, if you like. If I’m going to cruise down groomed runs before a leisurely lunch this may seem overkill. But what if meet a mountain guide I know or a a group of friends who say ‘ come and join us for a run off the back of here.’ It’s happened on a number of occasions. You never know, do you?” |
 Ben Clatworthy, Freelance writer, broadcaster & journalist“It would have to be my water bottle. It’s hard to tell, but you lose a lot of water skiing, and just as a football player needs water, so does someone doing winter sports. You dehydrate quicker at altitude, so I never leave in the morning without a full bottle. A slightly strange one, but certainly a vital accessory that most people don’t think about.” |
 Louise Newton, Marketing Manager, Inghams“A cotton hankie NOT paper ones. Paper tissues are a nightmare on the slopes!” |
 Lydia Cristostomo, PR executive, Inghams“Lipbalm-To keep my lips moist in case I kiss any ski instructors : )” |