Ten things you nearly forgot to pack for this winter's chalet holiday

After a lifetime based in Les Gets, and several years running independent Les Gets ski company, Moutain and Tradition, Jana Poldaru and Raphael Cabuis know everything there is to know about planning the perfect ski holiday. Here, they tell us about the ten things we nearly forgot to pack this winter.

A recent post in the Chelston's Direct Blog outlined the most essential items of ski-wear which you should pack for your skiing trip abroad: a good ski jacket and some quality salopettes. If you've got a good chalet host and you get these simple items right, you're well on your way to enjoying a great chalet holiday. But, whereas a beach holiday really only requires a towel, some suncream, and an airport novel or two, skiing can be a more complicated business, and packing light isn't always easy.
When you're drawing up your checklist, here's ten things which you might not immediately think of, but which can help to make a memorable trip truly unforgettable. To find these or similar items, be sure to have a look in Chelston's current catalogue of ski accessories online.

1. SkiBat Easy Clip Ski Carrier

This simple but handy device clips your skis and poles together for easy carrying. No more flapping about in the cold picking up one item after the next in humiliating slapstick, this simple solution is moulded in thermoplastic material with rubber overmold to offer protection to your skis while keeping your items neatly locked together.

2. Backprotector

Chelstons currently stock a recommended model, the D30 by Sinner, which offers maximum protection for your back, with no compromise on comfort. Integrated into a lightweight vest, the protector is well hidden but ensures that safety remains top priority on the slopes.

3. Snowmule Towing Ski Bumbag

This is one of those great pieces of design that leaves you wondering: "why didn't I think of that?!" With integrated handles for towing one or two children, this comfortable but sturdy bumbag does much more than store your wallet! This means you can get the little ones moving again really quickly whenever they grind to a halt. The handles are self-retracting, which keeps them tucked away when they're not needed.

4. Re-Useable Gel Hand Warmers

This is an obvious one. If the cold gets to much, you'll be very glad of these; and once you've boiled them overnight, you can be using them again the very next day.

5. Shoe/Boot Ice/Snow Grips Spikes

Feeling the rush of a downhill slide is great when you're skiing, but rather less so when you're just heading to the shops on foot. For just a few pounds, a set of grip spikes might save you from a painful and embarrassing fall ... or two.



6. Ski Neck Warmer

No blurb necessary here: the best ski jacket in the world can feel very inadequate if a chilly breeze comes gusting down your neckline. It won't need to be repositioned like a scarf, but the inbuilt drawstring can be readjusted to cover your jawline.

7. Wrist Guards

Often, these will fit neatly beneath your gloves to offer maximum protection without inhibiting comfort. Even the best skiers fall over sometimes, so look after your hands!

8. Earmuffs

Generally more for the ladies than for gents, but there's not beating this classic solution to the bitter problem of icy ears!

9. Suncream & Lipsalve

It might be cold, but your skin and lips can still get burnt on the exposed slopes of the Alps.

10. Les Gets travel guide

Ok, so you might not be visiting Les Gets this time, but there's no harm in planning for next year!