Snow season is officially on the horizon. You booked your tickets, reserved a room and have spent silly amounts of time watching YouTube tutorials on ‘how to snowplough’. But the largest task of all remains unsolved. What do you pack for your first ever ski strip? Follow our top five tips to nailing your holiday on the slopes.

When it comes to skiing what’s underneath counts. Regular cotton tees don’t cut it. You need base layers that keep you warm but also move sweat away from your skin (damp layers in the cold are a no-no). Both leggings and tops should be form-fitting and stretchy so the fabric can perform and you can move.

Depending on how long you are going think about taking a couple of sets. And don’t forget that all of our base layers are made with quick-drying fabric so you can wash and dry them overnight.

As a beginner, you don’t need to go crazy and buy the most expensive jacket out there, but do invest in a waterproof jacket that breathes (feeling 'soggy' can put a real dampener on your day). All of our jackets use ARED performance fabric with sealed seams and a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish. This means the fabric stays dry inside and out.

Go for built-in insulation. When you’re learning to ski there’s lots of waiting around. If you do get hot take your mid layer off.

Snowskirt? Ski jackets feature a small skirt that fastens around the bottom. It stops the powder blasting up your jacket or down your salopettes when you fall over (which everybody does at some point). Make sure you have one. You will be glad of it.

Mini-tip - Wear it don’t pack it. Snowsport jackets are bulky. Use your saved suitcase room for extra layers and sunglasses.

Wear these over your base layer leggings. They need to keep you dry, be tough-wearing and stretchy so you can move. All of our salopettes feature sealed seams for extra waterproof protection. Some are high-waisted and have braces to hold them up, others look more like regular trousers. See what you feel most comfortable in.

Yes, the mountains are cold, but they’re also filled with sunshine. Take a pocket-sized high factor sun cream for your face and pack your sunglasses for lunchtime lounging on the slopes. Ski goggles are an absolute must too (wind, sun and snow protection).

Don’t forget your swimming costume/bikini/trunks so you can make the most of the hotel sauna. Nothing beats it after a long day hard at it.

Mini-tip - If you are flying with a budget airline pay for hold luggage. Trying to squeeze a ski trip into a 10kg cabin bag is virtually impossible.

And finally, enjoy your first ski trip!