Ski holiday specialist and independent UK tour operator Directski.com has come up with a definitive – and light-hearted – list of what and what not to pack for a ski break.

MUST-HAVES

iPods, iPads and all things Apple

SMALL and portable, the Apple iPod is the perfect device for a ski holiday. It comes into its own at the check-in, on the plane, down the slopes and for apres ski there’s nothing like drowning out the Euro-Trash.

Sun beaters and blockers

Blocking out the sun at high altitude when surrounded by reflective snow is a ski holiday essential to avoid a reddish, panda-eyed tan.

Directski.com recommends a good quality pair of ski sunglasses or, to really impress, designer ski goggles (but remember to remove the protective film). Pack a plastic bag for the suntan cream – to avoid a messy explosion in hand luggage.

Camera (with extra batteries and a charger)

Forget catching over-exposed “family moments”

in the snow. Put the camera on night setting for unforgettable shots and let those apres ski nights live on forever. And don’t forget, the mountains will give camera batteries brain-freeze, so carry a spare set somewhere warm to avoid missing the unmissable.

Warm clothes

You will need warm clothes and lots of them.

Pack extra pants, tights, T-shirts, fleeces and thermals; snow is very cold. Go for layers rather than thickness.

Lots of socks are a must. And not just any socks – good ski socks. They’ll have padded bits with an “L” and an “R” if they’re the real deal. Taking granny knits or cheap chainstore bundle packs isn’t an option.

Duct tape

IT doesn’t matter where you go, what you’re doing and who you’re with, you will always need duct tape, so take your own roll.

A pack of cards

For quiet nights in, a deck of cards can provide perfect entertainment after a tiring day on the slopes. It can also turn a quiet night into a rowdy one when combined with the right amount of alcohol, fresh mountain air and a group of friends with a good sense of humour.

Your own ski boots

If you’ve got your own, take them. If you’re a regular skier, then buy before you fly. Hired ski boots that don’t quite fit can ruin a ski holiday on day one.

Marmite and Colman’s Mustard

These are virtually impossible to find in a ski resort. Those who can’t manage a week without their foodie favourites had best fill their (ski) boots before they fly.

Fancy dress outfit

What says “I’m still able to have a laugh” better than hitting the slopes dressed as Superman or Scooby Doo? There should be trophies for these sorts of things. There probably are.

MUST-NOTS

Skis

Don’t lug them through airports, don’t ski on dated skis and don’t keep the transfer coach waiting when ski hire shops have all the latest models. They’re cheap to rent. Simple.

All-in-one ski suits

They are a throwback to the Eighties and even when they come around again, it will still be as wrong: ditto to anything camouflage or in metallic effect fabrics.

Liquid

Carrying an aerosol of anti-perspirant through UK airport security can end up with an inquisition, or a blast of white powder in hand luggage, or both. Buy them in the hypermarket

Lots of clothes

Contrary to earlier advice, pack light. A skier should smell like he’s run out of clothes.

Hair dryer and straighteners

Every day is a bad hair day in a ski resort; keep a hat on.

Crocs

The essential year-round footwear for hippies and those from the Home Counties is, of course, impractical in the snow.

A passport

Don’t pack it. Keep it in a pocket or hand luggage for use when crossing country borders.

A good book

If you have enough time to read a book, then you aren’t doing enough skiing.

Toilet roll

Ski chalets have toilet tissue, and plenty of it.

There is no need to take your own; it takes up valuable suitcase space needed for duct tape.

* For information about value ski holidays in France, Austria, Italy, Andorra and Slovenia visit directski.com