Packing for a ski trip is all about balance. You need the right ski jacket and gear for the slopes, but what about the essentials for when the day winds down? After hours in the cold, nothing beats warming up with a smooth whisky or slipping into a skincare routine to soothe dry skin.

That’s where duty free shopping on Laneway makes life easier. Instead of scrambling to find the right liquor and beauty products before your trip, you can pre-order online and pick up your favourites when you land. No last-minute store runs, no overpacking—just the essentials waiting for you.

From moisturisers and SPF lip balm to a great bottle of whisky for a fireside drink, here’s what to pack for the perfect après-ski experience.

Cold temperatures, dry air, and high altitude can leave your skin feeling tight, chapped, and in need of some serious TLC. And let’s not forget the UV rays—snow reflects sunlight, making sun protection just as important on the slopes as it is at the beach.

That’s why a hydrating and nourishing skincare routine is a must to keep your skin feeling comfortable. Here are the duty free beauty essentials every skier should pack.

1. Hydrating Skincare for Cold Weather

Dry air in the mountains can quickly strip moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling rough and irritated. Keeping moisture levels high is key, and that starts with the right hydrating skincare.

Lock in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier with shea butter-infused creams like L’Occitane’s face and hand creams. Protect your skin from environmental stress with La Mer’s antioxidant-rich cream, which deeply hydrates and soothes dryness. For an extra boost, Elizabeth Arden’s Vitamin C or Retinol Ceramide Capsules help nourish and replenish skin while you sleep.

A well-rounded skincare kit like Kiehl’s Ultra Hydrating Hits with ingredients like squalane and pro-ceramides will help your skin stay smooth, nourished, and ready for another day on the slopes.

2. Sun Protection at the Ski Resort

The snow might look harmless, but it reflects UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn and windburn—even on cloudy days. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is a must to protect your skin while skiing.

No matter the weather, applying (and reapplying) sunscreen is just as important at a ski resort as it is on the beach. Estée Lauder’s SPF 30 sunscreen provides lightweight protection while keeping skin hydrated. For stronger defence against harsh sun exposure, Clinique’s SPF 50 sunscreen offers lasting coverage.

3. Lip Care for Harsh Conditions

A nourishing lip balm is a must to keep your lips soft and protected throughout your ski trip. Keeping a hydrating lip balm in your ski jacket pocket ensures instant relief, whether you're on the lifts or unwinding après-ski.

Jo Malone’s Vitamin E Lip Conditioner deeply hydrates and smooths, helping to repair dry skin after long days in the snow. For even more moisture, Lanolin Originals Lip Balm from Lanocreme locks in hydration and prevents cracking in cold temperatures. And since UV rays can also cause sunburn on the slopes, Aesop’s SPF Lip Balm provides the added protection your lips need.

4. Gentle Cleansers for Sensitive Skin

Dermatologist-approved cleansers remove dirt and sunscreen without stripping away essential lipids. Clinique’s Mild Facial Soap is a great option for all skin types, as it gently cleanses while keeping the skin barrier intact. For the rest of your body, Jo Malone’s hydrating glycerin-based hand and body wash helps wash away impurities without drying out the skin.

5. Après-Ski Recovery Skincare

After a long day on the slopes, your skin needs extra care to recover. A hydrating and nourishing routine will help restore moisture and keep your skin feeling soft and comfortable.

Clarins After-Sun Moisturiser replenishes hydration while soothing sun-exposed skin. For a deeper boost, endota Organics Radiance Boost Serum with hyaluronic acid helps repair and restore moisture levels.

A face mask is another great way to revive tired skin—Shiseido’s face mask provides an intense dose of hydration, while La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil and Sleep Mask works overnight to nourish and strengthen the skin barrier.

Don’t forget your body—Jurlique’s Restoring Body Lotion and La Mer’s Reparative Body Lotion help relieve dry skin and lock in moisture, so you wake up ready to hit the slopes again.

After a day carving through the snow, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a great drink in hand. Whether you’re toasting with friends by the fire, enjoying a quiet moment in your chalet, or soaking in the hot tub, the right duty free liquor can elevate your après-ski experience.

1. Classic Ski Resort Drinks

Some drinks just taste better in the mountains. For a traditional après-ski drink, a well-aged whisky or cognac never disappoints. Glenlivet 18-Year-Old Single Malt delivers a rich balance of spice and oak. But if you prefer something bold and aromatic, Hennessy VSOP Cognac is a timeless choice.

For a luxurious fireside sip, Glenfiddich 30-Year-Old Single Malt Speyside offers a deep, refined complexity, while Rémy Martin XO Cognac delivers a rich, velvety finish.

2. Ski Holiday Cocktails

A great ski holiday calls for drinks that are just as memorable as the trip itself. A bold red wine is perfect for unwinding after a long day, and Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz offers rich, layered flavours with notes of dark fruit and oak—ideal for a cosy night in. If you love festive, spiced flavours, a mulled wine made with Wolf Blass Grey Label Shiraz brings warmth with every sip, thanks to its bold, dark berry notes and hints of spice.

For something a little stronger, a hot toddy made with Chivas Regal 13YO Bourbon Cask is a classic après-ski drink, blending whisky, honey, and lemon for a soothing, warming effect. For something smooth and citrusy, Grand Marnier Cognac & Liqueur d’Orange makes a delicious base for a margarita or a winter-spiced old fashioned.

3. Australian Liqueur Duty Free Finds

For a true taste of home, Australian liqueurs bring something special to your après-ski experience. Smooth and versatile, Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky offers rich red wine cask influence, making it perfect for sipping neat or in a classic whisky sour. For cocktail lovers, Bundaberg MDC Small Batch Rum adds depth to warm winter drinks like spiced rum punch or a classic hot buttered rum.

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods via the Laneway. Please note that some goods may have minimum age requirements (for example alcohol/tobacco) and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via the Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.

A great ski season isn’t just about the time spent on the slopes—it’s also about how you unwind afterward. Packing the right skincare products will keep your skin hydrated, protected, and refreshed, while a well-chosen duty free liquor sets the perfect mood for a cosy night in.

By pre-shopping on Laneway, you can stock up on all your après-ski essentials before you even take off. Simply order online and collect your favourites when you land—no need to overpack or rush through last-minute shopping. Plus, you’ll enjoy duty free savings on top brands, so you can treat yourself for less!