The greatest trip packing list contains all you need to be comfortable on the slopes, dry, and warm–if you are hitting on the bunny slope or the dark diamond. Below are.
Ski Trip Packing List: Clothes
- Ski coat: Obermeyer’s Juno System 2-in-1 coat is my go-to. It is cut for women and ideal as it’s a removable insulation interior layer which produces the coat customizable based on the temperature. Columbia’s Outdry Ex Mogul is a great solution for guys, as it is lightweight (just over two pounds) but still warm enough for below-freezing days.
- Base layers: Tani Thermals offer a warm base made out of super-soft fabrics. Their design ensures that if you work up a sweat, then you won’t freeze in layers that are wet once you cool off.
- Ski socks: The Falke SK 2 Wool Ski Socks (men’s version here)feature lean cushioning on the shin, heel, toes, and ankles to save you from ski boot agony.
- Apres-ski outfits: After a long day on the slopes, you will want comfort more than fashion. Pack cozy things like leggings or sweatpants if you’re just lounging around your vacation rental, or jeans and a fleece in case you’re checking out the local nightlife.
- Mid-layer: A mid-layer, like a thin jacket or fleece that fits under your ski jacket, is vital for unpredictable weather. Patagonia’s Nano Puff is slim enough to fit under most jackets without limiting your movement.
- Shells: In case you’re skiing on a warm day or performing flying or trekking, waterproof shells that can be custom-layered really are a better bet than a complete jacket or insulated pants. Fjallraven’s Bergtagen Eco-Shell Jacket and Bergtagen Eco-Shell Trousers are made from a lightweight, recycled material that blocks all moisture out without overheating you or making annoying “swishing” seems just like most rain layers. Both have the RECCO reflector built in, which might save your own life in an avalanche.
- Glove liners: Employ glove liners under mittens to give your hands extra warmth. If you become touch-screen compatible ones such as these from Columbia, you can use your smartphone without exposing your skin to the elements.
- Ski trousers: Obermeyer’s Bond Pant are my favourite women’s ski pant, as they are super stretchy and easy to move in. The Procedure Pant is a pick for guys, using a built-in insulating material layer.
- Slippers: After a day spent in ski boots, you’ll be pleased to slip into a warm slippers at your resort or rental.
- Swimsuits and flip-flops: You’ll need these if your lodging includes a spa or heated pool. Click here to our round-up of swimsuits that are busy.
- Helmet liner: Ensure your helmet even warmer by sporting a liner beneath. This one by Turtle Fur is slim enough that it will not interfere with your helmet’s match, and may be worn as a hat once you take off your helmet.
- Mittens: Patches of chilly palms on the slopes? Invest in the Therm-ic PowerGlove Heated Mittens V2, which use a lightweight, rechargeable battery to provide your hands for up to ten hours with electric heat. Even without the battery, the gloves are windproof and waterproof to keep you warm.
- Neck gaiter: A neck warmer is a must for skiing, keeping that gap between your jacket and face from freezing–plus it can be pulled over the lower half of your face for all those cold lift rides. I adore that the Alpine one from Skida, that has a super-soft Polartec microfleece lining.
- Casual boots: Do not clomp around the lodge on your ski boots. Pack a change of footwear in your bag for after last seat and you will be grateful. The Lancaster boots from Cougar are my favorite as they are over-the-knee (for additional warmth).
Obermeyer Men’s Process Pants
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Obermeyer Womens Juno System Jacket
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Columbia Mighty Lite III Jacket
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Ski Trip Packing List: Toiletries
Obviously, you’re going to want to package the vital toiletries that you bring when traveling (toothpaste, toothbrush, etc..)
For a ski-specific trip, you want to add:
- Leave-in serum for hair: If you have long hair, you know that regardless of how you wear it throughout skiing, it will become a giant tangle through the day. Working at a leave-in serum like this one from It’s a 10 can help prevent that.
- Hair drier: Odds are, where you are staying will have one. However, if not, a travel hair dryer is worth bringing, as going out to dinner with wet hair in the cold is pretty miserable. T3’s Featherweight Compact Folding Dryer is as lightweight as the name suggests, plus it folds up for easy packaging.
- Hair elastics: So that you don’t need to take care of your hair flying in your face as you speed downhill.
- Pain relievers: Aspirin and ibuprofen are recommended to assist with sore muscles.
- Lotion: Cold air dries out your skin quicker, so make sure that you pack an ultra-moisturizing lotion.
Toiletry Packing Cubes
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Cherry Blossom Make-Up Cosmetic Bag Carry Case
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Traveling Makeup Toiletry Bag
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Ski Trip Packing List: Gear
- Boot bag: I have had High Sierra’s Deluxe Trapezoid Boot Bag for years, and it is held up flawlessly. It may hold enough for a weekend excursion, also has two zippered side compartments with drainage that maintain your snowy boots separate from the rest of your gear.
- Ski bag: A ski tote, like this one from High Sierra, makes it so much easier to carry your sticks and skis (especially if you’re flying).
- Skis: Dynastar’s Legend X 96 skis were termed by Back Country Magazine as one of their Editor’s Picks for Best All-Mountain Skis.
- Ski poles: Leki’s Artena S have grips that are sized to get a woman’s hands (that makes a big difference) and also have a carbide tip that provides great traction on icy surfaces.
- Ski boots If I could afford them I’d splurge on custom ski boots molded to my feet.
- Helmet: The Bern Bristow Helmet is my favorite since I can use it yearlong for skiing and biking, thanks to a removable (and super-warm) winter liner.
- Goggles: Zeal Optics’ Fargo goggles are sized for smaller faces. I like these because they’ve Optimum Lenses that help with prominence by cutting down on snow glare. They also provide 100 percent UV protection and are nearly fog-proof.
Zeal Optics Unisex Fargo Goggles
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Skida Alpine Neckwarmer
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Guru Bundle Commuter Travel Backpack
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Ski Trip Packing List: To Your Jacket Pocket
- Tissues: When your nose is running on the elevator, you’ll be pleased to have a pack on your pocket, and these ones are a lot softer than ski paychecks.
- Ski Balm: Skiing means subjecting the sensitive skin on your face to windburn and sunburn. Prevent both with this particular perfectly-sized tin of Ski Balm, which provides SPF 40 protection and prevents irritation out of wind. It also works as a lip balm!
- Snacks: Granola bars or whatever else pocket-sized can save you from both a power crash and from spending all of your money at the waffle cabin.
- Charge card : In the event you need to purchase anything.
- Money: Some places on the mountain might be money only.
- ID: Regardless of how old you look, you might get carded at the bar–or need it in the event of a crisis.
- Extra hair elastic: Just in case you lose the one in your hair.
- Hand sanitizer: You don’t want a winter cold or influenza to slow down your ski season, so use this before eating those above snacks (or a meal).
Ski Balm
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Best Snacks from Around the World
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OLIKA 2-in-1 Hand Sanitizer
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Ski Trip Packing List: Miscellaneous
- Cell telephone with shatterproof/waterproof instance: If you yard-sale, your pride may be damaged, but at least your phone will not be.
- Backup mobile battery: Phones die faster in the cold weather, so a backup battery is a must. This one doubles as a hand-warmer!
- Insulated bottle for sexy drinks/food: In case you don’t need to pay hotel prices to get a hot coffee or meal, pack a insulated bottle or thermos and stash your personal on your ski bag. While the bottle keeps beverages hot for up to six or cold to 24 if you’re bringing water the Hydro Flask keeps food warm for up to 3 hours.
- Hand and foot warmers: HotHands have kept me out on the mountain more on those ultra-cold days. (The toe warmers would be the ideal.)
- GoPro and helmet or harness clip: Just in case you want to film your experiences.