Your Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List
You’re Going Skiing!
And there’s a lot to keep up with.
Going on a ski trip requires a lot of planning and herding cats, but consider us your ski trip therapist — we are here to help. Have you thought of all weather conditions, all the evenings out in town, and all the ways to get your skis or snowboards from point A to B? If so, wonderful. You should be a travel agent. If not, pay attention to the list, check it twice, and try not to stress too much.
Remember: You’re going skiing! Now let’s make sure you don’t forget anything at home.
Step 1: Ski/Snowboard Clothing
When suiting up for any mountain you only need to know one word–layers. No matter where you’re skiing–Colorado, Washington, Vermont, or even Tennessee–you need to be prepared for anything. That means dressing in layers not made of cotton so you don’t become popsicle on skis.
- Base Layer (Top) – 1-2 tight fitting & moisture wicking i.e. wool, polyester, etc.
- Base Layer (Bottom) – you’ll want 1-2 of these
- Socks – 2-3 thin, wool, tall socks. (Note: Circulation is key. Thicker socks can cut off circulation in your feet and actually make your feet colder.)
- Mid-Layer (top) – 1 fleece or thin down vest/jacket
- Jacket – 1 waterproof ski jacket
- Pants – insulated for deep winter and light skiing / non-insulated for early/late season & aggressive skiing
- Gloves or Mittens – waterproof
- Glove/Mitten Liners
- Buff, Neck Gaiter, or Balaclava – to protect your neck and face from wind & snow
Step 2: Gear
Packing ski & snowboard gear to bring with you on your travels can be a bear. There is tremendous benefit to bringing your own equipment, especially your boots, but if you don’t want to deal with the hassle you can always rent the gear when you get to your destination.
We recommend Black Tie Skis. They will come to your room, personally fit your equipment to you, and delivery is totally free. They will even come find you and service your gear on the ski run that you just took a tumble on because you thought you “still had it” after not skiing for three years.
Now for the list.
- Skis and/or Snowboard
- Boots
- Poles
- Goggles
- Goggle Lenses – important for changing light conditions
- Helmet
Step 3: Casual Clothing
Ever tried driving in ski boots? Maybe it’s best you bring another set of footwear. Resorts have great towns to walk around in, and it would be a shame if you didn’t have something other than your ski gear to wear. Besides, you have to look nice for dinner.
- Snow Boots
- Winter Coat
- Winter Hat
- Gloves and/or Mittens
- Sweaters
- Shirts
- Pants
- Wool Socks
- Rain Coat
- Underwear
- Pajamas
Step 4: The Rest
There’s a laundry list of things you could supplement this list with. Do you have children coming along? Do you require medication, medical equipment, or a CPAP? Photos of your dog? From this point, it’s about planning for a trip anywhere. Take it away almighty packer.
- Ski Tickets – from us, of course
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Toiletries
- Charging Cables
- Headphones
- Batteries
- GoPro and/or Camera
- Deck of Cards
- Insurance Cards
- Toys and books – are you bringing children?
- Snacks
A thought. Does not apply to everyone. Since airlines are now charging various fees for luggage weight. I’ve found it easier to ship most of my items ( with insurance) ahead of time to the hotel. I can either pay Fed-ex or the airlines. I board my plane with just my carry-ons. Not waiting for cargo allows me to be first in line at the rental car kiosk and out the door. Makes my interstate commute easier. And once in a while I can get an extra half day of slope time.
This is a really helpful list as I’ve forgotten ski pants……swimsuit….. UGH. So much stuff……but I love it, nonetheless.
The e-mail I received claimed “The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List. What to Bring and What Not to Bring.”
I know what to bring. Where’s the “what not to bring” section?