What To Pack for a Ski Trip
Packing for a ski trip may seem overwhelming at first. Whether you’re packing for a memory-making family ski vacation or a romantic mountain adventure for two, this ski packing checklist ensures nothing is left behind.
The No-Stress Ski Trip Packing List
What to buy? What to rent? What to wear? What are the must-haves? What are nice-to-haves? Replacing forgotten ski gear is pricey and, although it’s easy to find a ski shop in Utah, no one wants to spend time hunting down a missing item when they could be on the slopes.
Successful ski and snowboard trips rely on good prep work. Both sports rely on ski-specific clothing and gear made for comfort and safety. When buying new, stick to shops and brands specializing in skiing and snowboarding gear.
Wear non-cotton base layers and waterproof jacket, pants and gloves to keep warm and dry. Stay safe with a correct-fitting helmet and protect eyes from the sun and wind with goggles that fit with the helmet. When comfort and safety are covered, there’s more room for fun.Ski and Snowboard Clothing
- Waterproof ski jacket and snow pants/bibs
- Base layer — fitted; non-cotton, typically polyester blends or merino wool
- Mid layer — fleece, vest, down jacket or wool-blend sweater
- Ski socks — knee-length; merino wool and polyester blends
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Balaclava or neck gaiter — or both on a chilly day
- Hat or beanie — to fit under a helmet
Ski and Snowboard Gear
- Ski or snowboard with bindings — pack your own or rent locally
- Ski or snowboard boots — pack your own or rent locally
- Ski poles — pack your own or rent locally
- Goggles
- Ski boot bag or backpack — to carry boots, helmet, gloves, goggles and more gear, then leave in car or stash in resort locker
Ski-Day Must Haves (that easily fit in your pockets)
- Ski pass
- ID (après ski, anyone?) and small wallet
- Lip balm — with SPF
- Sunscreen — easy to re-apply and has SPF of at least 30
Ski-Day Nice-to-Haves (that easily fit in your pockets)
- Snacks — granola bars, protein bars, instant oatmeal packs, fruit snacks, trail mix
- Hand and foot warmers
- Goggle covers — to protect the lens when not in use
- Electrolyte packets — to add to water to avoid hydration
- Phone leash or harness — to avoid dropping or losing phone in the snow
- Pocket-size tissues
Off-the-Slope Clothing
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Pajamas
- Sweaters/sweatshirts
- T-shirts and lighter shirts for layering
- Jeans/leggings/sweatpants
- Comfortable winter boots and/or sneakers with tread
Toiletries and First Aid
Besides basics like required prescriptions, vitamins, shampoo/conditioner and a toothbrush and toothpaste, here are some other toiletries and first aid items to pack on your ski trip.- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, antihistamines, bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze, scissors — to ease potential first-day blisters, muscle soreness or allergies
- Aloe vera or another after-sun lotion
- Hand lotion/Vaseline/Aquaphor
Don't panic if you forget to pack something, you can easily rent or buy items when you arrive.
Taking a ski lesson? Plan to reserve your spot at least a month in advance, especially if you're traveling during busy holidays.
To save space in your suitcase, plan to wear bulky clothes like boots and coats on the plane or in the car.
Don’t wait until the morning of ski school to realize that gear doesn’t fit.
Photo: Adam Clark
Ski Trip Packing Tips for Parents
Check the Fit Before You Go
Kids grow fast. Snow boots, pants and jackets that may have worked last season will likely be too small this season. When planning your trip, have your child try on those clothing items so you can plan to either replace them or opt for rentals. Don’t wait until you’re packing for your ski trip (or worse, the morning of ski school) to realize that gear doesn’t fit. (Read: What to Know for Ski School)
Get the Kids Involved
Depending on the ages of your children, make it a fun assignment to draw or write the items they’ll need to pack. (Read: Utah's Kid Ski Culture)
Train everyone to be responsible for their winter gear and have them pack it. This works better for adults and older kids than for younger children, so as with the ski trip packing lists, you may need to assist. I make sure teach traveler gets a boot bag for their own snow gear.
Ensure everyone stows their snow gear in their backpack. This (and laying out ski clothes the night before) makes getting out the door in the morning much easier: Put on your winter clothes, and grab your bag — you’ve got what you need.
If the little ones are taking their first ski lesson, check with the ski school for recommendations to ensure your kids are comfortable and well-equipped for a good time on the mountain.
Leave Plenty of Time (and Mental Energy) to Prepare
From one ski parent to another, skiing with kids is one of the most rewarding family activities. However, it can also be a bit stressful, too. Avoid rushing at all costs. Leave plenty of time to get ready. Little legs in ski pants take longer than you think to walk from the parking lot to the resort base. Use the restroom…a lot. Ensure BOTH mittens are in the bag. Smooth out those socks (with surgical precision) before putting on boots. Plan on taking many cookie-and-hot-cocoa breaks.
Schedule Rentals and Lessons Before You Leave
Sure, rental shops offer anything you need when you arrive at the resort, but reserving gear online in advance saves precious vacation time. The same goes for ski lessons. Printing out forms and filling them out in advance, or signing up online, saves time on the morning of the first day. (Read: Family and Budget Guide to the One and Only Ski City: Salt Lake)
Book lessons at least a month in advance if traveling over busy holidays — the week between Christmas and New Year’s, Martin Luther King weekend and President’s Day weekend. Many resorts book up early for those days.
How To Pack a Suitcase For a Ski Trip
Winter clothes are bulky, making packing a suitcase for your ski trip a bit tricky. Use the following tips and tricks to make the process seamless.
- Wear bulky clothes like boots and coats on the plane or car to save space.
- Use compression bags to reduce the volume of ski pants, thick sweaters and puffy jackets.
- Use packing cubes or mesh wash bags to keep things organized and save space. They’re also great for keeping dirty clothes separated during the trip.
- Place items you’ll need quick access to, like toiletries, medications and snacks, at the top of the suitcase.
01
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