Packing for a ski trip is not the same as packing for a regular winter holiday. You need clothes that work in cold, wet, windy conditions, outfits for town and après ski, and a plan for bulky gear like boots and helmets. If you forget the right layers or goggles, you will either be cold on the mountain or paying resort prices to replace things.
Ski Trip Packing Checklist
Typical items for a ski trip
- Clothing for the slopes
- Thermal base layers top and bottom
- Fleece or light insulated mid layer
- Waterproof and windproof ski jacket
- Waterproof ski pants
- Ski socks several pairs
- Waterproof gloves or mittens
- Glove liners optional but very useful in cold weather
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Warm hat or beanie
- Goggles and sunglasses
Off mountain and après ski
- Warm sweater or hoodie
- Jeans or casual pants
- Thermal leggings or tights
- T shirts or long sleeve shirts
- Winter coat or parka for town
- Comfortable shoes or winter boots with good grip
- Indoor shoes or slippers for the hotel or chalet
- Swimwear for hot tub or spa if available
Ski gear and equipment
- Helmet if you are not renting
- Skis and poles or snowboard if you are bringing your own
- Ski boots or snowboard boots
- Ski lock
- Small backpack for the mountain
Ski toiletries and health
- Sunscreen high SPF
- Lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer for face and hands
- Basic medicine cold tablets, pain relief, band aids
- Tissues and hand sanitizer
Ski travel documents and tech
- Passport and travel documents
- Lift pass if you already have it
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera or action camera
- Travel adapter if needed
You can use the rest of the article to fine tune quantities, decide what to rent and what to bring, and see what should go in your suitcase versus your daypack.
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Ski Trip Packing List: Clothings
Layering is everything on a ski trip. The smartest way to pack is to focus on three layers next to skin, insulation, and outer shell.
Base layers for ski trip
- Long sleeve thermal tops
- Thermal leggings or any regular leggings
Choose moisture wicking fabric such as merino wool or synthetic blends. Avoid cotton for skiing because it holds sweat and makes you cold when you stop moving.
Mid layers for ski trip
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Light down or synthetic insulated jacket or vest
You can add or remove mid layers depending on the temperature. For most people one fleece and one light puffy layer is enough for a short trip.
Outer layers for ski trip
- Waterproof ski jacket
- Waterproof ski pants
Look for items that are waterproof and breathable with taped seams and snow gaiters at the cuffs. If your jacket has a powder skirt and a hood that fits over a helmet, even better.
Accessories for ski trip
- Two to four pairs of ski socks
- Insulated gloves or mittens
- Gloves if you get cold hands easily
- Neck gaiter or ski mask
- Warm beanie or hat for when your helmet is off
Ski socks should be tall, not too thick, and made from wool or performance synthetic fiber. One good pair per ski day plus one extra pair is a safe rule.
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Ski Trip Packing List: Off Mountain Outfits and Après Ski Clothing
You will not live in your ski gear the whole time. You need comfortable, warm clothes for evenings and rest days.
Nights out for ski trip
- One or two pairs of jeans or casual pants
- Thermal tights or leggings to layer under pants if it is very cold
- A couple of casual tops and sweaters for dinners and bars
- A smart casual outfit if the resort has nicer restaurants
Hotel clothings for ski trip
- Comfortable loungewear joggers, leggings, sweatshirts
- Warm socks
- Slippers or indoor shoes
Outerwear and footwear for ski trip
- A warm coat for walking around town
- Waterproof winter boots with good grip for snow and ice
- Lighter sneakers if conditions are clear
If you are short on suitcase space, choose one neutral coat and one pair of boots that can handle both snow and sidewalks.
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Ski Trip Packing List: Ski and Snowboard Gear
If you are a beginner or you only ski occasionally, renting gear at the resort often makes more sense than flying with heavy equipment. If you are an experienced skier or rider, you may prefer your own setup.
Gears to rent on ski trip
- Skis and poles
- Snowboard
- Ski boots or snowboard boots
- Helmet
Modern rental shops usually have good equipment, and renting boots and skis saves a lot of weight and hassle.
Gears to bring on ski trip
- Helmet many people prefer their own for comfort and hygiene
- Goggles that fit your face
- Gloves
- Base layers and socks
- Ski or snowboard bag
- Boot bag
- Any binding tools or wax kit if you tune your own gear
Remember to check your airline baggage rules for sports equipment and to label all bags clearly.
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Ski Trip Packing List: Safety and Comfort
Outside temperatures on the slopes can change quickly. The right small items can make the difference between a great day and a miserable one.
Small items to bring on ski trip
- Sunscreen for face and neck (you can get a sunburn from the reflection through the snow)
- Lip balm to prevent cracked lips
- Travel size moisturizer for dry air
- Hand warmers and toe warmers for very cold days
- Refillable water bottle or hydration pack
- Energy snacks such as bars or nuts
- Basic first aid kit with band aids and blister plasters
- Any personal medication you need during the day
- Ski lock to secure your skis or board at lunch stops
Ski Trip Packing List: Daypack
Dackpack cheklist for ski trip
- Wallet and a little cash
- Lift pass if it is not on a jacket pocket holder
- Phone and power bank
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Spare goggles lens or sunglasses if conditions change
- Lightweight mid layer or buff if you expect temperature swings
- Simple first aid items and tissues
Choose a pack that sits close to your back, with a sternum strap, so it does not move around while you ski.
Ski Trip Packing List FAQs
What should I not forget for a ski trip?
Make sure you have proper thermal base layers, waterproof jacket and pants, good gloves, ski socks, goggles, and sunscreen with high SPF. These items are essential for staying warm, dry, and safe in the sun and snow.Can I ski in regular winter clothes?
Regular winter coats and pants are often not fully waterproof or breathable enough for skiing. You will be more comfortable in purpose made ski jacket and ski pants that keep out snow and wind and allow sweat to escape.Is it better to rent or bring my own ski gear?
If you ski only once a year or are a beginner, renting skis, poles, and boots at the resort is usually easier. If you ski regularly and already own gear you love, bringing your own can feel better on the slopes, but remember to check airline baggage rules for sports equipment.How many base layers do I need for a week long ski trip?
For a five to seven day trip, two or three sets of base layers is normally enough. You can rotate them and let them air out between days, and do a small wash if needed.