Headed to the slopes this winter and trying to figure out what your ski trip packing list looks like? I got you! I’ve been skiing since I was a kid, and I have google excel documents I always use for packing. And I finally decided to type it out and share it with you so I can help with your list! I’m also linking back to some GREAT items I have bought for my own ski trips when I needed new items.
Everything on this is something I personally own or have a variation of. So I promise you, I’m not linking random items you’re going to find totally useless!
SEE MORE \\ THE CARRY ON ESSENTIALS PACKING LIST
What to Wear on the Slopes
Ski Goggles
If you are sitting there thinking sunglasses are going to do the trick, please trust me that they are not. If you get lucky and have no fresh snow, maybe. But I don’t recommend that risk. I’ve got these basic pairs from Amazon that work PERFECTLY and you really don’t need anything else.
A Good Comfortable + Warm Ski Jacket
And this is where you may want to drop a little more cash for quality. A ski jacket is a godsend on the slopes and you’re going to need a well-insulated one. My pro tip is getting one with POCKETS because oh my gosh the convenience is high. Here’s a great affordable option for men too!
What You Should Consider in a Ski Jacket:
– Pockets: is there enough room to store items in this jacket?
– Detachable Hood: perfect when it’s just not cold enough to justify a hood
– Fabric Lined: Lined in fabric means it’ll be gross inside pretty quickly
– Length: you want the cut to be right around your wrists in length
– Size Up: My jacket is a Large so it’s roomy enough for me to ski in and move my arms even when I have multiple layers on!
Also going to link this Splurge Option (I just bought this myself 10/10), this Mid Tier Option (I used this own this), and this Budget Option (honestly it does the job, I’d recommend to a friend new to skiing!)
My one recommendation, do not buy the $60 Amazon GEMYSE brand or whatever. If you’re probably never going to ski again it’s fine, but if you are then maybe invest in one of the options above!!!
Ski Pants
Like the above, just a pair of leggings/jeans will leave you miserable. You can get some awesome pairs for a good price and it will SAVE you from the cold. Just make sure you get waterproof ones, and I recommend a neutral color so you can make your colors pop elsewhere without looking like a neon sign on the slopes. Here are some great options for men too!
You can also go for a bib option, ideal for a snowy day where you don’t want to risk getting in your pants!
A Ski Helmet (DO NOT IGNORE THIS.)
This year is the first I caved and bought my own $40 helmet from Amazon. They usually cost about $10 a day to rent, and I got to the point where I’ve spent over $100-$200 renting helmets and I just needed to buy my own.
Unlike the skies or the ski boots, they’re an easy item to lug through the airport when I travel! If you know that the $10 a day cost is going to ADD UP for you, then I would recommend your own helmet.
Ski Balaclava
So we have some options here! First of all, these are personal preferences. I just HATE the way wind whips my face, so I always wear a balaclava when I ski!
Simple Thin Under Helmet Balaclava: Perfect for a single under-helmet layer to keep you warm!
Ski Hood: Perfect for over your helmet and a more stylish and low key option for the day!
Ski Hood + Mask: The over helmet hood option that keeps you EXTRA warm on cold days!!!
Waterproof Mittens
Do NOT go cheap and get target gloves that will be soggy in 2 minutes. Trust me. I personally prefer to go for good mittens that have a wrist strap so I don’t lose them, and then using cheaper liners with fingers under them for a double protection.
My preference because I HATE when my hands are cold and I can’t hold poles, and I also hate when i’m on a lift and have to take off my gloves to an EXPOSED HAND to use my phone. So I always do a double layer: liner + mittens.
If you just want gloves, this is a good quality pair that IS waterproof and does the job! And they come in white gloves as well, but note that will get dirty SO fast…
Warm Thermal Leggings & Long Sleeve Shirt
This is a MUST. I’ve had friends ski with a random top and jeans and they hated every second of that experience.
Underlayers are flexible, with multiple budget options available, so let’s go over them.
If you want budget, look for Nylon/Spandex materials tight to your skin! This set of thermal underwear is what I own, and I love that it doubles as something I can wear in public apres ski.
Here is the budget option for men! I did have to purchase this for my boyfriend, pack it for him, and then watch him suffer on day one until he agreed to wear it. Do what you need to do.
If you want long lasting quality for somewhere extra cold, opt for Merino Wool layers. They are the warmest of warm and last forever. This set is for men (a set makes it easy). Women, I recommend this half-zip and then these leggings. I personally like to protect my neck with this!
No matter which budget option you go for absolutely DO NOT WEAR COTTON items. Cotton does NOT dry, and your sweat will have you FREEZING the entire day.
Thick Wool Knee High Compression Socks
I have RULES here. You NEED thick, wool, knee-high, compression socks for your ski trip. Absolutely no cotton, nothing that cuts short on your leg, and nothing loose that will end up under your foot mid ski. Talk about MISERY.
The pair I linked are 10/10 what you need, but here is another option a little less high for men. Skimp on your layers, a hat, your jacket, whatever. But do not skimp on gloves and socks, heat escapes through those and it will make or break a day for you!!!!
What to Bring For Off the Slopes
Waterproof Boots
When those ski or boarding boots come off, these come on! I recommend a good pair of waterproof boots, because your sneakers will not handle that snow well.
I recently splurged on the Sperry Winter Boots being back and forth to Minnesota a lot, but these lower cost snow boots are cute and a great option too if you’re not in snow nearly as much!
Cozy Hat
A must for when that helmet comes off your head! If you already own one, great. Otherwise, get yourself a cute little Carhartt beanie to keep your head and ears cold after you’re done with the slopes!
Or for my gals who love hair protection, I just bought this silk lined hat last year and it’s a gem! Especially after my hair is ripped and pulled in a helmet all day!
Bonus Items I Always Pack…
Handwarmers: a HUGE pack because I go through these so easily. Keep them on hand for when your fingers and toes are suffering!!!
A Swimsuit: because once you’re off the slopes, nothing feels quite like getting into a warm hot tub on your muscles! I always pack a swimsuit!
Comfortable Clothing: No matter what, I always end up going for comfortable clothing. A fancy dinner? I’ll show up in leggings. Your body is so tired after that putting on jeans sounds like a nightmare, just do not waste the space in your suitcase on a cute outfit you will not wear!
Belt Bag: If you’re the mom of the group (aka, me) you are going to want your handy items on you. I tend to opt for a fanny pack because of the convenience. I’ll fill it with some tissues, sunscreen, Advil, chapstick, and a snickers bar I know I will devour!
Sunscreen + Moisturizer: You are going to get more sunburnt than you think with that reflective snow so that sunscreen is your go-to! And when your skin starts to feel like it is the driest it has ever been, you are going to reach for that moisturizer. Fun Fact: The higher up you are in altitude, the stronger the UV rays are. And nobody wants a burnt face!
Chapstick: It’s just worth listing this again. Trust me. Also get the vaseline kind, it will last longer when you’re on the slopes!
Comments (3)
Jennifer Harper
July 27, 2021 at 6:21 am
Such a great & informative article. The family is going to Breckinridge in Feb ‘22. I saved your post, forwarded & re-read. Thanks for your tips.
Nicole
March 2, 2022 at 9:21 am
hi Jennifer! We are going to Breckenridge in March 22 with our kids. Any advice or tips would be amazing!
Steve
June 14, 2023 at 9:37 pm
You forgot to mention a hip flask full of brandy 🙂