The Perfect Ski Trip Packing List

Check out our ski trip packing list for your next trip. Come wintertime, we pack up our bags and begin chasing the snow. This post covers tips, tricks, and gear that we love. We have everything you need to cover the gaps and prepare for your next ski trip.

After all, you rely on your clothing, gear, and accessories to have a good time and keep you safe. Whether it’s your first ski trip, your first time traveling with your gear, or your tenth trip to the snow, it’s never a bad idea to make sure you are adequately packed.

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An Ideal Ski Trip Packing List

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Base Layers

Base layers or thermals are the first line of defense against the cold. It’s vital that the base layer is moisture-wicking, dries fast, and is comfortable for all-day wear. We like a large waistband for the legs and a top with a collar for better protection. We love quarter-zip thermal tops as they allow you to dump heat when you get hot.

We recommend a quality base layer made from a natural fiber like wool, which has excellent technical advantages. Wool can resist odor, wick away sweat or snow, and provide warmth. If wool is cost-prohibitive, choose thermals from a polyester or nylon blend. Do not wear a cotton base layer, as cotton pulls body heat away and remains wet for an extended period. Our favorites for thermals are Smartwool’s Merino 250 Line and the Helly Hansen Lifa Line. They both have tremendous comfort and performance at a decent price. For something completely different, we recommend trying Paka, which is a blend of alpaca and tencel that creates a liquid, form-fitting, lightweight baselayer.

Base layers for your legs are also great for walking around the town or a resort. You don’t want to wear your ski pants to the bar, but jeans may be too cold. However, if you slip on a pair of thermals underneath, it makes life a lot warmer. When purchasing, note size charts as top, and bottom sizes can differ.

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Wool Performance OTC Socks

For the average ski trip packing list, I suggest two pairs of ski socks and three pairs if it’s an extended trip. Opt for a material such as wool or synthetic for your socks, like thermals. Do not wear cotton socks when skiing, as it will almost certainly lead to cold feet. Any pair of wool socks or warm synthetic socks will do the job for most.

However, ski or snowboard socks are cut high up the calf to protect the skin from the boot. Many brands also offer dynamic panels on the heel and shin where pressure and abrasion are most likely to occur. Then they add more insulation and moisture-wicking material around the toes. They’re definitely worth the price if you ski a lot!

At the very least, opt for a medium or slim sock. Loose or bulky socks can trap moisture and bunch up, which results in cold feet. On that note, do not wear two pairs of socks, as they will also trap moisture. The key to warm feet is dry feet! Smartwool and Darn Tough make some awesome ski socks to keep your feet happy. While Paka makes cute ones with Alpaca fiber and Alpacas (skiing in Alpacas) on them!

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What Jacket To wear for A Ski Trip?

There are many jackets available, and every company has many options. Most choose from two basic options for jackets, insulated and shell. A three-layer system that consists of the shell jacket with a mid-layer and thermals offers the best performance. However, it can be expensive and cold for beginners and intermediates.

An insulated jacket is considered “resort wear,” and it’s a perfect jacket for most to have as it works well in everyday life. Resort-focused insulated jackets come in various price points and performance packages, so there is an option for everyone. Most casual skiers, resort-focused skiers, beginners, and intermediates should consider an insulated jacket instead of a shell and mid-layer.

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Insulated Jacket

Your jacket is the most critical item to pack for a ski trip. A lightly insulated jacket with a waterproof shell and snow skirt is best for most skiers and riders. We have a variety of resort-wear jackets with insulation.

As snowboarders, we love a more relaxed cut that feels a little more urban, like the Stone Jacket from Picture Organic Clothing. The sustainable company uses a bio-Sourced exterior shell on the jacket that uses eco-friendly construction practices.

It’s best to choose a jacket designed for skiing or snowboarding. These jackets often have ski features, such as wrist gaiters, a snow skirt, and a helmet-compatible hood. They make a world of difference in terms of fit and keeping you dry.

The Columbia Whirlbird IV Interchange Jacket is affordable, as it provides excellent value. If it’s your first time, don’t purchase a new jacket. Wear your best winter jacket and accept you’ll probably get some snow down your pants.

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Hardshell Jacket

Hardshell jackets offer maximum protection against the elements, including snow, wind, and moisture. They use multilayered nylon, like the name brand GORE-TEX, which gives them both waterproof and windproof. While hardshell jackets are highly effective at keeping you dry and comfortable in adverse weather conditions, they can be expensive. Another downside is that many do not offer insulation, which means they may not be the best choice for icy weather.

The Arc’teryx Sabre AR and Sentinel AR shell jackets are two examples of top-quality hardshell jackets that are ready to withstand the demands of skiing and snowboarding. They are rugged and reliable, keeping you dry and comfortable even in the worst weather. The brushed flannel interior adds an extra layer of comfort and helps to disperse moisture for faster drying.

While these jackets are undoubtedly pricey, they are considered the gold standard in terms of quality and performance. However, it’s worth noting that even the most dedicated skiers and snowboarders may rely on more affordable jackets for some days on the mountain, particularly in milder weather.

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Mid-Layer

If you opt for a layering system, then a mid-layer jacket is where you’ll get the majority of your warmth. Mid-layers go on over your thermals and operate as a jacket for when you’re not skiing or snowboarding. These jackets come in a wide variety of fashions, and we have several different types for different conditions.

Down jackets provide excellent warmth in dry conditions, but they are expensive and lose insulation when wet. Synthetic down jackets provide slightly less heat than traditional down but can handle wet conditions well. The most affordable option is a fleece jacket, as it allows for plenty of warmth at an affordable price. It’s not technical enough for extreme conditions, but the average skier shouldn’t be out in adverse conditions anyways.

We both use synthetic down jackets from Arc’teryx as our mid-layers. The jackets are versatile, lightweight, provide excellent warmth, and handle moisture exceptionally. It’s tough to beat their classic Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket. Another great option is the Better Sweater from Patagonia.

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What Pants to Put on Your Ski Trip Packing List?

There are three basic styles of pants to wear hardshell skiing pants, bibs, and insulated pants. Hardshell pants fetch the highest price tag and offer the most significant technical capabilities but provide little to no insulation.

Bibs come in shell and insulated versions and offer the most outstanding protection from snow. However, they are more expensive than pants and can be too warm for mild ski days. Insulated pants are friendly and generally the most affordable as entry-level pants. The insulation can make these pants the most restrictive or hot on a mild day.

We would advise that you need less insulation in the legs than you think. It’s not your core, and it’s where the vast majority of your movement comes from when you ski. Everyone’s body is different, so you should dress in what’s comfortable.

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Hard Shell Pants

A robust pair of hardshell pants are excellent for complete protection from the winter elements. They generally have very little to no insulation, as insulation would hinder their breathability and performance. Shell pants are usually bomb-proof for sending off jumps and tackling steep lines in the resort or backcountry.

Expert skiers and riders will appreciate quality shell pants like the Arc’teryx Sabre & Sentinel pants. They’re robust ski pants with rear leg zips for ventilation when climbing mountains and kevlar-enforced insteps to prevent cuts from crampons or ski edges. However, the only insulation comes in a thin flannel brushed interior. They are not for sitting around in the cold.

Many pants are much more affordable and provide plenty of performance. You can pick up more affordable shell pants from a wide range of gear companies like Outdoor Research, The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and Helly Hansen.

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Bibs

Bibs come with a ton of advantages! If you have a season pass to a ski resort and plan on chasing the powder, then a pair of bibs is a worthy investment. They’re fantastic on deep powder days (pretty much mandatory in Japan), as the extra protection keeps you dry.

It’s a great pair of pants to add in rotation to your ski outfit. Most importantly, bibs keep deep snow out of your waistline as the opening extends to your chest. Other sweet features include breast pockets, added warmth around your core, and comfortable pants with no pressure on the waistline.

You’ll find me in my bibs if it’s a powder day and I feel like crushing pillows or sending off cornices and drops. Some excellent bib brands are 686, Picture Organic Clothing, and REI Co-op. They have outstanding performance, value, features, and some sweet designs.

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Insulated Pants

Experts will find less use for heavily insulated snow pants than an insulated jacket. They tend to restrict movement and generate too much warmth. However, most recreational skiers and riders will appreciate the added warmth. They are perfect for cruising down beginner and intermediate runs or relaxing on the mountain with a hot chocolate.

If you’re a weekend warrior or take one ski trip a year, consider decent pants like The North Face Freedom pants. They don’t cost an arm and a leg but deliver outstanding performance with a waterproof exterior and synthetic insulation.

If you want something even cheaper, bargain shop around. REI Co-op offers some excellent deals during their Garage Sale. I spent several short weekend trips when I started snowboarding in $50 snow pants I got on sale. They kept me happy and warm enough.

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Essential Ski Trip Packing

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Mitts or Gloves

Quality gloves will be your best friend on the slopes because cold hands or feet will ruin your day. The main reason people don’t enjoy skiing or snowboarding is due to the cold. When dressed appropriately, you’ll never be cold.

There are a ton of options for gloves! However, snowboarders should consider a pair of mittens. Mitts keep your fingers together and allow less surface area to the cold. It means your hands stay warmer in mitts rather than in gloves. Snowboarders don’t hold ski poles, so it’s an easy decision to wear mitts.

When we started, we went through a couple of pairs of soft gloves and mitts made from synthetics, and they all kept our hands warm. However, they kept wearing out, so we switched to Hestra leather gloves a couple of seasons ago, and they show no signs of wearing out any time soon. A worthy investment for any who rides a lot, plus they look sweet!

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Balaclava/Face Mask

It’s always good to pack some snow protection for your face. We’ll go without anything on sunny days, but we expect snowy conditions on the mountain more often than not. We generally switch between two different styles of face protection.

The primary for bad weather and cold days is a merino wool balaclava. We’ve tried a bunch of balaclavas, and getting one that doesn’t collect tons of moisture before freezing to your face is tough. As for the best warmth and performance, we’ve found the balaclava from BlackStrap can do wonders.

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Buff Headwear

The balaclava is for cold days or heavy snow. On most days, we get by just fine with a Buff that can be worn around our neck or pulled to cover the face when needed. They make several versions of the original Buff, but the merino wool version is excellent and only $10 more.

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Goggles

Getting quality goggles is a good idea unless you’re on a budget. They are an essential part of your ski outfit and a lifeline when riding more demanding terrain. Goggles protect your eyes and aid your vision on the mountain.

The Smith Mag 4D are the latest and greatest in snow goggles and what we’ve been using for three seasons. With that new technology, expect to pay a premium of $320. Of course, they are arguably the best ski goggles on the market. There are some excellent budget options if you don’t want to drop $200-300 on goggles.

For only $60, you can grab the Giro Semi, which includes two lenses for low light and sunny days. Or you can try out a relatively new brand Outdoor Master that gained a lot of traction on Amazon.

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Helmet

Not wearing a helmet is a thing of the past. Do yourself and your noggin a favor and wear a helmet when you snowboard. A helmet applies whether you are a beginner or an expert. The great thing about helmets is that they keep your head and ears warmer than hats!

We rock the Smith Quantum Helmet, as it’s considered one of the best helmets on the market. It provides robust protection around our heads, plenty of ventilation, and a cozy soft interior. The easy-to-latch and unlatch helmet buckle can take off with gloves on! It also features MIPS technology which allows the helmet’s interior to move independently from the shell minimizing lateral brain trauma in an impact.

After getting a concussion last snowboard season, while wearing a helmet, it’s not something I plan to forgo anytime soon.

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Helmet Headphones

Ski films make it feel like music and snowboarding go hand in hand. In reality, it can be tough to listen to music while you snowboard. There are two options, both of which come with significant downsides.

The first is a Bluetooth speaker in a backpack that is incredibly obnoxious and doesn’t sound all that great when riding. The other more dangerous option is earbuds that are uncomfortable with a helmet and hinder your hearing on the mountain. However, you can now opt for wireless audio housed within the helmet.

Aleck 006 headphones are audio pucks that slip into the padding of a helmet and double as comms. They are long-time partners with Smith and fit wonderfully in the helmets. Installation is easy, and the audio quality will surpass most expectations. They are comparable to far more expensive over-the-ear headphones.

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Apres Ski Packing List

You’re not just packing for the mountain; you also need everything when you’re off the mountain. What you wear off the mountain varies a lot by region. The three distinct ski regions of the Northern Hemisphere all have different styles off the hill. We won’t make as many recommendations on products here as you likely already have a lot of this stuff at home.

In North America, it tends to be a lot more casual. A down jacket, flannel shirt, jeans, and boots are classic. You can tie elements of western wear into your outfits. It’s pretty common to see people wearing cowboy hats in Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. It shouldn’t be too surprising since most skiing takes place out West. However, head to the Alps, and it’s a different affair.

The outfits worn on the slopes of Switzerland would get laughed off the mountain in America and Canada. Don’t be surprised by fur coats, dresses, sleek sweaters, or metallic down tops and bottoms. Europe tends to be more fashion-forward and flashy than its North American counterparts. Of course, they also serve food from Michelin star restaurants at their resorts versus North America with its frozen chicken fingers and hot dogs.

Last you have Japan, where freeride culture heavily influences the scene. Here you’ll find people off the mountain in powder ski gear. In comparison, the Japanese dress modestly in relaxed outdoor gear like down jackets or parkas. The Japanese tend to be very pragmatic and conservative in their dress, nothing too flashy.

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Parka

If you want a stylish jacket, it’s hard to do much better than a Parka for apres ski. A parka is far warmer than your traditional ski jacket. Of course, you don’t need a parka, but we always pack one well-insulated coat for our trip. If you’re worried about how to pack a parka, wear or carry the jacket onto the plane.

We prefer a park cut to the knee and down as the insulator. I’d advise you not to get hung up on the fill-power of down in a parka as it’s not a technical piece of gear.

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Down Jacket

Consider this an addition or instead of a Parka. Down jackets are great as they offer a lot of performance but still have a trendy look. They come in various styles, and you can find trendy ones that look very fashion-forward.

It also depends on the destination or the season, as a down jacket is lighter and packs easier but offers less warmth than a parka. Our three favorite down jackets are Arc’teryx, REI Co-op, and Patagonia.

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Wool Sweater

There’s always room for a comfy sweater in our winter travels. Since we live in the mountains, we’ve got a nice collection. Sweaters are about personal preference, but we love classic wool sweaters.

They are stylish but unpretentious and feel at home in a mountain town. Throw one on and head out to dinner or drink at the bar. You can also sub a comfy cardigan for a sweater, but anything that provides some casual style is a great call.

One of our favorite sweaters is made by Paka. Their signature Cusco Sweater is a nice unisex sweater is hand-knit and signed by the woman artisan who wove it right in Cusco, this cozy sweater is literally made from start to finish in Peru with natural dye, featuring a blend of 30% Royal Alpaca, 30% Superfine Merino, and 40% Recycled PET materials for a casual yet extra nice feel in the winter. My favorite aspect of this sweater is the alpaca design on left side pant, it’s very fitting for more men and women!

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Softshell/Hiking Pant

If there is one pant I throw in my bag for any trip, it’s versatile softshell or hiking pants. Softshell pants are great for winter sports around town or heading out to a nice meal. We’ve found the most versatile pants to be the prAna men’s Brion Pants or the women’s Halle Pants.

The pants are a blend of nylon and spandex with excellent moisture and temperature management. These pants also look pretty good as everyday pants that can go anywhere in the Mud and in Dark Khaki colors.

These pants are what you want if you are after slim-fitting pants that can still accompany you to work or on a hike up the mountains when you are back home. They also happen to be some of the best travel pants.

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Jeans

If you’re skiing in North America, it’s pretty tough to beat the style of a pair of jeans. Cowboy culture runs deep and feels right at home throughout Colorado, Alberta, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. A stylish pair of jeans are great to wear anywhere in the world. If you’re worried about being cold, wear your thermals underneath.

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Yoga Pants/Leggings

Leggings are warm, flexible, and even can substitute as thermals. Plus, you can take off your snow pants after a day on the mountain and be ready to go to the bars. Fleece-lined leggings offer much-needed warmth versus the traditional style that will leave you feeling cold.

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Swimsuit

Who doesn’t love a good hot spring or heated pool!? Winter weather might not conjure up an idea of swimwear, but we always pack a swimsuit for a ski trip. After all, there is no better way to ease those sore muscles than a good soak.

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Winter Boots

You aren’t going to stomp around town in your ski or snowboard boots. Pick up a pair of functional but stylish boots like Sorel’s Caribou boot. Of course, it all depends on your destination. Some places are higher in elevation or receive more snow at the base than others, requiring higher ankle boots.

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Gloves or Mittens

I suggest bringing at least one pair of casual gloves or mittens for walking around. I personally like the ones that have touchscreen fingertips. It’s also common for many ski-specific mittens and gloves to come with liners that work well for casual use around town.

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Hat/Beanie/Headband

It doesn’t matter what you choose, but keeping your head warm is good. Always pack at least one or two toques or hats for cold-weather travel. I’m not too picking about my beanie as it’s not a technical piece of clothing. I chose an awesome beanie from Patagonia called the Powder Town that I’ve loved for the past ski seasons.

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Ski Trip Packing List Gear

I’m not going to go into too much detail here. As you know, your gear will be going to your ski trip packing list. If you don’t own your equipment, you will be renting or borrowing from a friend, and chances are you won’t have much say.

We won’t get lost in the details around gear, but many readers ask about traveling with ski gear, so we recommend a ski bag. If you are going ski-touring, you’ll want to ensure you have the best touring skis for the backcountry.

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Ski Trip Accessories

You don’t need these things, but they will make your ski trip more enjoyable! It’s the easy stuff that you can forget.

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Snowboard or Ski Bag

Were you wondering how to pack for a ski trip flight? If you’re traveling on your gear, you will need a snowboard or ski bag. We like to use the Dakine Low Roller Bag. It has plenty of space to fit two snowboards with bindings, a pair of snow pants, and two boots. A lot of stuff!

It’s a tight squeeze, but it’s gone off and on dozens of flights effortlessly and has wheels so we can roll the bag everywhere. They make several sizes, so ensure you get the right size for your ski or board.

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Sunglasses

I don’t know about you, but I cannot be in the sun without sunglasses. Maybe it’s my fragile blue eyes, but I always feel blinded by the sun and snow. A good pair of athletic sunglasses should be in your bag to protect your eyes from the sun while having a beer outside. I like Smith Optics. They are expensive, but they are worth it for active holidays if you aren’t prone to losing sunglasses.

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Thermos

If you want hot coffee or tea on the slopes in the morning, I recommend packing a thermos full of your favorite brew. We picked up this sweet thermos from Stanley with a cup top.

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Hand and Toe Warmers

I usually have a backup pair of these in the suitcase. It’s best not to rely on hand warmers or toe warmers. They are cheap if you buy them in bulk before climbing the mountain. However, if you end up needing them, ski resorts love to overcharge because they know you’ll buy them if you’re cold.

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Chapstick

Quite possibly the most important thing in my coat pocket. Make sure to pack extras for your ski trip as they are easy to lose. We like to use natural chapstick like Burt’s Bees.

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Sunscreen

Yes, you can get sunburnt in the snow. Especially on a bright day, the sun will bounce off the bright snow and reflect right back at you. If you are fair-skinned, I recommend packing a travel-size bottle for your face.

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Toiletry Kit

We couldn’t travel anywhere without a toiletry kit. We include all necessities like toothbrushes, hair products, deodorants, razors, etc. Also, it’s always a good idea to bring plenty of balm or lotion as dry cold mountain air can damage your skin.

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Trip Details

These are the apparent necessities we’ll need for a trip, like our passport if it’s international or our driver’s license. Also, check your insurance or travel insurance to see if it covers ski accidents.

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Passport

You are not getting out of the country without your passport. Remember to make sure you have the necessary pages blank in your passport and that it does not expire within the next six months. Also, we always carry ours in a passport wallet to protect it from damage.

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IDP/Driver’s License

We rent cars a lot when we travel, so I always make sure I have my license for the trip. In Europe and Japan, you need an IDP, so I make sure that I have a translated version of my license. Also, when renting a car, pick up a great travel credit card for primary can rental insurance.

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Reservations

We ensure all travel plans are on our phones with relevant pdfs and dates verified before landing.

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Ski Insurance

Not all plans travel insurance plans cover ski accidents. Make sure that you have coverage abroad or pick up a short-term plan. HeyMondo is our go-to insurance for regular ski trips, but if you have plans to ski tour or go off-piste, you may need dedicated adventure sports insurance from your country.

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Tips For What To Wear Skiing

Dress for your level of exertion

We suggest dressing a little warmer if you’re starting snowboarding or an intermediate. As a beginner, you’ll spend more time standing, sitting on your butt, falling, and not snowboarding as much.

You spend more of your concentration on the movements vs. your energy. When it becomes second nature to turn, you make a lot more. An expert bombing a double black chute uses and similarly creates much more energy. If you’re an expert rider, dress a little cooler.

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Get the Basics

When you’re just starting, invest in the basics, such as thermals and socks. They provide the most bang for the buck in terms of warmth. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds regarding gear, but if you can keep your base layer dry, you’ll be just as warm in a $100 jacket as in a $900 jacket. Take our recommendations with a grain of salt!

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Dry Feet Are Warm Feet

Always keep your socks dry when you get ready. My socks are the last thing I put on before my boots. I’ve had days with cold feet because I walked into the bathroom to brush my teeth or got sweaty driving to the ski resort. It makes a huge difference!

On that note, it’s a good idea always to dry your boots, gloves, and even your goggles. Never leave those items in a cool or damp location. It’s not hard to bring these items inside and store them in a warm/dry spot.

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How Do I Wear This?

When you first wear snowboard or ski-specific clothes, straps, skirts, and gaiters can all confuse you.

• Socks — Socks should go above the calf and protect your skin from the boot.
• Pants — The gaiter inside ski pants goes on the outside of the boot. It is designed to keep snow from entering the boot and does an exceptional job at this.
• Jacket — The jacket layers over the pants, including the powder or snow skirt. Many jacket producers have pants and jackets that interlock, but this often requires for it to be the same brand.
• Gloves — You have two options for gloves long cuff and short cuff. If the gloves have a long and wide cuff, they go over the jacket sleeves. If the gloves have a short and thin cuff, they go under the jacket sleeve.
• Goggles — Are worn over the helmet, not under. The only people who wear them under are park rats who have hit their heads a few too many times. Truthfully, you can wear them in whichever way is most comfortable.
• Helmet — Please wear a proper ski helmet that protects the back of your head.