Are you getting ready for an ultimate ski or snowboard trip? You’re going to have so much fun! However, what usually is not quite as fun is packing and preparing for your trip. To help out, I have put together the ultimate ski trip packing list (PDF as well) so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
To receive the free checklist in PDF, access the link at the bottom of this article and you’re good to go!
Things to Consider for your Ski Trip
Before starting your packing list, consider the following as you plan and book your ski trip.
Timing of the trip
The ski season for most locations is typically from December to April. If you’re looking for a budget trip, consider planning your trip towards the end of the ski season. Ski resorts generally offer decreased multi-day passes towards the end of the ski season (late March through April). Hence, if your ski destination is not a flight away, but rather, a drive, wait until mid-March or so to check out these offers and discounts from the resorts.
Weather conditions
In locations like Lake Tahoe, the temperatures rise up a bit by the end of March through early April (low 50s F), so you may want to forego a thermal layer underneath your ski jacket and bottoms. On the other hand, if you are going skiing in the Alps, the temperatures might only be in the high 30s during that time.
Traveling to California? Make sure to check out my post here on all the spots you need to hit!
Single-day or multi-day ski trip
Are you planning your ski trip to be a single day of hitting the slopes and other days sightseeing around the area? Or perhaps, you want to try skiing/snowboarding for a day, and other winter sports such as cross country skiing or snowshoeing for the rest of your trip.
A multi-day ski trip will enable you to explore different areas and slopes. For that, you should get a multi-day pass. Now, a multi-day pass will be obviously more expensive than a single-day one, but you will get a discount on the single-day cost. Which in turn, may make it more economical than trying your hand at different winter sports. Make sure you account for these variables while planning a budget for your ski trip.
Beginner or seasoned skier
Are you a beginner skier or a seasoned one? If you’re traveling in a group, does your group contain both beginner and seasoned skiers? If so, try to have at least two people in each category so that they can buddy up on the slopes. This is especially relevant as slopes of varying expertise tend to be far from each other. Thus, it can be hard to keep track of a group with varying levels of expertise together. Also, I’m not sure if others have faced this, but it’s really hard to recognize people with their ski clothes and helmets on!
Tip: Wear bright and unusual colors. They will help you to stand out from the crowd.
On that note, before you split the group up, make sure to decide the location and time of where you want to meet up later on. Keep your phone with you, but your charge might run out after a long day and you will want to have a meet-up spot decided prior.
If you are a beginner, be prepared to fall. A lot. So, don’t rely on messaging your buddies once you’ve had your fill of the snow.
What else you’ll be doing
While preparing your ski trip packing list, also keep in mind what else you will be doing. Perhaps your ski resort is in a city or town and you want to go out at night. You will want to pack some going-out clothes and non-ski outerwear. If there’s apres-ski in your resort, then you don’t need to worry about additional going-out clothes.
Is there a hot tub in your room or in the ski resort?
On a similar note as above, check if your hotel or resort has a hot tub or sauna. Definitely consider booking a hotel with these amenities, because it makes a huge difference! Between going to bed with aching, sore muscles and slightly-healed-borderline-achy muscles! In addition, it is great to warm up in the sauna after a cold day on the slopes.
The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List [PDF below]
Now that you have considered all parts of your epic ski trip, it’s time to put together your packing list! This ski trip packing list (Pdf) is exhaustive for all types of ski destinations, so feel free to skip the items that do not fit into your destination.
Ski Gear
First things first, make sure to pack all your skiing gear. Nothing will cut short the fun on your trip like forgetting to pack something vital, while you instead roam the shops at your resort looking to purchase that item. You will also lose out on valuable time that should be spent having snowy fun on the slopes!
- Skis – if you want to rent show up early
- Ski Poles
- Ski Shoes
- Ski mask
- Ski goggles
- Helmet
Snowboarding Gear
If snowboarding is more your jam, use the following list to pack your gear.
- Snowboard
- Snowboarding shoes
- Ski mask
- Ski goggles
- Helmet
Ski or Snowboard Clothing
Check the weather closely before you leave. If the days are warm, you may want to forego the mid-layers and just go for thermal inners and a ski jacket and bottoms. Note that in the mornings when you set out for the slopes, it may be cool and make you want to put on all the layers. However, once you start skiing or snowboarding, you will get hot.
- Thermal Top (non cotton): This is to provide additional insulation
- Fleece Layer/Jacket
- Thermal Bottom
- Ski Jacket: extra points if the jacket has a tiny pocket on the arm or wrist for the ski pass to slide in
- Ski Bottoms
- Thin layer hat for underneath the helmet (only required if the weather is expected to be very cold)
- Woolen/Ski socks (breathable)
- Mittens or Gloves (waterproof)
- Neck warmer (an inexpensive but well-rated one here)
Documents
Don’t forget your documents! Similar to #1 above, few things will cut short your trip such as forgetting an important document such as a confirmation receipt or vaccination records.
- Confirmation email or receipt from the resort
- Ski Pass
- National Park Pass (if inside an NP)
- Medical documents (travel insurance, medical insurance etc.)
- Passport or Visa or ID
- Vaccination records (as needed)
Electronics
Choose the electronics you will actually use on your trip. Are you flying? Be sure to pack noise-canceling headphones. Not flying? You may want to skip the Kindle.
- Phone
- Camera – if you are fancy that way!
- Kindle
- Camera Stand or Tripod
- Headphones
- Laptop or Tablet
- Charger for phone, laptop, headphones
- Electrical adapter if traveling outside the country
- Drone – you’ll obviously capture unbelievable footage of snow-laden peaks and white pine trees
- Additional storage or memory cards
Beauty/Grooming
Similar to my toiletries pouch, I also keep a travel beauty/grooming pouch packed for trips.
- Razor
- Eyeliner
- Mascara
- Eyebrow pencil
- Lipstick or Lip stain
- Compact
- Deodorant
- Hair tie
- Tissues
- Shaving products
- Comb or hairbrush
Miscellaneous
Add the following miscellaneous items to your luggage in order for your ski trip packing list to be complete.
- First aid
- Sunglasses – prescription ones if you need them
- Contact lens (as needed)
- Packing cubes
- Flashlight
- Map or GPS device (in case you get lost)
- Cash
- Wallet
- Bag for wet clothes
- Day bag or hiking bag
To eat/drink
Keep some snacks handy for travel as well as when you’re on the slopes. Not only that, consider keeping an energy drink and water in your day bag.
- Snacks – this is always on my list no matter what!
- Protein bars
- Water
- Energy drinks
- Glucose tablets
Additional Clothes
Now, this will depend on your destination, and how formal or casual it is. But, if you intend to go out at night, think about packing an extra pair of snow boots, and clothing pieces.
- Sweater
- Warm layers such as a plaid shirt or fleece layers
- Gloves
- Winter Hat
- Scarves
- Long socks
- Sneakers
- Winter boots
- Loungewear
For Apres-Ski
Apres-ski literally means “after ski” in French. It denotes the tradition of ending your intense day of skiing burning calories, with a calorie-fueling evening of snacking and drinking. Depending on your resort, it may have a fancy dining area or a laid-backlaidback bar area. Check the dress code beforehand, but if there isn’t one, you can always rely on the classics below.
- Dark jeans
- Dark dress
- Winter hat
- Down jacket
- Non-ski shoes
If there’s a Hot tub or Jacuzzi
If your hotel has a hot tub or jacuzzi, you’re in luck! Your aching muscles will be extremely thankful to sink into the warm water at the end of the night to get you ready for another day of skiing! Make sure to pack swim items for the hot tub.
- Swimsuit
- Flip-flops
- Robe
For the Kids
In addition to ski or snowboarding gear for the kids, you should pack the following items to keep the kiddos entertained.
- Kid-friendly sunscreen
- Games or books
- GPS tracker (for young kids)
- Kids’ favorite snacks
Ski Trip Packing List PDF Link
If you are looking for a free printable checklist, here’s your Ski Trip Packing List (PDF format).
So, there you have it. You are now all set to have a calorie-burning adventure-fueled awesome time on the powder. And most importantly, have loads of fun!!
Subscribe to my list and get travel tips and ideas!
Traveling to your ski destination? Be sure to check out my post on all the items that should be on your carry-on luggage and all that shouldn’t!
Additionally, here are all my free travel resources that you can use for your trip planning!
Enjoyed reading this article? Don’t forget to follow me for my latest stories!
