As much as I love spontaneous travel with a light packing list, a ski vacation packing list should be robust and account for a variety of conditions and experiences.
Packing for the slopes requires thoughtful planning to pack all the essentials for comfort, safety, and enjoying your time on and off the slopes.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, our guide on what to pack for a ski trip will help you prepare for an epic and cozy mountain trip.
In this guide, I share my favorite travel essentials for a ski trip, including gear, clothing, accessories, and wellness products!
Ski Apparel:
- Ski jacket (waterproof and insulated)
- Ski pants (waterproof and breathable)
- Ski layers
- Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)
- Mid-layer fleece or down jacket
- Insulated vest
- Ski gloves/mittens
Ski Gear:
- Skis with solid bindings (for resort skiing)
- Ski boots (for resort skiing)
- Ski poles (resort)
- Ski helmet
- Ski goggles with interchangeable lenses (for varying light conditions)
Ski Accessories
- Ski bag
- Ski boot bag
- Ski lock (for securing skis at the resort)
- Ski waxing kit (for maintaining ski performance)
- Ski edge tuning tools
- Ski binding adjustment tools
- Boot heaters or warmers (optional but useful)
- Camera or GoPro
- Ski glove liners
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
- Ski socks (several pairs)
- Warm hat or beanie
- Sunglasses (with UV protection)
- For more specialized ski accessories, check out our Ski Accessories Buyer’s Guide!
Casual and Après Apparel:
- Comfortable après-ski boots or shoes
- Slippers for lounging
- Casual clothing for après-ski, evenings, and downtime!
- Sweaters
- Vests
- Tights
- Skirts
- Pants
- Pajamas/loungewear
- Athletic gear
- Intimates
- Warm socks
- Long sleeve t-shirts
- Bathing suit
Travel Items
- Accommodation confirmation documents
- Cash and credit/debit cards
- Passport/ID and travel insurance documents
- Transportation tickets and itineraries
- Snacks and beverages for travel
- Personal entertainment (books, e-reader, etc.)
- Chargers for electronic devices
- Travel adapter (if needed)
- Ski passes (Ikon, Epic, resort-specific)
Wellness and Personal Items:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, etc.)
- Skincare (remember, the mountains are super dry compared to the East Coast!)
- Hydrating toner
- Hydrating mist/essence
- Active toner
- Hydrating serum
- Hydrating moisturizer
- Hydrating oil to lock in all the moisture
- Gua sha
- Hydrating body cleanser
- Hydrating body lotion
- Haircare
- Hydrating shampoo and conditioner
- Hydrating masks
- Heat protectant products (helps with changing from hot to cold conditions)
- Prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Sunscreen (high SPF for mountain sun)
- Lip balm with SPF
Remember your ski packing list may differ from mine based on personal preferences, the destination, and the length of your vacation, but this will get you started! Always double-check the weather forecast and the equipment needed for your planned excursions so you’re cozy for all conditions during your time in the mountains.
