If this is your first time going on a ski trip, then you’re in for a treat. Skiing is one of the greatest experiences you can have, just you and the snow and the rush of wind as you ski down the slope. A skiing trip is exciting and refreshing and leaves you feeling rejuvenated and closer to nature.
What to Pack for a Skiing Trip
If you are going on a skiing trip, this means that you are about to brave the snow and cold weather. You’re also about to take part in a sport that requires very specific gear. To make your trip less stressful and your packing a little bit easier, we’ve come up with a skiing trip packing list that has everything you might need on it. So, take a look at the list and start getting everything together for an amazing trip!
Travel Essentials
Straight off the bat, you want to make sure that you have all the travel essentials you would need no matter what trip you are going on. There would be nothing worse than if you pack all your ski equipment and ski clothes, only to get to the airport and realize you’ve forgotten your passport at home.
Some of the travel essentials you’ll need are:
- Tickets and passport
- Valid ID and licenses
- Flight, train, or ferry details
- Accommodation details
- Mobile phone, charger, and headphones
If you’re traveling to a different country, make sure beforehand that your passport is valid and not expired. Having to get your passport renewed in a rush is extremely frustrating and won’t be the best start to your trip. Also, make sure to pre-book your tickets, ski resort accommodation, and hotels. If you book some time in advance, you’re likely to get better deals and spend way less money.
Skiing Gear
Some resorts offer skiing gear on rent, but this isn’t always the best option. There can be a high demand for the gear at the resort and you may not be able to find anything available and miss out on a ski run. It’s better to get your own gear, especially if you think you will want to continue going on ski trips.
The gear that you’ll need includes:
Ski boots
- It’s probably a good idea to buy your own ski boots, in case the renting options at your resort don’t suit you, or they don’t have your size available. You want to make sure your boots are snow-proof and water-resistant and fit you snugly. Maybe even try them on beforehand with a pair of socks to break them in. New boots can be uncomfortable and take some time to get used to.
- We suggest the Salomon X Access 70 Wide Ski Boots for men and the Rossignol Pure Comfort 60 Ski Boots for women.
Skis and a ski bag
- If you’re a first-time skier and aren’t sure what skis to go for, we have two suggestions for you. These skis are popular and great for beginners too. Try out the Rossignol Experience CI Skis with Look Xpress Bindings or the Rossignol Experience Pro Skis with Look Kid-X 4 Bindings.
Ski Poles
- When you get your ski poles, be sure to check them for any cracks or breaks. The last thing you want is ski poles that give out on you mid-run. You may want to buy the Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles.
Helmet
- Although you can get ski helmets on rent from your ski resort, it is better to have your own to ensure that it fits well and is always available to you when you want to go on a run. Ski helmets are made of tough material with a special protective layer on the inside to ensure your head stays warm and dry. Take a look at the Retrospec H1 Ski & Snowboard Helmet.
Goggles
- Don’t underestimate how important ski goggles are. They protect your eyes from the snow, the sun, and the wind, and they allow for clearer vision while skiing. The OutdoorMaster Ski Goggles OTG, the ZIONOR Lagopus Ski Goggles, and the Findlay Ski Goggles are some of our top picks for ski goggles.
Skiing Clothing
Once you’ve got all your gear ready, you have to make sure you have the necessary clothing for skiing. Depending on the time of year that you go on your ski trip, you may need special ski clothing, or you could make do with regular winter clothes.
Here are the clothes you’ll need to get before you can head off to the slopes:
Ski Jacket
- When looking for a ski jacket, make sure to pick one that is water-resistant and has an insulating layer. The jacket should have pockets that can hold a few essential items so that you do not have to carry a bag while you’re on the slopes. Some really good jackets have a hood attached that can fit over your helmet too.
- Moerdeng Men’s Waterproof Ski Jacket
- or Moerdeng Women’s Waterproof Ski Jacket are some ski jackets that we recommend.
Ski Pants
- Like your ski jacket, ski pants should be water-resistant and properly insulted. You want to make sure that the pants fit you well and leave enough wiggle room. You don’t want your legs to feel constricted while you’re on a ski run, as that will limit your movements.
The Gash Hao Men’s Snow Ski Waterproof Softshell Pants and the Arctix Men’s Essential Snow Pants are really great options.
Waterproof gloves
- If you’re going skiing, you cannot do without gloves or mittens. You have to protect your hands and fingers from the cold and also from having to grip the ski poles. It is better if your gloves are water-resistant and special gloves for skiing as they provide a better grip.
- If you’re planning on buying some waterproof gloves, we recommend the VELAZZIO Waterproof Ski Gloves.
- Warm hat or beanie
- If you’re always cold, it would be a good idea to keep a hat or beanie with you that you can wear under your helmet. This can even be good for making sure your helmet is snug on your head.
Ski Socks
- You may not seem too bothered about socks, but a good pair of ski socks can make or break your ski run. Ski socks are made of wool or a synthetic blend that is designed to fit you well and resist the water and snow.
- We suggest you keep at least two pairs of ski socks with you. Check out the Weierya Ski Socks and Cozia Wool Socks.
Shell layers are insulting, wind and waterproof layers to wear under your ski clothes. They offer extra protection in case you don’t have proper ski jackets and pants.
Other Clothing You’ll Probably Want to Pack for Your Ski Trip
After you’ve got all your specific skiing clothes organized, it’s time to move on to packing your regular clothes for when you’re just hanging out at your hotel or resort or if you go out for a nice dinner or to a club. Here are the clothes you’ll want to add to your skiing trip packing list:
- Jeans and Trousers
- T-shirts and tops
- Sweaters and Fleece
- Thermals
- A nice jacket
- Winter Coat
- A warm scarf
- Underwear and socks
- Sports bra
- Pajamas
- Swimwear
- Shoes and slippers
Although a big part of your ski trip is the actual skiing, you want to make sure that you are comfortable in your downtime. If you’re visiting a new country or state, there will be lots of other fun things to do and places to go besides just skiing.
If you’re going to a family dinner, you’ll want to look nice in a winter coat and your good trousers. After long days of skiing and exerting yourself, you want to make sure you have your comfiest pajamas and fleece to sleep in and wake up feeling refreshed the next day.
Toiletries
Although a nice resort and hotel will have most of the things you need, it is better to be safe than sorry. We’ve got a list of all the toiletries you might need on your trip:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss and mouthwash
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Body lotion
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hairbrush and comb
- Deodorant and cologne
- Nail clippers and nail file
- Shaving cream and razor
- Extra glasses, contacts, and contact solution
The list may seem excessive, and some of these things you likely won’t end up needing. If you’re going on a five-day trip, chances are you won’t need to clip your nails in that timeframe. Or, if your trip is in the winter and you’re wearing three layers of clothing at all times, you may not need to shave your legs.
We’ve added everything on the list just in case, and you can pick and choose whatever you think you might need to take along.
Miscellaneous Other Items for a Ski Trip
We’ve added all the things we could think of that you may want to take along on a trip on this list. They are unrelated to skiing but can be vacation essentials nonetheless.
- Camera and charger
- Travel plug adaptor
- Laptop and charger
- Earphones
- Books and magazines
- Travel pillow
- Hairdryer/straightener
- Makeup
- Medication and vitamins
- First aid kit
You may have some work to do in your downtime or just want to relax and watch a movie. It’s best to keep your laptop with you in this situation. A camera can be your favorite vacation item to keep on you at all times. If you’re going on a ski trip with family or friends, you’ll definitely want to document all the fun you’re having.
If you’re new to skiing, or just a clumsy person, you’re likely to have a number of mishaps. Not everybody is a pro at skiing the first time they try it. In case of any scrapes or bruises, it is best to have a first aid kit with you.
Being around the snow and cold weather for a long time can give even the best of us a cold or a runny nose. Keeping some cold medicine and anti-allergy pills on you can’t go amiss!
You’re Ready for Your Skiing Trip!
After going through this article, we hope you have a much clearer idea of what to pack for a skiing trip. We want you to be prepared for any situation and not have to worry over having forgotten something important.
It’s probably a good idea for you to get a checklist with all of your travel essentials, skiing gear, skiing clothing, other clothing, toiletries, and miscellaneous items listed down so that you can check them off as you pack them.
Start packing early and don’t leave buying important items till the last minute. A little forethought and planning can go a long way in making your trip pleasant and fun for you. So, do yourself a favor and skip all the anxiety that the last-minute scramble to get your things together would give you.
