Ski Trip Packing List: 23 Items to Bring on a Family Ski Vacation
It’s that time of year. As in, time to hit the slopes. Whether it’s your first time skiing as a family or you’ve been out on the slopes a time or two, it’s good to review a ski trip packing list to ensure you don’t forget anything you’ll be sad to learn you left at home.
Ski Trip Packing List
From ski pants and ski goggles to thermals and après wear, take a look at the packing checklist below to review the ski essentials to bring with you on your ski vacation.
#1: Ski Pants
When planning to spend the day on the slopes, you can’t forego wearing a pair of insulated snow pants in order to stay warm, particularly on the ski lift.
These top-rated women’s ski pants are flexible and lightweight, making it easy to get around in the snow. They have zippers at the ankles, so it’s a cinch to fit the boots.
You’ll also find warm, fleece pockets with zippers to secure lip balm and tissue packets. Check the latest price now.
#2: Insulated Bib Overalls
If you prefer insulated bib overalls to ski pants, these best-selling bib overalls are a must-have. They are comfortable, well-made, well-priced, and most importantly, warm.
These overalls are lightweight, not bulky, making it a snap to move around when you’ve got all your gear on. These fit true to size, but order up a size if you like extra wiggle room.
These ski overalls earned five-star reviews from 75% of customers and are available in multiple fun colors for men, women and kids. Check the latest price now.
#3: Ski Goggles
You don’t want to wait until you arrive at the mountain to pick up a pair of anti-fog ski goggles, unless of course you like to pay double. Ouch.
Get a pair of ski goggles that fit over glasses. These are a good pick whether you wear prescription lenses or simple sunglasses (though the lenses here do offer UV protection).
Anti-fog lenses on these top-rated ski goggles ensure a fog-free ski experience for women, men and kids. Check the latest price now.
#4: Ski Gloves
Proper ski gloves are an absolute must. Don’t rely on the gloves you use at home to walk the dog to keep your hands warm on the slopes. It’s safe to say they will not.
These best-selling ski gloves are durable, waterproof and hold up over time. These warm gloves have wrist straps to keep out the snow and wrist leashes to keep them on your hands.
As a bonus, these ski gloves are anti-slip and touch screen compatible, so you can snap a few photos with your iPhone without taking them off. Check the latest price now.
#5: Ski Socks
Bring along at least four pairs of top-rated merino wool ski socks to keep your feet warm when outdoors in cold winter temps.
These tall wool socks were designed to be paired with ski boots, offering extra cushioning on the ankle, shin and foot areas. They also provide arch support to reduce fatigue.
These ski socks are a must for your ski trip packing list and come in multiple color combinations and are guaranteed for life by Pure Athlete, which specializes in ski and sport socks. Check the latest price now.
#6: Ski Jacket
Of course, a waterproof ski jacket is a must. Opt for a versatile 3-in-1 winter jacket that works for all weather conditions and temperatures.
This best-selling ski jacket includes both a hooded waterproof shell and a warm inner fleece jacket. Wear them both on cold weather days or use the shell alone for warmer spring skiing.
This jacket was made for skiers. It’s got a removable hood (helpful when wearing a helmet), chest pockets for easy access and durable zippers. Check the latest price now.
#7: Thermal Underwear
Base layers are uber-important when skiing to stay warm on the slopes. Wear at least three top layers and two bottom layers in order to trap warmth close to you.
This top-rated thermal underwear is warm and comfy, made from 98% ultra-soft polyester and 8% spandex. They are fleece-lined and easy to wear under jeans, leggings or ski pants.
They stretch in all directions, making it easy to move around whether on the slopes or at après ski. Get them for men, women, boys and girls. Check the latest price now.
#8: Snow Boots
Don’t leave home without an adorable pair of snow boots to wear in the snow or on your way to après ski. These mid-calf winter snow boots are warm and super fashionable.
These best-selling snow boots are waterproof and boast a faux fur lining that keep your feet warm all day long. Slip resistant soles provide good traction to keep you from slipping.
I have a pair of these boots and love them. We don’t get a ton of snow in Northern Virginia, but the fur lining keeps my feet super warm on cold days. Check the latest price now.
#9: Hand Warmers
I’m telling you, cold hands can make a day on the slopes quickly go south. Do not leave home without long-lasting hand warmers.
These are great for skiing all day, but they’re also ideal any time you’re outside in the cold. I use them all the time at my daughter’s late-fall and early-spring soccer games.
Opt for a multi-pack so you hand warmers for everyone in the family. They’re individually packaged so you can easily slip one into your ski jacket pocket. Check the latest price now.
#10: Toe Warmers
Much like hand warmers, you can’t go wrong with toe warmers that keep your whole foot toasty warm when in the snow.
When you’re tromping around in slush and snow all day, it’s easy for feet and toes to get cold. Little ones may be quick to feel the cold, so plan to keep their little toes warm.
A multi-pack is a safe bet for your ski trip packing list to ensure every member of the family stays warm in their ski boots. As a bonus, these keep toes warm all day. Check the latest price now.
Beyond my top-10 must-have ski trip essentials, below is the next level of must-haves when packing for a ski trip. You’ll likely have many of these items on hand in your house.
#11: Winter Hat
Bring at least two, may even three winter hats. This way you’ll always have a dry one. No one wants to put on a wet hat before walking out the door.
#12: Comfy Socks
Pack your softest, most comfortable socks that you can wear when you’re just lounging around your hotel room or vacation rental after a well-spent day on the ski slopes.
#13: Lip Balm
I bring lip balm with me everywhere, but it’s especially important on the slopes. Ensure your lip balm has an SPF of at least 30 to protect your lips from the sun’s rays.
#14: Sunglasses
If you’ve never been skiing before, you may be shocked by the glare from the sun on the bright-white snow, especially on bluebird days when the sun can be extra intense.
#15: Swimsuit
Many ski resorts have heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as hot tubs to relax and rejuvenate sore muscles after a day spent on the slopes. Consider a pair of flip flops too.
#16: Sunscreen
Temps may be in the 20’s and 30’s, but the sun’s reflection on the snow makes sunscreen a total must for a day out skiing or snowboarding.
#17: Pocket Tissue Packs
You won’t regret tucking a travel-size pack of tissues into one of your jacket pockets. I pull one of these out at least a few times each day on the slopes to dab a runny nose.
#18: First Aid Kit
I’m a firm believer that when you bring along first aid items, nothing will happen. Still, it’s good to have pain relievers on hand for sore muscles and headaches (altitude sickness).
#19: Snacks
It’s no fun when kids are hungry and you’re on the lift up the mountain. Tuck away snacks, like granola bars, fruit snacks and goldfish cracker packs, into jacket pockets.
#20: Après Wear
If you ski, you’ve got to après ski to wind down the day. Bring along some mountain casual wear, like cute pullovers, fleece vests and stylish knit hats (yes, pom pom hats).
#21: Lounge Wear
Après the après, it’s time to lounge. As in, settling in at your vacation rental with a mug of hot cocoa, watching the snow fall. For this, super comfy yoga pants and tops are a must.
Of course, you can rent all the gear you need on-site, including ski boots, skis, snowboards and ski poles. You can even rent your own helmet, but if you want to bring your own…
#22: Ski Helmet
For frequent skiers (or wannabe frequent skiers), it may make sense to bring your own ski helmet. This ski helmet has five-star reviews from 87% of customers and comes in nearly a dozen colors, including arctic white, crimson and glacier blue. Check the latest price now.
#23: Traction Cleats
If you plan to ski in an area especially prone to ice, consider bringing along a pair of traction cleats, like those made by Yaktrax. It’s like a double layer of protection to ensure you won’t slip or fall when walking on packed snow or ice. Check the latest price now.
What’s on your ski packing list? Let me know in the comments section below. Meantime, feel free to check out my tips on how to save money when skiing with kids.
