What to Pack for a Ski Vacation

I used to be an over packer. But not even when I tried to pack for a ski vacation, I would take a full size suitcase just for a weekend trip to the beach. As I got older though, I realized how much easier it was to pack light. Much less to lug around on the trip plus packing and unpacking are simpler. Less to deal with.

Finally when I went on my five week trip across Europe, I decided I was going to pack in only a carry-on. I did and I was absolutely hooked on carry-on only travel. Then about a year ago I took my first winter vacation. The carry-on idea went out the window when I looked at how much space my ski bibs took up.

I still haven’t gotten it down to just a carry-on, but I can pack using one checked bag and that includes my snowboard, boots, and helmet. A board bag together with a boot bag counts as one checked item.

It’s tough to put together a packing list for a ski vacation or any winter vacation really. Especially your first few times. So I’ve put together a complete list of what I pack for a ski vacation and I adjust the numbers depending on how long the trip is. If the trip is longer than three days I usually do laundry one day which is why these numbers may seem low.

If you are a beginner then make sure you check out these top ski resorts for beginners in the US!

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Ski Packing List

Ski Clothes & Equipment

• 1-2 pair of thermals or anything to use as a base layer – merino wool, Underarmour. I have these Hot Chilly’s that I love.
• 1-2 middle layers depending how cold it is. I don’t wear this unless it’s below 30 degrees, but a pullover that isn’t cotton is perfect for this.
• 2 pair of snow pants or bibs. Columbia is a great brand.
• 1 warm, waterproof coat – My personal favorite is this one by Columbia. I’ve had it for years (since high school) and it’s still going strong.
• 3-4 warm socks – Darn Tough makes some of the best socks you’ll find. Socks also make for the perfect gift for outdoorsy women!
• 1 pair of waterproof gloves or mittens – I just changed from using gloves to mittens with glove liners inside and am obsessed.
• 3 neck gators
• Snowboard/ski boots – You can rent these if you don’t own any.
• Helmet – You can rent this too, though this is the first ski-related item I purchased.
• 1 pair of goggles
• Snowboard or skis – You can rent these also.
• Ski poles

Other Clothes

• 1 pair of leggings or jeans depending on preference – If we come back and change at the end of the day to go out, I usually just wear my base layer out that night. My thermals look like leggings and if it’s warmer I use regular leggings as my base layer.
• 2-3 pair of cute socks
• 1 pair of snow boots – I love my Bean Boots from LL Bean.
• 2-3 long sleeve shirts or sweaters
• 1 scarf – You can pack more if you like to accessorize. I just find that they take up a lot of space and I don’t mind wearing the same one the whole time.
• 1 pair of gloves – If you want different ones from your ski gloves.
• 2 toboggans
• 5-6 pair of underwear – Even if nothing else is clean I want fresh underwear and socks. So I am sure to pack enough that if something happens and we can’t do laundry I have plenty of those.
• 2 bras
• 4-5 sports bras
• 1 bathing suit
• 1 pair of sweatpants
• 1 pair of slippers – We stay at Bed & Breakfasts and Inns where my feet always get cold.
• 2-3 pair of pajamas

Toiletries

• Shower needs – shampoo, conditioner, soap, razor
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Glasses and contacts
• Chapstick
• Prescribed medication
• Ibuprofen and cold medicine – Always good to have on hand.
• Period supplies
• Nail clippers
• Makeup – I almost forgot this one because I never wear makeup when traveling especially when active. At the most I usually take eyeliner.

Other

• Phone
• iPad or computer
• Watch
• Camera
• Chargers
• Pocket book
• Sunglasses
• Money/credit cards – Always a good idea to have a bit of cash on you.
• Lift tickets – Purchase ahead of time for better deals.
• Jewelry

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