Whether you’re going on your first ski trip or it’s been a while since you’ve been on one, packing for a ski trip can feel overwhelming. Follow this packing checklist to be prepared for anything on the slopes and around town. From ski base layers to après-ski essentials, here’s what you’ll need.

All of Your Skiing Layers

Packing the right layers is the foundation of a great ski trip packing list. These essentials will help you stay warm and dry from first chair to last.

• Base layers: A good Merino wool base layer set is the way to go. Base layers come in various weights, but any base layer you get should be thin enough to fit easily under your other layers. Merino wool has the added benefit of being odor resistant, so you can wear it multiple days in a row without any stink.
  
  
• Mid layers: You’ll want an insulating fleece or hoodie to wear between your base layer top and your outer layer for added warmth.
  
  
• Outer layers: Your final layer should be a waterproof shell jacket and waterproof ski pants. Some people like insulated jackets and ski pants, while others prefer just a shell. If you’re investing in a ski jacket, you’ll want zippered vents (usually in the armpits), a powder skirt to keep snow and cold out and an easy-access pocket to store your ski pass.
  
  
• Accessories: You’ll also need waterproof gloves (plus glove liners if they’re not insulated), ski socks and a neck tube, neck gaiter or balaclava for extra protection from the wind or the sun.

Pro tip: If you run cold, pack some hand warmers. Popping these in your gloves can be a game changer on really cold days.

Skis and Ski Gear

Obviously your packing list for a ski trip wouldn’t be complete without skis (or a snowboard), boots and poles if you’re not renting them from a local shop. You’ll need:

• Skis or a snowboard (with bindings)
• Ski boots or snowboard boots
• Ski poles
• Goggles – ideally with two lenses: one for low light and one for sunny days so you can see well in all conditions
• Helmet – bring your own or you can often rent one; you’ll want a skiing-specific helmet rather than a bike helmet or climbing helmet

Goggles and a helmet are must-haves for a ski day, whether you're in the backcountry like Molly Armanino is or skiing in-bounds at a ski resort.

You’ll also want to pack these essentials for your ski days:

• Your ski pass or lift ticket(s) once you have them: Many ski jackets have a small arm pocket or chest pocket you can store it in. Ideally you can scan it through your jacket without having to take it out.
• A map of the ski resort: We love an old fashioned paper map, but many ski resorts have apps or interactive maps on their website you can access on your phone. Download apps ahead of time since cell service can be spotty on really busy days.
• Sunscreen with SPF 30+ (sunburn sneaks up on you in the snow)
• Chapstick with SPF 30+
• A small fanny pack or belt bag: Ideally everything you need for the day will fit in your pockets or in a locker at the lodge, but if you need more storage space on you, a fanny pack or belt bag can come in handy. Some people ski with backpacks, but if you do, be extra careful on chairlifts that nothing gets caught.
• A portable phone charger – Cold weather can drain your phone battery more quickly. If you’re trying to meet up with or keep up with people on the mountain, a phone charger is a must. Always make a backup meeting plan in case communication doesn’t work as planned.

Hydration & Snacks

Staying hydrated at altitude is key, but CamelBak-style hydration tubes can freeze. Instead pack a collapsible water bottle or even an insulated flask for your ski trip. Pro tip: add electrolyte powder or a pinch of salt to lower the freezing point of your water.

A couple snacks can come in handy for long ski days. Avoiding hanger between meals is key, especially if you have kids in tow. Granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky, cheese sticks and candy work great. Or pack our favorite, pocket pizza – leftover pizza in a ziploc stashes great in a ski coat pocket.

Après-Ski Clothing

After a long day on the mountain, you’ll want to relax in warm and comfortable clothing. Whether you end your day with drinks at the ski lodge, out to dinner or taking it easy in your room, a few more clothes and accessories should be on your ski trip packing list.

• Casual pants or leggings if your base layers won’t do: Many women love wearing our base layer bottoms on their own after a day of skiing. For men, a pair of joggers is easy to throw on over base layer bottoms.
• A hoodie or sweatshirt: If your mid layer you skied in is Merino wool, it’s also odor resistant and quick drying, so you can probably keep wearing it. But if you want to change, you can’t go wrong with a comfy hoodie.
• A beanie: Once you ditch your ski helmet, you’ll want to keep your head warm with a good beanie.
• Snow boots with good traction: Make sure they’re waterproof and have good tread, and/or pack a pair of microspikes for icy sidewalks.
• Sunglasses: The sun can be blinding on the snow, so you’ll need a good pair of sunglasses to wear around town when you’re not skiing in goggles.
• A dinner-out outfit: Ski towns tend to be pretty casual, but you might want to dress up for a night out. If you want to follow the locals’ lead, a flannel is the way to go. For women, our 100% Merino wool Hyde Dress can be dressed up or down, and it’ll keep you warm around town.
• A swimsuit: Many ski town lodges, condo complexes and rental houses have hot tubs, and some have saunas or pools.

Extras for Comfort and Recovery

In addition to all your normal travel essentials, clothes and toiletries, packing these extras will make your ski trip easier and more fun.

• Moisturizer: Cold winter air can dry your skin out quickly, and the altitude makes it harder to stay hydrated.
• Ibuprofen and a foam roller or massage gun for sore muscles and recovery
• Board games or cards for downtime in between activities or at night
• A big bag to tote things around: Pro tip – Always bring your ski boots inside overnight rather than leaving them in your car. Putting on cold ski boots is no fun.
• A small towel to wipe/dry off your skis and boots before putting them back in your car at the end of the day
• Electrolyte drink mixes for recovery and to stay hydrated
• A big water bottle: Staying hydrated will make your ski trip so much more enjoyable. Drink lots of water before your ski trip, then make sure you stay well hydrated the whole time you’re in the mountains.

Take time to pack thoughtfully for your ski trip so you can be present and enjoy being in the mountains. Whenever possible, test your gear ahead of time to make sure it works well for you. Take notes of things you didn’t need or wish you had so you can create an even better packing list for your next ski trip. Packing will become routine after just a few trips.