What to Pack For A Ski Trip

Last updated April 15th, 2024 at 09:56 pm

While researching what to pack for a ski trip I consulted several experienced skiers, visited several different stores, made a few online orders, and borrowed the rest but put together this ski trip packing list to save you the trouble!

At the beginning of February, we took a ski trip to Park City, Utah. My last (and first) attempt at winter sports was nearly 10 years ago, so I was really excited to see if snowboarding was like riding a bike.

Before leaving, my biggest fear wasn’t falling – it was the COLD! I’ve been in Houston long enough to forget what an actual winter feels like, so when it was time to start packing I wanted to make sure I had EVERYTHING I needed to stay warm and dry and had to do some research on what to pack for a ski trip.

This was no easy task; it took several trips to different stores, a few online orders, and borrowing from a generous friend to get everything I needed. I had to consult several experienced skiers to make a list of everything necessary for a successful week and what to pack for a ski trip!

What to Pack for a Ski Trip

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Ski Trip Packing List

Start from the bottom:

When you are heading for the slopes, layers are your best friend. When you first head out you may be freezing, but after you’ve done a few runs you start to get warm.

Then when you’re back on the lift – guess what? Cold again! Your first layer should be sock liners, underwear, sports bra, then on top of that you have your base layer top and bottom. Something that wicks moisture is preferred. Don’t forget some nice warm wool socks!

Keep them layers coming

After you’ve got all your under layers on, I liked to throw on a tshirt. When you stop for lunch or go inside for a break, you’ll take your jacket off, so I like to have on something over my thermals. I also wore a fleece half zip from Columbia as an extra layer that can easily be removed.

Then of course you have your ski jacket and ski pants (ski pants). The pants are pretty forgiving, and usually have an adjustable waist. They fit loosely so you can layer underneath and so they can get over your boots.

When picking a jacket, find one with a handy pocket for your cell phone so you aren’t unzipping each time you want to get it out. I also like bringing another lighter weight jacket.

Accessories, the best for last!

Lastly, you want to make sure you cover the rest of ya! You want some thick, waterproof ski gloves for when you’re out on the slopes. I kept my smaller, “tech” gloves in my pockets so if I was walking around and wanted to text I could without my hands getting too cold.

Two things I recommended buying instead of renting (if you can) are your boots and helmet. They don’t cost much to rent, but next time I want to bring my own. You may think you’re too cool for a helmet, but after I fell twice on this trip and hit my head HARD I was extremely grateful for a helmet.

I 100% would have had a concussion if it hadn’t been for that helmet. You’ll need goggles, and want to make sure you strap those to your helmet. Lastly, keep your beanie handy for when you come off the mountain – keeps ya warm and it looks really cute!

Après-ski

One of my favorite parts of traveling to somewhere cold is I have the opportunity to wear all the things it doesn’t get cold enough in Houston for! I absolutely love over sized sweaters and Utah had the perfect weather for them.

When you’re off the slopes, the same advice stands for layering. Throw on a vest over your sweater or flannel. Also, sunglasses are needed. The Ray-Ban aviators are my favorite and come in several colors. Waterproof boots are another MUST HAVE.

Get a pair of the amazing Bzees Luscious Water Resistant Boots. I loved this boots so much! They are lightweight and very comfortable; my feet stayed dry and warm the entire trip. Make sure you also bring along warm pajamas for getting cozy by the fire at the end of a long day.