OK SO. This is a super niche post, but after years of traveling & packing for ski trips across the country, I felt I had to share what we’ve learned. If you are an avid skier and have your own equipment, these tips are for you!
Before we get to the packing, let’s briefly talk about ski trip essentials.
- Invest in your base layer – since this is the layer that is closest to the skin, you want to invest in quality long johns. Brands that we discovered keep you the warmest are: Under Armour, Hot Chilis & Smart Wool.
- Layer, layer, layer – if you are skiing in especially cold temperatures, you will want your long johns, as well as a mid-layer (ex. a half-zip turtleneck) before you bundle up with your ski coat. A cozy ski sweater also makes for a good mid-layer! Making sure that your upper body is warm will keep you MUCH happier on the slopes.
- Goggles – Goggles will not only help you out when the fresh powder is flowing from the skies, but will also keep your face warm! Definitely a necessity.
- Socks – SMART. WOOL. SOCKS. They’re expensive, but will keep your toesies warm in your boots and that’s what really matters.
OK~! Time for the packing tips ~
- Utilize your ski bag – If you have your own skis and ski bag, utilize the space in your ski bag! During the year, I store all of my ski gear in my ski bag so that I know where it is. When it comes time to pack for the next trip, I always pack items like my snow boots, mid-layers and extra long john layers in the ski bag to make room in my suitcase for non-ski related clothes and shoes. This trip, my dad packed almost all of his stuff in his ski bag, which meant one less bag to travel with!
- Always carry-on your ski boots – Because travel during the winter can be unpredictable, {which we learned the hard way a few times with cancelled flights and lost bags}, it is best to carry-on your own ski boots. If anything happens and your luggage doesn’t make it with you to your final destination, you want to have the essentials and ski boots are absolutely essential. There is truly nothing worse than renting ski boots if you are used to skiing in your own. So, pack ’em up in your carry-on and don’t let them out of your sight. {This new Delsey luggage set had the perfect carry-on size for John’s boots!}
- Pack a days worth of ski gear in your carry-on – This goes with the above! Your carry-on should not only have your boots, but also your ski coat and a full set of ski gear – long johns and all. Again, in case your luggage doesn’t make it with you, you want to be sure you are able to ski even if your luggage doesn’t arrive on time.
- Pack extras – pack an extra pair of long johns, ski socks, neck gators and mid-layers if you have them! A winter ski trip is one of the times when I would endorse packing more than you need. You never know when you are going to take a tumble and get soaked through your clothes with snow! You want to have extra pairs of essential items, justttt in case your things don’t dry overnight. Trust me, I know from experience {no wipe outs this past trip though! go me!}
Drop a comment below if you have upcoming ski trip plans! Where do you like to ski?
Kileen
February 8, 2020 at 3:07 am (5 years ago)Such a perfect packing list! And packing extra is really helpful!!
Kileen
cute & little
Greta
February 9, 2020 at 11:21 pm (5 years ago)These packing tips are so good! I need to plan a ski trip ASAP!
Lee
February 10, 2020 at 2:26 pm (5 years ago)Ok thanks for sharing this- I have an upcoming ski trip to Mt. Baker so definitely need this guide!
Lizzie
February 10, 2020 at 3:12 am (5 years ago)I’ve actually never been skiing but these tips are amazing! Definitely saving this post for the future!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Radi
February 10, 2020 at 3:27 am (5 years ago)I haven’t skied in so many years but I do miss it. Packing for a winter trip requires so much more space and layering.
http://www.fashionradi.com
Sarah Lindner
February 10, 2020 at 9:01 am (5 years ago)Haven’t been skiing in a good while but hoping to make a trip before the season is over! Great tips! xoxo, Sarah
Hillary
February 10, 2020 at 10:54 am (5 years ago)I can’t believe I’ve never been skiing but this totally makes me want to! Love everything you packed!
shianne
February 10, 2020 at 11:21 am (5 years ago)great tips! I have not been skiing in so long !
Rach
February 10, 2020 at 11:48 am (5 years ago)I’ve only been skiing once and been wanting to try to go again. For sure I was unprepared so next time, I will have to check resort to these packing tips!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Stephanie
February 11, 2020 at 9:48 am (5 years ago)I’ve never been skiing, but it sounds like you’ve got everything covered with this packing list!
Tanvi Rastogi
February 11, 2020 at 1:16 pm (5 years ago)I have only skied once and I fell so often that I never went back. HA! Your packing list sounds perfect though.
❥ tanvii.com
Caitlin
February 11, 2020 at 3:01 pm (5 years ago)I haven’t been skiing yet this year because the weather SUCKS so reading this post of what to pack makes me so jealous of everyone on their trips! Wool socks are def a must for skiing!
Em
February 12, 2020 at 9:48 am (5 years ago)so many great tips! I am all about layering when it comes to cold weather & especially skiing!
Kristina
February 17, 2020 at 9:52 am (5 years ago)I wrote a similar post last year! Totally agree with the smart wool- the knee high wool socks are life changing!
thecrystalpress@gmail.com
February 19, 2020 at 12:36 pm (5 years ago)they TOTALLY are!