How To Pack For A Ski Trip

This post was updated in January 2022 with current favorites. 

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!

1. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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?

Notable ski favorites:

Smartwool Socks –– These are by far my favorite, the best and the most fun! They have lots of fun patterns and prints as well as basics for men and women. If you are like me and your feet get cold and then you are miserable, you know how important it is to have the right socks.

Glove Liners –  These are a MUST and are to be worn underneath your ski gloves. Likely you will have to make some adjustments throughout the day and with liners, you’ll avoid freezing hands when you need to take off those heavy duty gloves.

Base Layers  – There are lots of great options for base layers out there! You can spend a pretty penny for the best of the best, or get some basics that will certainly keep you warm as well. Burton has some fun patterns at affordable prices. Smartwool has some amazing Merino Wool pieces that will last you years and years of ski trips.

~ Ski Trip Essentials ~