Wondering what to pack for a ski trip this winter? I’ve created this handy ski trip packing list to help you out! I’ve included a printable ski packing list that you can print at home to help you organise yourself or your entire family. After spending two winters in a row at one of the best ski resorts in North America, I think I have a good idea on what to bring on a ski trip.
I had no idea what to bring skiing when we were headed to Park City at the start of 2015. We had no winter gear so had to start from scratch. If you’ve never skied before or even visited a cold winter destination, it’s hard to know what you need to bring.
What You'll Find in This Post
Tips on Packing for a Ski Trip
Pack Like Items Together
Instead of packing each person’s belongings in a separate bag, I find it much easier to pack like items together. Pack everyone’s ski clothes in one bag, pack off-mountain clothes in another, pack swim gear for the hot tub in a packing cube. If your kids are under 10, chances are Mom and Dad will be helping them get geared up each day.
Organise with Packing Cubes
Use packing cubes to organise your off mountain clothes. If you’re travelling as a family, use one packing cube for each family member. Buying different colours will help you know who’s is who’s. You can keep everyone’s swim suits for the hot tub in a separate one too. If you’re not already a packing cubes convert, check them out here!
Read my complete guide to packing cubes here including a video on how to use them!
Duffel Bags or Suitcases?
Ski gear is bulky which makes it a little harder to pack and impossible to fold or roll neatly. Your clothes for the mountain will pack better into a duffel bag. Pack your boots in the middle and stuff smaller items, like ski gloves, around them. This duffel bag is a great size and is super cheap!
Be Prepared!
If you’re not used to the cold or haven’t skied before, you won’t know about all the little things that are essential during cold weather. Be prepared and come with warm clothes, waterproof boots and don’t forget your bathing suit. Seriously! We use our hot tub at our ski condo in Park City all the time during the winter.
What to Pack for a Ski Trip
I’ve broken my ski packing list down into two columns depending on if you’re travelling for a weekend or a whole week. Anything longer than a week and you can just wear and wash the same things over again. In North America, most ski resorts and ski condos will have drying racks and washer dryers in the unit. Most will supply laundry detergent but you might want to throw some Tide Pods in a ziploc bag just in case they don’t.
Here’s what you’ll need when you’re packing for a ski trip. Download the printable checklist version with quantities below!
Ski Clothes
- Ski pants and jacket – My favourite brand is Obermeyer as they make plus size ski gear. Check out their pants here!
- Thermal under layer
- Fleece
- Skiing or snowboarding socks – These SmartWool ski socks are the best!
- Beanie and neck gaiter or face warmer – Burton Dri Release Wool Neck Warmer, True Black Heather, One Size
- Ski goggles – Read my post on the best ski goggles for kids here.
Ski Gear – If you’re renting ski gear on the mountain, skip this section.
- Skis / Snowboard
- Ski / Snowboard boots
- Bindings
- Ski poles
- Helmet (if necessary)
Off-Mountain Clothes / Apres Ski Clothes
- Extra jacket or coat – Packable down jackets are awesome for travel! You can read my full post on packable down jackets here.
- Fleece tops or jumpers – Merino jumpers are great for lightweight layers that provide warmth.
- T-shirts (mix long & short sleeved)
- Jeans, pants or leggings – Fleece leggings are a life saver on cold days!
- Pajama’s or loungewear
- Underwear and socks
- Snow boots
- Ugg boots or slippers for around the lodge
- Scarf and gloves or mittens
- Sunglasses (snow can be glary!)
- Swim suit & flip flops for the hot tub! I love these Retro Vintage One Piece Swimwear Swimsuits
Ski Gear For Baby
- Puffy bunting or snow suit
- Fleece onsies
- Thermal under layer
- Fleece pajamas
- Fleece blanket – Very useful for the car or when you’re carrying baby around in a capsule, front pack or stroller.
- Fleece or wool hat
- Mittens – Ski mittens for kids are great for babies if they’re old enough to play in the snow.
- Diapers & Baby wipes
Toiletries
- Shampoo & conditioner – Use GoToobs to help you pack lighter.
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Moisturiser
- Shaving gear
- Hairbrush and ties
- Contact lenses (if needed)
- Medications (if needed)
- Band aids
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick – Buy a bulk pack and give one for each person skiing
- Deep heat / Tiger balm
- Heat packs – These are AWESOME for gloves and boots on cold days!
- Coconut oil– Can be used for wind-chapped skin and massaging sore muscles
Useful Extras for Ski Vacations
- Small packs of tissues– One pack for everyone skiing
- Granola bars– Buy a big box and dish them out each morning to all your skiiers!
- Small water bottle – Squeezable, collapsible ones like this are great!
- Camelbak Hydrobak for serious skiers
- Portable phone charger– Useful if you’re out all day and using your phone to listen to music.
- Earbud headphones
- Waterproof, shockproof cell phone case
- Go Pro or small camera and selfie stick for ski selfies!
- Laptop & charger
- Cell phone & charger
Ski Trip Packing List + Printable Download
Download this handy printable ski trip checklist for a family ski trip to help make travelling easier this winter. Or pin it for printing out later!
Download the spreadsheet: Click here to download a simple spreadsheet version of my ski trip checklist via Google Docs.
Download the printable: Click here to download the packing checklist as a PDF.
Or just click the checklist below and print!
Here are a few pictures to show you what life at a ski resort is like!
PIN IT!
Got any questions?
If you have any questions about what to pack for your ski trip, please drop me a comment below and I’d be happy to help. You can also get in touch with me via my Facebook page.
What a great list. We just got back from a ski trip and I think it’s one of the hardest family vacations to pack for. Your list would make it SO much easier. Awesome resource!
Wonderul organization! Thank you so much!