What to pack for a ski trip can seem like an impossible task!
What to wear skiing is so bulky and your bag fills with just a few items. You certainly don’t want to forget something or leave important gear at home. Because let’s face it. Skiing requires you to be comfortable and anything less will have you racing toward the lodge.
Your only remaining option will be to purchase overpriced gear on the mountain or squander an entire trip. Whether you’re skiing in the Swiss Alps, Canada’s Mont Tremblant, or a ski resort close to home you need to be warm and comfortable in your gear.
I’m a light and practical traveler who has worked and reworked how to get the most out of my bag’s space and the gear I bring. So, I focus on only the ski essentials and I thought it would be helpful to share my travel-tested ski trip packing list with you, as well!
13 Essentials You Need to Pack for a Ski Trip
1. Base Layers
Effective base layers are total workhorses. Base layers are the first thing you put on and your last line of defense against the cold. They are the key to every warm ski ensemble and should be at the very top of your ski packing list.
Layer up with soft merino wool Icebreakers or Omni-Heat tops and bottoms. These base layers are so warm and comfy you won’t want to take them off! They can be rolled up and squeezed into the tightest crevices in your bag or compressed into my favorite packing cubes.
Depending on the length of your ski vacation, 1-2 base layer sets should suffice. Also, consider the temperatures you’ll be skiing in. The difference between lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight baselayers is significant, and choosing the wrong one can leave you feeling too hot or too cold.
If it’s your first time skiing and the weather will generally be in the low 30sF with mostly sunny skies, go for midweight base layer leggings and tops to ensure a cozy warm body temperature without getting overheated and sweaty.
2. Ski Jacket
The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket is a high-performance, two-layer shell for ultimate warmth and wind protection. And, when you’re figuring out what to pack for skiing and other snow fun, a rock-solid jacket is a must.
This cozy Patagonia jacket is a waterproof ski jacket to not only keep you dry but also wrap you in a shell of impermeable heat. You’ll feel absolutely no cold when you have this coat on together with your other ski layers.
Best of all, you can move in this coat! Good ski gear shouldn’t make you feel like you’re weighed down in layers unable to sport your snow carving skills! So even if you opt for a down jacket, it should be thin and allow your body to movefreely.
The bonus is there’s no need to pack multiple outer layers because you’ll be able to manage with just this coat for skiing and après-ski. So, you’ll be checking off 2 items on your ski trip packing list and saving space in your bag. Win-win 🙂
3. Ski Mittens (Not Ski Gloves!)
Be sure your ski trip checklist includes waterproof and warm women’s ski mittens and a flexible pair of glove liners. Your hands and fingers won’t even know they’re being pelted with cold air as you ski downhill.
I love how good ski mittens maximize my own body heat by keeping my fingers together while the glove liners offer protection against the elements when I take off my mittens and tap away at my touchscreen! With this combo, I’ve never felt the need for additional hand warmers.
And if it’s your first ski trip and you’re thinking why not skip the liners and just go with a pair of ski gloves, let me spare you the cold hands. Gloves aren’t as warm as mittens because your fingers aren’t together to share warmth. Plus, gloves let more heat escape than mittens.
- Guaranteed Warmth, Waterproofing & Versatility : Built for riders who don’t wait for perfect weather, our insulated Women’s GORE-TEX Mittens deliver all-conditions performance with dependable protection from moisture and cold; featuring an ergonomic pre-curved fit, the versatile two-in-one design includes a removable liner for customizable layering; ride with confidence knowing all Burton outerwear is backed by a Lifetime Warranty
- Ventilated Construction : Equipped with breathable GORE-TEX Plus Warm technology and low-profile ThermacoreECO insulation made from 95% recycled materials, the well-balanced build keeps hands dry and toasty without sacrificing airflow or moisture control
- Smart Design & Tech : Rider-friendly features include a heater/vent pocket, a removable wrist leash for easy handling, a D-ring and hook for secure attachment, a soft nose wipe on the thumb for quick cleanups, and an adjustable wrist cinch & extended gauntlet to lock in warmth and keep snow out; built-in Screen Grab tech allows full touchscreen control without having to remove gear
4. Ski Pants
Columbia’s Bugaboo ski pants are stylish and perfect for cold weather conditions, not to mention the solid colors go with many different color fleece tops. During ski breaks, I like taking my coat off in the lodge and wearing ski clothes that actually match, contrary to the many other loud and colorful items of ski clothing.
Thinking about what to take skiing, I’m always tempted to pack more ski pants than I need. But, limit yourself to 2 pairs, even though that 3rd pair is literally screaming your name as you zip (and lock) your bag.
And because there is crossover between skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking when it comes to essential winter travel gear, check out this guide with more details about women’s winter outdoor pants.
5. Fleeces
By now, you’ve probably realized how much of a winter gear geek I am! But I’m serious about warmth and comfort to maximize the fun on the slopes.
Fleeces make packing for a ski trip so easy because of their versatility. Wear them over a base layer for a day on the slopes. Layer them on their own as a jacket for a warmer ski day. After a day on the slopes, lounge by the fire wearing a fleece and yoga pants or match them with your favorite leggings (or even better favorite fleece-lined leggings!) for a casual après ski hang.
Because of their multi-uses, I’d pack 2-3 fleeces depending on the length of your trip. This way, you can have 1-2 for skiing, but an extra for après ski to go along with this cozy sweater or this cozy sweater for lounging and dinners out.
6. Ski Goggles
Anon’s Women Snow Goggles are one of the best investments I’ve ever made in my ski gear.
- PERCEIVE lens provides high-contrast vision and terrain defining clarity in just about any light condition; A hydrophobic and oleophobic coating provides unmatched smudge, scratch, and moisture resistance on the outer lens surface for clear optics and easy cleaning
I love the interchangeable, anti-fog lenses for different lighting conditions. They have a great fit and sometimes I almost forget I have them on!
If you’re wondering whether these are skiing essentials for beginners or you’re simply an occasional skier who needs a casual price point to match how many times you’ll wear a pair of ski goggles, these OTG goggles are best-sellers. I’ve bought several pairs as gifts for growing kids and first time skiers and they’ve worked like a charm!
ProTip: It’s always better to ski with goggles instead of sun glasses, especially if you wear contact lenses like me. Sun glasses are great to have back at the lodge or while taking a break at a mountainside cafe, but they can fly off while you’re skiing. Not to mention the air hitting your eyes can dry out your eyes and contacts.
7. Neck Gaiter
Scarves are so cozy for an après ski hangout but an absolute no-no when skiing. They are a hazard if they flap around in the wind and shift, opening up spaces where cold air can slip through to your skin.
A neck gaiter slides over your neck and the fleece insulates against the wind, cold, and any wetness, be it from sweat or precipitation. It’s a definite when deciding what to bring on a ski trip.
- SOFT & STRETCHY: These neck gaiters for men and women are constructed from double layers of luxurious Chelonia 150 fleece
- BREATHABLE: Comfortable neck gaiter women and men can wear during outdoor activities without worrying about sweat buildup
- 100% RECYCLED: Seamless construction from polyester made entirely from post-consumer materials
8. Ski Socks
What to bring skiing must include the right socks! Uncomfortable and cold feet mean less time on the slopes and more time in the lodge.
Made from soft merino wool, these women’s ski socks will cushion your feet inside of your ski boots and keep your toes toasty and dry by wicking away sweat. Your ski holiday packing list doesn’t have to include foot warmers with the right socks. Bring 2-4 pairs depending on how many days you’ll be skiing.
- 30% Merino Wool For Extra Warmth and Comfort: Softer and finer than regular wool, Merino provides soft and itch-free comfort against the skin. Its natural temperature regulation keeps you warm in the cold and wicks moisture, ensuring all-day comfort in any season. Merino Wool Ski Socks deliver exceptional wearing experience during long time in cold weather.
- Good Breathability Keeps Dry & Odorless: Made with moisture-wicking merino wool, these sport socks pull sweat away and promote airflow to keep your feet dry and odorless. Stay dry and fresh all day long. They’ re perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or staying cozy in cold weather.
- Over-the-Calf & Seamless Toe Design – The over calf length offers added warmth and support for your calves, while the seamless toe reduces friction and helps prevent blisters. The non-slip cuff keeps the ski socks securely in place without sliding down, ensuring a perfect fit inside your over-the-calf ski boots.
9. Hydration Pack
Essential ski gear isn’t only about the right clothing. You need to hydrate but you can’t exactly carry a water bottle while you’re skiing especially if you’re someone who sweats!
Instead, stay hydrated with a sleek Camelbak Women’s Hydration Pack. It’s compact and holds 1.5 liters of fluids. It’s also functional, storing small items like keys and money. The hydration chamber inside is replaceable, but the pack itself comes with a lifetime guarantee.
The hydration pack is also useful for other outdoor activities, like hiking and biking so you can really get your money’s worth!
- Crux Reservoir: 85oz capacity delivers 20 percent more water per sip with ergonomic handle and leak-preventing on/off lever
- Breathable Back Panel: Air mesh design ensures lightweight comfort and ventilation during rides
- Ventilated Mesh Harness: Provides a secure, breathable fit for long-distance cycling
10. Ear Warmer Headband
Hopefully, you always ski with a helmet. I never pack mine for ski trips where I’m flying to the mountain. It’s easy enough to rent one from the mountain rental shop where you’ll be skiing and save space in your bag.
But while your helmet keeps your head warm, it’s important to cover your ears and forehead, too. That’s where a fleece ear warmer comes in.
Ladies, it actually works with your ponytail, rather than do everything possible to slide the elastic band out of place and thus cause hair havoc. The fleece is cozy around your head and face and thin enough to comfortably fit under a helmet.
- Warmth, Comfort & No Bad Hair Days: These winter fleece headbands will come to your rescue on many a cold winter’s day. They keep your ears warm from the wind, and stay in place. Unlike beanies, these premium fleece headbands provide unsurpassed heat retention while keeping your hairstyle intact. It’s perfect for any hair length too. Go on looking your best on the morning run or on your commute.
- Cover Your Ears: Don’t mess around with heat coverage this winter. Other headbands have an even width around, so they don’t cover your entire ear. Tough‘s premium fleece cold weather headbands widen at the ear to keep them extra warm. Whether running outdoors or to the office, these cold weather headbands stay in place, and won’t slip off. Perfect for jogging, hiking, biking, skiing, and other outdoor winter sports.
- Winteractive: Traditional ear muffs can be bulky. Other headbands are great for wicking moisture, but don’t retain heat. The premium fleece/spandex blend ensures a snug fit over your ears. Your ears will stay warm while listening to your workout playlist or audiobooks, with the cord securely in place. Best of all, you can comfortably wear earbuds too, so you never miss a call.
11. Kleenex & Other Important Toiletries
Dare I state the obvious? It’s cold. Your nose is runny as you carve your way down the piste. This doesn’t feel good, nor is it a good look. Be sure to keep some Kleenex Go Packs in your coat pockets.
- 1 pack of Kleenex On-the-Go Pocket Pack Facial Tissues, 3-Ply, 10 tissues per pack
In addition, you’ll want to make sure you have sun protection. You don’t want to end the day feeling good only to realize you’ve got ski goggle tan lines! Lip balm is also a must for your ski bag. One lick leads to another and another until you’ve got red, irritated chapped lips from the cold.
12. Winter Boots
Sorel Women’s Caribou Boots are the perfect solution to already crowded suitcases. You can wear these boots on your way to the slopes and while out and about after a day on the mountain.
They’re snow boots, so they keep your feet dry and warm and have solid traction on the snow. They work perfectly with your favorite pair of jeans or leggings when the day is done. When deciding what to pack for a ski holiday, these are really the only shoes you’ll need.
I also love these Columbia boots! They are beyond warm, look great, and are a favorite winter boot to wear for a ski trip or even a packing essential for a city winter trip.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY: The waterproof leather upper features our seem-sealed membrane bootie construction, and our TECHLITE lightweight midsole, which provides long-lasting comfort with superior cushioning and high energy return.
- STYLE MEETS FUNCTION: The perfect combination of function and style, with its quilted ankle support. You’ll find plenty of flex in the boot that also looks great wherever you go.
- ALL WEATHER TRACTION: Our signature Omni-GRIP non-marking traction rubber outsole providing versatility for all winter wear without worry during indoor use.
13. Winter Hat
Remember to pack a warm winter hat. You won’t always be wearing your helmet and you’ll surely want to let your hair down from that ponytail. I’m biased because I just love a cute warm hat that I can wear after a day on the mountain but it always baffles me when I see red-eared people walking around in the winter without one.
- SLOUCHY, COOL STYLE: This oversized slouch beanie is perfectly slouchy, while still looking put together. Stay casual and embrace our slouch hats for…
- TOASTY CABLE-KNIT WARMTH: Knitted using 100% premium acrylic yarn, tour slouchy beanies for women offers lightweight warmth without making you sweat….
- COMFY FIT FOR ALL: Leave your beanie fit struggles behind! Our premium, soft acrylic beanie winter hats for women stretch to fit all noggins–yes…
Ski Essentials: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the best ski trip packing list.
Ski Essentials
Your ski holiday packing list should include base and mid layers, ski pants, a ski jacket, ski socks, ski goggles, ski mittens, glove liners, a neck gaiter, and a fleece headband. You will also need skis and poles, ski boots, and a helmet, but these can be rented from the ski mountain if you don’t have them or prefer not to travel with them.
The skiing essentials you should pack for a trip are 1-2 base layer sets, 1-2 fleece mid layers, 1-2 pairs of ski pants, 1 ski jacket, 2-3 pairs of ski socks, a pair of ski goggles, a pair of ski mittens & glove liners, a fleece neck gaiter, and a fleece headband. For apres-ski, pack warm clothing like fleece-lined leggings, snow boots, a winter hat & scarf, and a cozy sweater.
The things a beginner needs for skiing focus on warmth and comfort! Start with a base layer, ski socks, and a pair of ski pants. Then, layer a fleece on top. What to wear skiing also includes a ski jacket, ski mittens (for maximum warmth) & glove liners, a fleece neck gaiter, a fleece headband for your ears and to hold back your hair, and a pair of ski goggles.
Ski equipment like skis, boots, poles, and a helmet can be easily rented wherever you’re going to ski.
What to Wear Skiing
No. Jeans are not ok for skiing. Jeans offer no warmth or range of motion. They also absorb sweat and water/snow which does not dry quickly and will make you even colder.
Things you should not wear skiing include jeans, leggings, or any material like cotton that absorbs moisture from sweat or snow which will make you feel cold and wet. Also, ski clothes and layers need to allow for movement. Any piece of clothing or material that is too stiff will make it difficult to move your body appropriately and ski.
Your ski pants should be just right, not too tight or too loose. A base layer should fit comfortably under your ski pants.
No. Don’t ski in leggings. They offer no protection from cold, wind, or moisture. Also, if you fall (which happens to the best of us!), leggings made of a thin material could rip.
No, you should not wear leggings under ski pants. Base layers are designed to be thin and flexible, as well as reflect your body heat back towards your skin to keep you warm.
No, you should not wear sweats under your ski pants. Sweats are not designed for warmth or to repel moisture the way base layers are. In addition, sweats are bulky and could be uncomfortable under ski pants, as well as limit your range of motion on the slopes.
No, you should not wear a sweatshirt under a ski jacket. Sweatshirts are b
Cotton absorbs moisture from sweat, rain, snow, sleet, and ice. Once wet, it does not dry quickly which will make you feel very cold. Cotton is also not designed for optimal warmth. Base layers, fleeces, and merino wool socks are much better at keeping you warm.
Ski Socks
Thin, warm socks made from merino wool are best for skiing. Thick socks limit your toe movement (which should always be able to wiggle in your ski sock and ski boot!) and could cut off circulation.
No, you should not double up on socks when skiing. Ski trip essentials include a thin, warm merino wool ski sock. Doubling up on socks could compromise the comfort of your ski boot and limit blood flow to your toes.
Ski socks should be worn over thermals.
Ski socks should be just right, not too tight or not too loose. If ski socks are too tight, they could cut off circulation to your toes. If ski socks are too loose, your toes and foot might slide around too much in your ski boot.
Yes, ski socks are worth it! Your skiing trip checklist should include at least 2 pairs of ski socks. These socks are designed to be thin, warm, and fit comfortably inside your ski boots.
Here you have your ski trip packing list with only the absolute ski essentials and nothing else! What to wear to go skiing shouldn’t be overwhelming or time-consuming. Better to keep your suitcase light and save your energy for the slopes. Don’t you agree?! 🙂
Did I miss anything? What essentials do you pack for a ski trip?
Like this post? Please share it on social media using the share buttons below!
