The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

So, you’ve planned a mountain getaway and now you’re not sure how to start packing for it? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re planning on hitting the slopes every day or just want to relax by the fire inside your chalet, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive ski holiday packing list. Read on to find out what clothes, accessories, equipment and other items we recommend you bring on a ski trip.

• Ski gear and/or snowboard equipment
• Ski and/or snowboard clothing and accessories
• Après ski clothes and accessories
• Toiletries and personal care items
• Technology and extras
• Travel documents and ski passes

You can’t go on a ski vacation without ski equipment! Whether you pack your own gear or rent is entirely up to you, but we do recommend making this decision based on your ski destination and skill level.

If you’re driving from Vancouver to Whistler, for example, it’s easy to toss a ski bag filled with your goggles, ski boots and helmet in the trunk or on the roof rack. Flying with your equipment to the Swiss Alps, on the other hand, can be quite expensive — and will vary depending on what airline you’re travelling with. When you think of it that way, renting can maybe help you save money. And of course, renting is also a great option for novice skiers/snowboarders who are going on their first ski trip.

• Skis/snowboard
• Ski/snowboard boots
• Ski poles
• Goggles
• Helmet
• Boot bag (heated, if you feel like treating yourself)
• A multi-tool for making quick adjustments and repairs

When it comes to ski clothing, you want to focus on items that will help you stay warm and dry. Think waterproof ski jackets and pants, neck warmers and at least one pair of wool ski socks.

The number of tops and bottoms that you bring should be based on the amount of time you’ll be on the mountain — but don’t be shy about packing a bit more than you think you’ll need. Bluebird days aren’t guaranteed, and you’ll appreciate having the extra layers if you end up hitting the slopes in less than ideal (aka wet and slushy) conditions.

• Ski base layers, mid layers and top layers
  • Moisture-wicking tops and bottoms
  • Insulating sweaters and vests
  • Wind and water-resistant ski jacket
• Ski trousers/snowboard pants
• Waterproof gloves and glove liners
• Neck warmer and/or balaclava
• Ski socks

The reason you’ve booked a ski vacation is to, well, ski… but that’s probably not the only thing you’ll be doing on the mountain. In other words, you need to pack more than just your ski gear and ski clothing!

Going for a rejuvenating soak in your ski resort’s hot tub? Put a bathing suit and a pair of sandals in your luggage. Making a reservation at a nice restaurant? You might want to wear a dress or suit pants. Planning on exploring the village? Bring sweaters, boots and hats that will keep you warm while walking outdoors.

• Casual shirts and sweaters
• Down or fleece vest
• Warm winter jacket
• Jeans and other pants
• Waterproof snow boots and/or winter boots with extra grip
• Toque and scarf
• Gloves or mittens
• Small backpack or day bag
• Cocktail attire
• Bathing suits
• Flip flops and/or slippers (for walking from your hotel room to the pool deck)
• Sleepwear
• Socks and underwear
• Sunglasses
• Jewellery

Pro tip: Save space and keep things organized in your suitcase with packing cubes. For example, you can put base layers and mid layers in one, dressy outfits in another and undergarments in another.

The personal care items that you pack for a ski holiday will be a bit different than what you would pack for, say, a Mexico vacation or cruise. Instead of loading up your toiletry bag with makeup, you can get away with just the essentials — plus a few additional products for extra warmth and safety reasons. If you tend to get cold easily on a ski day, toe warmers will be game changing. As will lip balm, for those who struggle with dry lips in sub-zero temperatures.

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Soap or bodywash
• Makeup
• Face wipes
• Lip balm
• Sun cream (to protect your face on sunny and overcast ski days)
• Deodorant
• Hairbrush
• Period products
• Hand sanitizer
• Razor or shaving kit
• Prescriptions, supplements and multivitamins
• Glasses and contact lenses
• Sports tape, as well as wrist guards and/or knee pads
• Hand warmers and toe warmers
• Mini first-aid kit
• Water bottle or hydration pack

When you’re not busy racing down black diamond runs or doing tricks in the terrain park, you’re going to want to settle in for a cozy night at your ski resort. Pack these tech gadgets and extra activities in your bag so that you can while away your evenings playing games, reading a book or uploading footage from your day to Instagram.

• Mobile phone and other devices
• Waterproof camera or GoPro
• Waterproof phone case
• Portable charger
• Travel adaptors (if travelling outside Canada or the US)
• Headphones
• Novels and magazines
• Cards and other games

There are some things you need to pack on every vacation. So, this is us reminding you to double check that you’ve got all your paperwork, including photo IDs and travel insurance documents. Oh! And don’t forget your ski pass — the most essential item required for a ski vacation.

• Passport (if travelling internationally) and other photo ID
• Ski passes and reservation confirmations
• Maps for navigating mountain roads and ski hills
• Health and travel insurance papers
• International drivers license, depending on your destination
• Credit cards and/or cash (reminder: don’t rely on the currency exchange counter in the airport)

Now that you have this ski packing list in hand, it’s time to make the most of your mountain getaway! Contact our Travel Experts if you need any additional advice, tips or recommendations — your centre for travel can help with everything from booking rental cars to purchasing insurance.