Don’t Forget These Must-Haves for Your Ski Trip Packing List

Ski trips are some of the best adventures. You’ll enjoy gorgeous sights and adrenaline rushes, but it will only be a great vacation if you know what to bring. Use a ski trip packing list to simplify your preparations. You’ll have everything you need to have fun, stay safe and take care of yourself while hitting the slopes.

Things to Consider Before You Pack

Any vacation requires some standard suitcase supplies. You’ll need toothpaste, body wash and extra underpants no matter where you go. Before you start adding things to your luggage, keep a few tips in mind for your upcoming trip:

• Skiing is a workout! You’ll need to stay extra hydrated throughout your trip.
• Staying warm is essential when you’re not on the slopes.
• Skiing burns tons of calories, so you’ll want food close by during your vacation.
• You might get blisters under your boots if you don’t ski often.
• You’re more at risk of sunburn because the dry air intensifies ultraviolet (UV) rays while the sun bounces off the snow.

If this is your first skiing experience, arriving prepared is even more critical. You’ll know how to listen to your body’s needs so you have fun without pushing yourself too hard at your chosen ski resort.

The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

Bringing the right supplies makes any vacation more enjoyable. Make sure you add a few skiing essentials to your packing list whether it’s your first trip or not.

1. Fur-Lined Ski Jacket

A durable ski jacket is always essential on the slopes. You’ll want windbreaker material on the outside to shield you from the unrestrained winds on the top of your selected slopes, plus fur on the inside to retain your body heat. Use internal zippered pockets to protect your essentials too. When you get too warm on the slopes, wrap your jacket’s arms around your waist and secure them to each other with the velcro around each wrist.

$89.99 from Amazon

2. Insulated Snow Pants

The stunning architecture and luxury hotel spas at resorts like Vail might make you think you must arrive in style. In reality, everyone’s going to wear snow pants wherever they go. Get yourself a sturdy pair of pants with an adjustable velcro waist and flared legs. They should fit snugly over your ski boots to prevent snow from creeping around your ankles.

$42 from Amazon

3. UV-Resistant Balaclava Mask

While you’re focusing on zipping around trails on the slopes, your skin will withstand constant freezing wind. The outer layer of your face will quickly dry and peel, especially on your lips. Protect your face with a balaclava mask that’s UV-resistant.

You’ll never worry about windburn while your rented ski mask keeps your balaclava securely in place. If you get a multi-pack, you won’t even have to find a laundromat between days on the mountain.

$11.99 from Amazon

4. Knee-High Merino Wool Socks

Imagine all the times you’ve worn tennis shoes and felt your socks slide underneath your heels. Walking on bunched-up socks is no fun. It’s also potentially dangerous if it happens while you’re skiing.

Prevent that from happening by wearing knee-high socks beneath your ski boots. They’ll stretch too high for your snug boots to pull them down. They’ll also keep your blood flowing if they insulate your lower legs with merino wool.

$30.99 from Amazon

5. Liquid IV Hydration Packets

While you might use hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to hydrate your skin cells during your typical routine, your body will need extra hydration support after working out on the slopes all day. Without it, you’ll feel dehydrated, get super dry skin and not have the energy to hit your favorite trails again.

Bring a few Liquid IV hydration packets in your pocket while you’re out and about at your ski resort. You can purchase a bottle of water and add a packet to your drink to instantly treat your body to the electrolyte-boosted hydration it’s craving.

$23.74 from Amazon

6. Flexible Fabric Extra Large Band-Aids

Even the thickest socks can’t prevent blisters on ski slopes. If you only ski once or twice a year, you’ll likely get at least one during your vacation. Skiing requires leaning your knees and toes into each other to stop moving forward. If you’re speeding up and slowing down for hours at a time, you’ll likely get blisters on the inside of your feet or calves.

Bring a few extra large Band-Aids to take care of that problem. You could keep them in one of your jacket pockets. Whenever you feel the uncomfortable burn of a newly forming blister, cover it in a Band-Aid to maximize your slope time without hurting yourself.

$10.16 from Amazon

7. 100 SPF Travel-Sized Coppertone Sunscreen

Sunburn on the ski slopes is a serious problem. People underestimate the UV rays just because it’s cold. Cover your face and neck in 100 SPF sunscreen that’s sweatproof before catching a ride on the chairlift. When you get too hot and need to remove your balaclava, you won’t have to pause your skiing to get sunscreen out of your car.

Remember to get one that’s travel-sized if you’re flying to your ski resort. If you run out during your trip, you can always restock your sunscreen at a local convenience store.

$9.25 from Amazon

8. HotHands Hand Warmers

Reaching the slopes can take a while once you’re ready to start skiing. If you’re visiting one of the more popular resorts, lines to the gondolas, restaurants and rental shops can stretch farther than you can see. Keep some hand warmers in your pockets for those moments. You’ll barely notice the temperature if you have to wait in the cold. HotHands stay warm for up to 10 hours, so they’ll last the whole day while you’re having fun.

$9.99 from Amazon

Save Your Ski Trip Packing List for Future Adventures

Once you have a few foundational things on your ski trip packing list, you’ll get even more excited for your upcoming trip. You’ll protect your health, stay safe and feel your best every minute you’re away from home. You’ll also invest in well-made supplies that last for years, so every trip you take after your first will be more affordable than the last.