Last Updated on March 1, 2022 by Tia
In this article, I’ll be giving you a ski trip packing list, that goes far beyond looking cute on the slopes!
Ideally, your clothes should help protect you from the elements, keep you dry and keep the cold out.
So without further ado, let me show you exactly what you need, in my ultimate ski trip packing list!
Table of Contents
Why you need a ski trip packing list
Did you Book the ski trip of a lifetime? Are you ready to hit the slopes, and conquer the snowy mountains?
Fantastic; but first you need to pack!
While summer sports like surfing don’t include much more than a swimsuit and a surfboard… ski and snowboarding require a much larger packing list that goes far beyond the need to feel and look good.
The often sub-zero temperatures, snow, and strong cold winds mean you do not only need to dress warmly.
You need to dress right– to avoid injuries, have optimal performance on the slopes, and avoid losing all fingers and toes up there!
Ski Trip Packing List
1. Thermal Top
Look for Synthetic base layers which are largely made from polyester and polyester blends.
These base layers will keep the wearer warm down to about -8 to -10 degrees when worn in combination with ski outerwear.
Polyester base layers are quick-drying, lightweight, and keep away moisture from the skin to keep you dry.
This one is pretty great comes in a few colors and it’s inexpensive too!
2. Thermal Bottoms
Freezing cold toes is just not the one is it!
Trust me, while you might be tempted to simply layer leggings, you are going to swiftly regret that decision when you are 20 minutes in a ski ride in -10 degrees!
These thermal bottoms are in my wardrobe essentials since my Bansko snowboard trip and I’m glad I made the purchase!
They are the ideal base layer under anything, from ski pants to jeans and tracksuits too.
3. Ski socks
Avoid layering 2-3 pairs of athletic socks! Those will still get wet and will give you painful blisters!
Instead, choose one pair of wool or acrylic socks and you will not regret the purchase!
Money-Saving tip: Proper Ski socks are expensive! So buy one pair, and then layer normal thermal socks underneath to keep the ski socks clean and double the effect and warmth.
Keeping toes warm and dry is probably the most important part of packing for winter trips!
Very happy with these ones, and they come at a great price!
4. Ski Trousers
If you are a fan of having a wet bum, keep scrolling.
I, on the other hand, have 0 intentions of walking around in wet trousers!
A pair of waterproof ski trousers will cover your boots, keep you warm and dry!
Choose wisely, you will be reusing these a lot!
I cannot stress enough how important having a pair of ski trousers is, or how it will greatly benefit your trip!
5. Ski Jacket
A ski suit is made from wind- and water-resistant or waterproof fabric, and has a non-removable liner made of nylon, silk, cotton, or taffeta.
It is an absolute lifesaver on the slopes!
A good ski jacket will be equipped with lots of hidden pockets to keep all your valuables safe and dry! (For example your ski pass card, phone, power bank, camera, etc)
6. Ski Gloves
A good pair of waterproof ski gloves with specialized grip surfaces is a must.
Normal gloves just won’t do! There’s nothing worse than wet, freezing cold hands, and once your body heat drops past a certain point, it gets very painful!
These ski gloves are the best purchase I made by far, couldn’t have survived my trip without them.
7. Goggles or Ski Mask
Ski goggles are an important piece of kit.
They protect your eyes from the elements, such as snow, wind, and harmful UV rays, while improving your vision so that you get to see the mountain as well as possible.
On clear, sunny days, (or for beginners) you can wear sunglasses instead.
Having said that, beginners fall down a lot whilst learning so you run the risk of losing or breaking your sunglasses.
Ski goggles have a firm elastic band that never slips – and if you are renting a helmet, they can be attached to the helmet for extra protection.
8. A warm wool hat or ear protector
Keeps your head and ears warm, and adds another layer of protection underneath the helmet.
9. Walking Shoes
You need a pair of waterproof shoes that have enough traction underneath to safely walk in the snow.
You will not wear these shoes whilst skiing or snowboarding, but you will wear them everywhere else!
They are your ”every day and every night” type of shoe, and you can use them for trekking and other activities too.
10. Balaclava or neck warmer.
A neck warmer is otherwise known as a neck gaiter or neck tube. It is perfect for keeping your neck and lower face warm and stopping the snow from going down the collar of your ski jacket.
A balaclava is a form of cloth headgear designed to expose only part of the face. Usually, only the eyes, mouth, and nose, or just the front of the face are unprotected.
A lot of experienced skiers and snowboard enthusiasts choose those, as it protects them from the cold wind when they are racing down the slopes.
11. A Good Backpack
A good backpack is necessary for every travel scenario! I take mine everywhere, including the airport!
When skiing or snowboarding, it’s great to have so you can carry all your essentials every day. Your hands will be busy carrying your gear!
This particular backpack is water-resistant, spacious, and has a USB charging fort!
This exact ski trip packing list got me through the -10 temperatures in Bansko and made snowboarding so much more comfortable and easy!
The first time I snowboarded I had the completely wrong gear and I ended up getting pneumonia!
I can also still remember the feeling of the crusty, freezing wet clothes on my body!
Thanks for reading guys!
Subscribe below for exclusive travel discounts, and make sure to follow my Instagram too, as I always announce travel news there too!
Love, Tia
P.s Enjoy packing guys- it’s one of my most favorite things to do!
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