Ski Trip Packing List (Ultimate Guide for Multi-Day Ski Vacations)
This ski trip packing list is designed specifically for travelers who want a comprehensive, tested list for multi-day ski vacations. Including gear, après-ski clothing, and toiletries that many other lists overlook.
Planning an entire ski holiday can be stressful. Once accommodations and tickets are booked, you’ll need to start thinking about your ski trip packing list. What gear do you need to bring? Which layers are going to keep you warm?
I’ve taken multiple multi-day ski trips across Colorado, and this list is based on what I actually pack. Not what only looks good on Instagram.
Don’t fret, I’ve broken down this ski trip packing guide into sections to make it efficient to pack all the necessities and ensure you don’t forget anything. A stress-free ski getaway is just a few more checkboxes away.
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Ski Trip Packing Checklist (Category Overview)
- Ski gear
- Ski clothing
- Après-ski clothing
- Accessories and hydration
- Toiletries
A complete ski trip packing list includes ski gear, layered clothing, après-ski outfits, hydration and snacks, toiletries, and a few comfort items for evenings. This guide is designed for multi-day ski vacations.
Who This Ski Trip Packing List is For:
- Colorado Skiers
- First-time ski trip planners
- Multi-day ski vacations
- Ski trips involving flights or long drives
- Travelers packing for cold, high-elevation resorts
Ski Trip Packing List: Ski Gear Essentials
Your ski gear list is likely the most important part of your ski vacation packing checklist. I don’t think I need to emphasize the potential disaster of forgetting your helmet, goggles, or gloves.
Get a ski boot bag if you don’t already have one. During ski season, my coat, pants, socks, helmet, gloves, boots, etc., are kept in my bag, and I don’t have to worry about repacking for every trip.
If you like a duffel bag style: Dakine Boot Locker 69 L Boot Bag
I like the backpack style: REI Co-op Powderbound Boot Pack
You might already have a physical ski pass card. Don’t forget to pack it! I store mine in my ski coat breast pocket for safekeeping. Resort scanners can read the card from that pocket as well (as long as it’s not next to a phone or credit card).
If you’re learning to ski as an adult, definitely have a look at my post on beginner mistakes to avoid and how to grow confidence.
Ski Clothes Checklist
- Outer shell or insulated jacket
- Snow pants
- Mid-layer lightweight insulated coat or fleece
- Merino base layer top and bottoms
- Merino ski socks
- Waterproof mittens or gloves
- Merino Buff
Why These Layers Matter
- Your outer jacket and snow pants should be waterproof; insulation is optional depending on your layering system.
- A mid-layer adds warmth and can be adjusted based on temperature.
- Merino base layers wick sweat, regulate temperature, and can be reworn multiple days.
- Mittens keep fingers warmer than gloves.
- A merino Buff protects your face and neck from wind and sun exposure.
I’ve got an entire article about merino wool base layers for skiing and why they are far superior to cotton and even synthetic layers.
My preferred mid-layer is the Patagonia Nano Puff, an item on my favorite gear list. Additionally, I mention a mid-weight fleece option in my post about how to layer for cold weather activities.
Skiing Gear List
- Skis
- Boots
- Poles
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Any interchangeable lenses if you have them
These things are obvious, but it’s always good to double-check that they are packed. Once, my husband and I drove up to our local resort, and when we got there, he realized he had forgotten his boots. We turned around and drove home without doing a single run.
Ski Trip Packing List: Accessories and Hydration
- Gogglesoc
- Hand warmers
- Travel-size tissues
- Flexible water bottle
- Electrolytes
- Snacks
- Small backpack
Gogglesoc — Protect your goggles from getting scratched while they’re still strapped onto your helmet. When you take your helmet off for a lunch break inside, stretch your Gogglesoc over your lenses. It also doubles as a lens wipe.
Hand Warmers — You can stick these in your coat pockets, or some mittens have a special zippered pocket on the back, perfect for a warmer.
Travel-Size Tissues — We all get a runny nose from time to time!
Flexible Water Bottle — Bringing a flexible water bottle to the mountain has been a game-changer. I stuff mine into a jacket pocket and drink it on lift rides. You can easily become dehydrated at high elevations, especially in combination with physical activity.
Electrolytes — You might not realize how much you’re sweating if it’s cold outside. Electrolytes replenish your body’s salt lost to sweat and help maintain hydration levels. These little packs are easy to pack and don’t require water; just suck on them like candy.
Snacks — It’s a good idea to have a granola bar or fruit snacks (whatever is your preferred on-the-go snack) on your person. Avoid lunch crowds at ski lodges by going early or late and supplementing with snacks. If you break for lunch around noon, good luck finding a place to sit to eat.
Small Backpack — All these things might sound like a lot to shove in your coat pockets. You might prefer to have a backpack. I have the Osprey Raven 10, and it’s just enough space to hold the essentials without being bulky. It also features a water bladder if you don’t want to carry the flexible water bottle.
Ski Trip Packing List: Après Ski Trip Essentials
Maybe you’ve heard the term “Après Ski,” but what does it mean? Basically, it’s French for “after skiing,” and it refers to having food and drinks while participating in relaxing activities after a long day on the slopes.
Après Ski Activities
- Grabbing a hot meal at a restaurant in town
- Sipping cocktails by a crackling fire
- Soaking sore muscles in a hot spring or hot tub
- Cozying up on the couch to watch a movie
- Playing board games with friends and family
- Working on a crafty project and drinking a steamy mug of tea
- Reading a good book and watching the snow fall
📍Durango Hot Springs, Durango, Colorado
Colorado Ski Resorts with Public Hot Springs Nearby
Soaking in a hot spring is my favorite après ski activity by far. If you’re skiing in Colorado, here is a list of popular resorts and hot springs you can find within a one-hour drive one-way:
Brekenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Loveland, Eldora Mountain, and Echo Mountain
Aspen Resorts, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Sunlight Mountain
Steamboat
Monarch Mountain and Ski Cooper
Winter Park and Granby Ranch
Telluride
- Orvis Hot Springs (Clothing Optional)
Silverton Mountain
Purgatory
Wolf Creek
Casual Clothes and Footwear
Pack clothing that feels comfortable for walking around town in sub-freezing temperatures. Especially focus on a warm jacket and boots, your first defenses against the elements.
- Sweaters
- Down-filled vest
- Cozy fleece with a long-sleeve shirt
- Jeans or other thick pants
- Sweater dress with fleece-lined leggings
- Beanie and mittens for town
- Scarf
- Warmer insulated jacket
- Parka (this one is incredibly warm)
- Waterproof boots
- Thick wool socks
- Slippers
- Swimsuit
- Towel (for hot springs if not provided)
- Water shoes
- Pajamas and sweatpants
- Wool bra and underwear
Travel Toiletries
If you’re skiing at high elevations, don’t forget sunscreen! That includes on your lips with a sunscreen lip balm. I also make sure to have a thick lotion for my dry hands.
➡️ Get a more detailed travel toiletries list for minimalist packing. Everything you need and nothing you don’t.
- Mineral sunscreen
- Sunscreen lip balm
- O’Keeffe’s Working Hands
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant
- Shampoo bar
- Conditioner bar
- Cases for shampoo and conditioner bars
- Comb and scrunchies/hair ties
- Any additional hair styling products
- Razor for shaving
- Nail clippers
- Eye drops for dry eyes
- Any medications
Cold air, wind, sun reflection off snow, and dry indoor heat can be brutal on skin and lips. Ski trips require more skincare than most vacations. Also make sure your toenails are short to fit comfortably in your ski boots.
Optional But Nice-to-Have Items on Your Ski Trip Packing List
These are comfort items that make evenings and downtime feel intentional and relaxing.
- Purse or small bag for town
- Deck of cards
- Board game
- Tea and hot cocoa mix
- Crafty project
- Cozy blanket
- Book
- Headphones
Ski Trip Packing List FAQs
What are the essentials for a ski trip packing list?
The essentials for a ski trip packing list include ski gear (skis, boots, helmet, etc.), layered clothing for warmth, après-ski casuals, toiletries, and hydration/snacks for long days on the slopes.
How should I layer clothing for a ski vacation?
Layering starts with moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers (fleece or synthetic jackets), and waterproof outer layers designed to keep you warm and dry. Merino wool is my go-to for base layers.
Should I pack everything or rent gear?
Packing personal items like boots, gloves, goggles, and clothing ensures comfort and fit, but many resorts offer rentals for bulky items like skis and poles, making travel easier and cheaper.
