"I’ve been on a few ski trips with friends in my adult life, and every single time, I’m beyond thankful that my parents chose to put me and my siblings in ski school as soon as we could walk. (I recently fact checked this with my mom, by the way, and she told me that we started taking lessons “as soon as you could keep your balance while walking.”) Outside of knowing how to ski—or being willing to learn—there’s one more big thing to consider when taking a ski trip: your packing list.
Unlike a beach vacation, when you can just throw some dresses and swimsuits into a bag, going skiing requires a ton of gear and winter-appropriate clothes. This is not the time to try to squeeze everything into a carry-on, that’s for sure.
Outside of the actual ski gear, which I’ll talk about below, you’ll want to fill your suitcase with cozy and warm clothes, a good swimsuit for the hot tub, fun accessories, and of course, aprés-ski outfits. Below, you’ll find a ski trip packing list of everything that you’ll find in my personal bags when heading to the slopes. This list is focuses on women, but be sure to check out our Best of Family Travel hub for more kid-friendly travel content!
Before we get into it, here is a photo of myself on a ski trip as a child and a photo of myself on a ski trip last week (you know, for proof of my ski experience):
Ski Trip Packing List
An on-theme sweater and fleece
If there’s something to know about me, it’s that I absolutely love a theme. If there is ski-themed gear to be had for a ski trip, I will be looking for it. I love anything that has mountains or little skiers. I also appreciate how large the current selection of “Aprés” and “Ski” knit sweaters is. These pieces serve double duty as an extra layer on the slopes and a super cute photo op afterward.
Fun winter accessories
While you might pack quite a few basics for a ski trip, you can always mix it up and add a playful touch to your outfits with a few fun winter accessories. Because so much of my winter and ski gear is neutral, I tend to favor fun color and texture when it comes to accessories.
A fur coat for aprés-ski
Aprés-ski style is trending both on and off the mountain. In my opinion, the piece that can really take your post-skiing outfit to the next level is a faux fur coat. It doesn’t matter if you still have your snow pants on, shed a layer to be in leggings, or changed into jeans, a fur coat will provide the ultimate finishing touch.
Stylish snow boots
There is no better feeling in the world than finally being able to take off your ski boots and slip your feet into a comfortable, cozy snow boot. I prefer one that’s also stylish, because I’m often heading straight out to the base of the mountain for some aprés-ski.
A cozy set
A euphoric feeling that’s almost comparable to taking off your ski boots is getting back to your accommodations for the night and changing into a super comfy and cozy outfit. I always love to have a matching set or two on hand, because then you can throw something on without having to think about it.
A one-piece swimsuit
Whether you’re lucky enough to have a hot tub at the place where you’re staying, or are making a trip to some natural hot springs, you’ll need a swimsuit. Personally, the dead of winter is the last time I want to be wearing a bikini. So, I usually opt for a chic one piece to look and feel my best.
Save-my-skin beauty products
One thing is undeniable: mountain air is DRY. I also make sure to be well-stocked in moisturizing beauty products, especially for my face, hands, and lips. Of course, being outside all day means more sun exposure, so be sure to pack (and wear!) your go-to face sunscreen. Below you’ll find some of my tried-and-true favorites.
Ski gear
One thing that I’ve learned in my 20+ years of skiing is that ski gear is subjective. Everyone has their tried-and-true brands, or that one pair of gloves that can never be replaced. Because needs, skiing experience, budget, and climate can vary so much, I am not going to provide specific products here. However, I will provide you with this list of all the ski gear that is absolutely non-negotiable when I’m packing for some time on the slopes:
- Snow pants
- Waterproof or water-resistant jacket
- Warm base layer
- Sweater or sweatshirt for an extra layer on cold days
- Ski socks (preferably wool)
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Neck gaiter
- Waterproof or water-resistant gloves or mittens
It’s best to look for wool and wool blends when it comes to ski socks and base layers, and to avoid cotton, which will just absorb moisture and cause you to get colder. If you don’t want to invest in wool, synthetic fabrics such as polyester work great as well.
If you find yourself in need of new ski gear, I’d recommend taking the time to really evaluate your cost per wear. Are you just going on one ski trip? Consider rentals first (yes, even for clothing!). You can also get by with borrowing gear, buying secondhand, or picking up a few essentials on Amazon. As someone who skis about one to two times per year now, I fall in the lower budget range and have turned to Amazon, Uniqlo, and Dick’s Sporting Goods for any upgrades I need. If you’re an avid skier, however, it would of course be worth investing in your gear.
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