Your upcoming ski trip is bound to arrive sooner than expected, and if you don't start preparing a packing list early, you may find yourself flailing around at the last minute. One minute you're daydreaming about snow-covered peaks while paging through glossy ski magazines, the next you're standing over an open suitcase wondering how everything will fit.
Between the bulky coats, the gear that seems to multiply overnight, and the small things you keep forgetting, it can feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. If you're a seasoned skier, you might agree that packing and preparing should have three essential focus areas.
Table of Contents
Pack Sensible Clothing and Gear
Clothing That Layers Well
Begin with a base layer to help wick away sweat. Add a fleece or another warm mid-layer and finish with a waterproof jacket and pants. These clothes will keep you dry and warm without turning you into a marshmallow.
Don't Skimp on Hand and Foot Protection
Buy high-quality insulated gloves or mittens to keep your fingers warm on the chairlift. Pack a few pairs of actual ski socks that are well insulated and will make your boots fit snugly. Be warned, cheap regular cotton socks have a way of bunching inside boots and making a perfectly nice day unbearable.
Equip Quality Safety Gear
You might think you're safe enough on the slopes, but keep in mind that over 60 million people take to the slopes each year, so safety is not just about you, but about others' too.
A helmet should always come with you, even if you are confident on the slopes. Goggles are another must because the glare from snow can be brutal, and wind on your face is no fun. When you can see clearly, skiing instantly becomes safer and more enjoyable.
Pack the Right Chargers and Adaptors for the Destination Country
Your phone, camera, and headphones will be of little use once the batteries run out. Pack the chargers for every device you plan to bring and tuck in a portable power bank for long days on the mountain.
If you are skiing abroad, a universal adaptor is essential since plug types vary widely. Nothing stalls a trip faster than discovering your charger does not fit the socket in your hotel room.
It is also worth setting up a travel eSIM before you leave, so you do not have to depend on patchy resort Wi-Fi. That way, you can check trail maps, send a message if you get separated from friends, and even post that mid-slope selfie without worrying about connection.
Pack Health and Comfort Items
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
More than 80% of UV light reflects off the snow and can burn your skin faster than you think, so pack sunscreen. Lip balm with SPF is another small item that saves you a lot of discomfort.
Stay Hydrated
Cold weather makes you forget how thirsty you are. A reusable water bottle keeps you from dragging through the afternoon. Slip in a few electrolyte packets to boost your energy when you need it.
Carry a First-Aid Kit
You only need the basics, such as bandages, blister pads, and pain relievers. Slopes are unpredictable, and it is better to have them on hand than to wish you did.
Plan for Comfort Between Ski Runs
Bring a cozy set of clothes for when you are finished skiing. Sweatpants, a soft sweater, and indoor shoes or sandals help your body relax and make the trip feel like a holiday rather than just a workout.
Final Thoughts
When packing for a skiing trip, think of survival, safety, and comfort - in that order. Of course, you don't want to find yourself on a lift without a snack to nibble or a quiet evening by the fire without your favorite book, so remember to pack those too. But rest assured, most ski resorts have a variety of essentials, so if you do forget something, it likely won't ruin your trip.
When you finally click into your skis and hear the crunch of snow underfoot, you will not be thinking about what you forgot. You will be enjoying the crisp air, the views that stretch for miles, and the thrill of the run.
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This story was published in partnership with Saily.
