The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List and Expert Tips for the Mountain

Before you hit the slopes, you’ll want to make sure you have all of the gear you need to stay warm and dry while skiing. Ski jackets, snow pants or ski bibs, and gloves will ensure you stay warm, but the most important thing is that the materials are completely waterproof. Even if it’s a sunny spring day, the weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

President of the Denver-based ski club Ski Noir 5280 Quincy Shannon helped co-found the group with the mission to diversify the snowsports industry after recognizing the lack of BIPOC community members with access to snowsports. Shannon, who has visited most of the ski resorts in Colorado, shares that the first thing he thinks to pack when embarking on a ski trip is plenty of layers. “I would say layers, layers, layers are your friend when doing anything snow- or cold-related because you can always take things off. But if you go somewhere and you don't have the right layers on even from the beginning, your core will get cold and then everything else is downhill from there,” he says. After packing layers, travelers can begin to think about outerwear like waterproof jackets and snow pants.

Best Ski Jacket for Women

Helly Hansen Alphelia LifaLoft Ski Jacket

$328 at Amazon $237 at REI View on Hellyhansen.com

While our experts can’t stress enough the importance of layering for staying warm, your outer layer is the next most important piece of clothing for skiing. An insulated and waterproof jacket like this Helly Hansen coat is essential for skiing, and it's also the best ski jacket we've tried. The jacket is made with a LifaLoft puffer-insulated lining, so it's super warm and there are underarm vents when you need to cool down.

When it comes to a shell versus a jacket with more insulation, Ian Levine, the wax technician for the U.S. Snowboard Cross Team, says, “I've [used] a lot of both and see the merit in both, but I like the insulated jacket just because I'm usually pretty cold. So that keeps me warm, and then if it's extra cold then I can also throw another down jacket on underneath.”

Best Ski Jacket for Men

Outdoor Research Carbide Jacket

$164 at REI $231 at backcountry.com View on Outdoorresearch.com

On the flip side, a shell can be just as warm as an insulated jacket, since the outerwear is designed to be worn with layers underneath. Our favorite men's ski jacket, this shell from Outdoor Research is roomy enough to fit over plenty of layers, but it's also an ideal spring skiing jacket thanks to the lightweight material and underarm ventilation. The 40-denier nylon material has taped seams and a DWR finish so rain and snow slide right off the jacket to prevent getting wet while skiing.

Best Ski Pants for Women

Helly Hansen Powderqueen Bib Pant

$210 at backcountry.com View on Hellyhansen.com $210 at evo.com

Chair lifts can often be damp or icy, so you’ll want a pair of waterproof and insulated pants to protect the bottom half of your body from the climate. Helly Hansen's Powderqueen Bib snow pants are made with a seam-sealed and waterproof polyester shell lined with polyamide fabric for extra warmth. Earning a spot as some of the best ski pants we tested, we love that there are tons of pockets to store phones, avalanche beacons, and ski passes.

Best Ski Pants for Men

Helly Hansen Men's Legendary Insulated Ski Pants

$126 at Amazon $160 at backcountry.com View on Hellyhansen.com

Helly Hansen repeatedly impressed us with high-quality ski gear, so we also recommend these men's snow pants. Insulated, waterproof, and stretchy, these ski pants offer superior warmth and range of motion so you can ski, snowboard, or snowshoe comfortably without feeling cold or restricted. The pants also offer an adjustable waist, boot gaiters, and two zippered pockets.

Best Mittens

Burton Women's GORE-TEX Mittens

$56 at Amazon $59 at REI View on Burton.com

We love these Burton mittens (men's options available) for keeping your fingers warm on the coldest days on the mountain. The mittens are made with waterproof GORE-TEX fabric, so your hands will not only stay warm and dry, but the technology also ensures breathability for spring skiing. They come with a removable glove liner for extra warmth while skiing or to wear during an outdoor après.

Best Thermal Underwear

Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew

$57 at REI $115 at Nordstrom $115 at Zappos

All of our experts couldn’t stress enough that layers like thermal underwear are key, so we recommend these Smartwool tops for women and men. The long-sleeve tops are made with a naturally moisture-wicking and thermal-regulating merino wool so when you break a sweat after a run, the layers will keep you nice and dry while staying warm, too. We also love that the top and bottoms are cozy and stylish enough to wear off the slopes for superior versatility while traveling.

Best Fleece-lined Leggings

90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Leggings

$24 at Amazon View on Nordstromrack.com

For a versatile pair of cozy leggings, you can’t go wrong with this pair we tested and love from Amazon. The interior is lined with soft fleece material and the exterior has the same stretchy and compressing fabric as a regular pair of leggings. Plus, there’s an option for a pair with pockets to hold your phone or keys after you take off your snow pants.

Best Vest

REI Co-op 650 Down Vest

$100 at REI

Stifel U.S. Alpine Team member Tommy Ford recommends wearing multiple layers under your outer shell or jacket, like a thin vest that can be easily taken off if you get too warm. “You think it's cold, but when you're actually skiing and moving, you get pretty warm, so it's nice to have layer options,” he says. This men's and women's REI Co-op vest is one of our favorite vests we've tested since it's warm but thin and easily layers underneath a jacket.

Best Fleece Layer

Patagonia Women's Lightweight Fleece Pullover

$69 at REI $84 at Dick's View on Patagonia.com

Once you’ve packed your base layers, you’ll want to throw in a cozy fleece for extra chilly days on the mountain. This T+L-tested and approved Patagonia fleece for women and men is a solid option for a warm and breathable layer thanks to its 100 percent recycled polyester fleece material. And even though you may end up not needing it, it’s wise to keep one in your ski bag just in case.

Best Ski Socks

Smartwool Targeted Cushion Over-the-calf Socks

$28 at Amazon $14 at REI $28 at Dick's

A pair of high-quality ski socks that don’t bunch up and pinch your shins are crucial for a comfortable skiing experience. “As far as my socks, I probably won't wear any other socks outside of Smartwool. They're a Colorado-based company and they just feel really great,” Shannon says. These Smartwool socks are designed for snowsports with a seamless fit made with cozy midweight merino wool.

Whether you’re planning to end a day of skiing with an après at the bar or tailgate barbecue, you’ll be much more comfortable if you pack a few extra pieces of clothing and shoes. There truly is no better feeling than taking off a pair of ski boots and changing into a pair of comfy snow boots — and it’s much easier to walk around in the snow with them. Just in case your ski jacket gets damp, a cozy parka will feel nice after wearing a shell all day, and consider packing a pair of heated gloves to warm up your finger when it gets extra cold.

Best Winter Jacket for Women

Columbia Carson Pass Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket

$106 at Amazon $260 at backcountry.com $216 at Zappos

Besides hitting the slopes, you'll likely partake in more leisurely activities on a ski trip, so be sure to have a warm parka packed in your suitcase. This one from Columbia has a three-in-one design since it comes with an insulated puffer jacket and a waterproof shell to wear the layers separately or all together for extra warmth. It also comes with a detachable faux-fur hood for extra style versatility.

Best Winter Jacket for Men

Rab Neutrino Pro

$400 at Amazon $400 at backcountry.com View on Rab.equipment

Chances are the temperatures will be chilly in the mountain town you’re staying in during a ski trip, so this men's winter parka from Rab is a must-pack item. The 800-fill down jacket is designed to be worn on 13,000-foot peaks, so it's no surprise that the jacket is impressively warm. It also boasts an adjustable hem, hood, and wrist cuffs so you can get the most comfortable and warm fit for walking around town.

Best Ski Sweater

Krimson Klover Ski Alpaca Blend Pullover

View on Krimsonklover.com

Show up to après in style with one of these merino wool sweaters from Krimson Klover. The relaxed-fit sweaters come in several different colors with words like "ski" and "aprés" woven into the chunky knit material.

Best Slip-on Boots

Blundstone Chelsea Boot

$250 at Amazon $240 at REI $250 at Zappos

These fully waterproof Blundstone boots for women and men are the ultimate post-ski footwear to slip on. While most Blundstone boots aren't technically waterproof, these thermal ones feature elastic with latex seams so water can't seep through any part of the boot. After testing these insulated boots, we were blown away by the waterproofness and warmth thanks to the insulated interior and shearling-lined footbed, which makes these boots excellent slip-ons for a ski trip.

Best Snow Boots for Women

The North Face Shellista IV Boot

$86 at Amazon $79 at REI $64 at backcountry.com

These North Face snow boots are the best ones we tried for warding off the elements during winter travels. The tall boots have a cozy faux-fur lining and the waterproof leather exterior means your feet will stay completely dry even after trudging through the snow. Plus, the bottom of the boots boasts excellent traction to help with stability.

Best Snow Boots for Men

Columbia Fairbanks Omni-heat Ankle Boot

$65 at REI View on Columbia.com View on Rackroomshoes.com

Again, there is no better feeling than taking off a pair of ski boots after a workout on the slopes. These waterproof Columbia boots feel luxurious and cozy even without the sweet relief of taking off ski boots thanks to the 200 grams of insulation and high-traction rubber sole. The high-top snow boots are also versatile, so you can wear them from slope to street thanks to the sleek and functional design.

Best Glove Liners

Day Wolf Heated Glove Liners

$120 at Amazon

If I had a dollar for every time I had cold fingers while skiing, I’d be able to afford ski passes for a lifetime. Day Wolf’s heated glove liners are the perfect solution for keeping your digits warm on and off the mountain. We tried these heated liners and loved how quickly they heat up your hands in just 30 seconds. While they’re not waterproof, you can easily wear them with a pair of ski gloves or mittens, or for loading up the car with ski gear.

When it comes to skiing, safety should be your top priority. The best way to protect your noggin is by packing a sturdy helmet and a pair of goggles to avoid impaired eyesight from wind or snow. It’s surprising how painful snow or rain can be when you’re going down the hill at 10 or 20 miles per hour, so you might be thankful to have a neck gaiter tucked away in your pocket for such occasions.

Best Helmet

Smith Method Mips Helmet

$84 at REI $84 at backcountry.com View on Smithoptics.com

The most important safety accessory you can purchase is a helmet. This Smith helmet is thoughtfully designed with all types of skiers in mind with a lightweight shell, breathable ventilation, and slides that will prevent your head from rotating in the event that you crash and hit it. Plus, if you have a pair of Smith goggles, you won’t have to worry about an awkward gap between the top of the goggles and the forehead of this sleek helmet, since they are designed to integrate seamlessly.

Best Goggles

Smith 4D MAG Goggle

$200 at Amazon $320 at Nordstrom $320 at smithoptics.com

As someone who has tried tons of Smith goggles for ski racing over the years, I can confidently say these Smith 4D MAG Goggles are worth every penny. The ability to have clear vision is crucial for safety on a mountain for spotting other skiers, rocks, or obstacles that can cause injury. They come with incredibly clear fog-proof lenses that can be changed out for bright and low light conditions.

Best Neck Gaiter

Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter

$1 at REI View on Smartwool.com

You can’t always predict the weather at high altitudes, so it’s best to come prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you. This Smartwool midweight gaiter is made from soft merino wool designed to protect your neck and chin from cold and wet weather conditions, or it can act as a barrier from the sun.

Best Sunscreen

EltaMD UV SPF 50

$31 at Amazon $29 at Walmart $35 at Dermstore

Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, being outside at a higher elevation means stronger UV rays leading to a greater possibility of getting a sunburn while skiing. To prevent an unwanted goggle tan, the EltaMD SPF 50 sunscreen is an excellent option for an outdoor-specific sunscreen. And it’s only 3 ounces, so it can easily fit in your pocket or backpack.

Best Hat

Turtle Fur Lush Bucket Hat

View on Turtlefur.com View on Christysports.com

Hats are a must-have accessory for keeping your head warm and hiding post-skiing helmet hair. This plush fleece bucket hat is far more stylish than a beanie and is the ultimate après accessory for warmth and style. The recycled polyester hat comes in several eye-popping colors so you're sure to get tons of compliments on this hat both on and off the slopes.

Best Water Bottle

Takeya Actives Water Bottle

View on Amazon View on Target $40 at Walmart

A reusable water bottle like this option from Takeya can help prevent dehydration after a workout from skiing. We tested this bottle and found that the ice water actually got colder in temperature after we left it in the bottle for nearly six hours. On top of that, it’s easy to drink from and can fit in a daypack.

Best Skis for Women

Head Skis with Bindings

$421 at REI $389 at backcountry.com

If you’re looking to purchase a pair of skis before your trip, a set of all-mountain skis like these wood composite Head ones are a great pick. Head's newest pair of skis for the 2023/2024 ski season, these skis are designed for beginning or intermediate skiers who generally stay on groomed or packed-down runs. Plus, the V-shape design is ideal for all types of skiers, as it improves control and stability so you can turn easier while skiing down a slope.

Best Skis for Men

Rossignol Rossignol Skis with Bindings

$377 at REI

The perfect pair of men’s skis for a trip to a ski resort, these 2023/2024 Rossignols are your best bet for smooth turns on groomers or powder days. “I really like Rossignol … It's just like a good all-mountain [ski]. It'll work in powder, It'll work on hardpack — all kinds of stuff. Pretty much every ski company has a ski that's gonna work for that,” Levine says. This pair does come with bindings already built onto the ski, but you’ll want to always double-check if a pair of skis come with bindings before you buy a pair.

Best Ski Boots

K2 Mindbender Ski Boots

$490 at REI View on K2snow.com

If you're looking to invest in a pair of nice ski boots, these ones from K2 are worth every penny. The boots feature the BOA Fit System to seamlessly adjust the fit of the boots, which is a game-changer for quick adjustments while skiing. These intermediate women's ski boots offer a medium flex at 95 on the flex index and a last width of 97 to 104 millimeters.

Best Snowboard

Burton Process Flying V Snowboard

$336 at REI

In my family, we have one member who prefers snowboarding instead of skiing, so we have several snowboards stacked next to our skis, too. Levine, who works closely with members of the U.S. Snowboard Cross team, shares that you can never go wrong with a snowboard from staple snowsports equipment brands like Burton. This model is designed for all-mountain use, thanks to its symmetrical twin tails and lightweight recycled wood grain materials.

If you’re planning to fly with your ski gear, durable bags for your skis and boots are essential. And for those planning to rent equipment, it’s likely that a checked bag will be needed for packing ski clothes that often take up space in a suitcase. A piece of luggage with wheels is a must-have for traveling with multiple bags full of gear, according to Ford, who spends most of the year traveling internationally for ski races. “I bring a carabiner and hook it onto the top of the loop [of the] handle there so you can drag both with one hand and you can use your phone for navigation on the other hand,” Ford shared.

Best Ski Bag

Thule RoundTrip Ski Roller Bag

$300 at Amazon $300 at Dick's View on Moosejaw.com

This Thule ski bag will give travelers flying with a pair of skis peace of mind. The sturdy polyester bag includes two removable padded sleeves and self-repairing YKK zippers, and it has two wheels on the bottom. Plus, there’s a large interior zipper pocket to stuff your gloves, socks, and neck gaiters into for maximizing storage space and adding an extra layer of protection.

Best Boot Bag

Thule RoundTrip Boot Backpack

$130 at REI $170 at thule.com

Chances are your ski boots won’t fit in a traditional suitcase along with your regular and ski-specific clothing. This spacious Thule boot bag can fit up to 60 liters, and it has thoughtful pockets to maximize packing space, including a pocket on top for a helmet and a protected pocket for goggles, glasses, or other easily breakable items. And if your ski boots are wet, the bag has drainage in the bottom.

Best Checked Luggage

Delsey Paris Cruise 3.0 26-inch Trunk

$192 at Amazon View on Delsey.com $343 at Bloomingdales

Depending on how much ski gear you’re planning to pack, a checked trunk bag might be the way to go. Our favorite piece trunk we tested, this Delsey bag is extremely easy to move around and the 30/70 split design makes it easy to pack oddly-shaped items like ski boots and helmets. Plus, the interior compression straps allow travelers to separate clothing items and compress the bulkier items (ahem, all ski gear) so you can fit more.

Best Duffel Bag

Patagonia Wheeled Duffel Bag

$419 at backcountry.com $419 at patagonia.com $419 at evo.com

Equipped for bulky ski gear, this wheeled duffel bag from Patagonia has a spacious 100-liter interior and a weather-resistant exterior. Levine and Ford both recommended using a large duffel bag to easily pack ski gear. “I make sure I put my helmet in there and boots [and] racing gear. I try to pack my helmet with my jacket or whatnot to use all that gear to protect other gear that's less sensitive,” Ford shared.

Best Daypack

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

$75 at Amazon $75 at REI $75 at backcountry.com

A small, lightweight backpack like the Osprey Daylite Pack Plus can be helpful for skiers looking to pack a few small items with them while out on the slopes. The bag is thin enough that it won’t feel too noticeable when you lean your back on a chair lift and it can fit snacks, sunscreen, or extra gear like gloves or neck gaiters.