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

From layers to accessories, here’s everything you need for a ski vacation.

Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List
Photo:

Travel + Leisure / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

Whether you’re hitting the slopes with your family at Snowmass or taking in the breathtaking views of the French Alps at Courchevel, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed everything you need for a ski trip.

Growing up 20 miles away from Oregon’s largest ski resort, I spent every weekend training with the local alpine racing team my dad coached. Before heading to the mountain, he would have my sister and I repeat a packing list (albeit begrudgingly) while rummaging around the truck to ensure we had our skis, poles, gloves, jackets, helmets, goggles, and snow pants in sight. It wasn’t until moving to the French Alps when I was 19 that I appreciated how much easier it is to pack ski gear when you use a thorough packing list to ensure smooth travels during a ski trip.

We chatted with several snowsports experts to get their advice on the best clothing, equipment, and luggage to bring on your next ski trip so you’ll arrive prepared from head to toe for the exhilarating runs to the rejuvenating après. We also recommend tons of ski gear Travel + Leisure spent countless hours testing to find the best jackets, pants, gloves, and more.

Packing Checklist for a Ski Trip

Here is everything you need to know about packing for a ski adventure in the mountains. From jackets to goggles, our experts weighed in on the best brands and provided helpful tips and travel hacks.

Ski Clothes

 Off-slope Clothes

Equipment and Accessories

Luggage and Bags

T+L's Top Picks and Tips

Best Ski Clothing

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Helly Hansen Women's Powderqueen Bib Pant

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Calta

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.

Helly Hansen Pants

Travel + Leisure / Frances Crouter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Off-slope Clothing

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.

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.

Columbia Carson Pass Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket

Travel + Leisure / Maria Rowella

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.

a sideview of a man wearing a Rab Neutrino Pro coat with the hood up outdoors on an overcast day

Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day Wolf Heated Glove Liners
PHOTO:

Walmart

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.

Best Equipment and Accessories

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Head Absolut Joy Skis with Joy 9 Bindings
PHOTO:

Backcountry

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best Luggage and Bags

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I pack skis and other gear for a flight?

    In terms of packing your ski clothes, travelers might find it easier to use compression or regular packing cubes to efficiently stow bulky gear. “I really like packing cubes for ski trip packing, I think it's really helpful. I put all of my base layers and my ski socks and stuff in a packing cube. And then that way it can all just kind of go back in there once you're done and it’s dirty,” Levine shared. Ford, who also travels internationally as a member of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Team, likes to use a duffel bag for apparel and a wheeled soft-sided bag for skis. To safely pack away your skis, Ford recommends “wrapping your tips and tails, especially in your clothes, or even get some cardboard or some extra protection [to] wrap them a little bit or [strap them] down…so it's like [a] compact unit.”

  • What should I wear while skiing?

    When it comes to skiing, you should be prepared with extra layers to keep in the car or a backpack just in case the weather takes an unexpected turn. Shannon is a firm believer in packing multiple layers to wear under a ski jacket. “I think it really depends on where you are, what time of the year, and kind of what's going on. If it's spring skiing, and it's going to be a bluebird day, you may not need to pack as many as if it was a cold day in the middle of winter and maybe potentially will be a whiteout day. But I would say, generally, my rule of thumb is I start with three [layers],” he says.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce writer Anna Popp grew up ski racing in Bend, Oregon, spending every winter skiing with her dad as her coach. Anna has lived in Grenoble, France, where she got to travel with her ski gear overseas (nothing was damaged!) and ski in the heart of the French Alps. To put together the best packing list for a ski trip, Anna drew from her travel experience, spoke with three experts, and used insights from T+L-tested and approved products.

The experts she spoke with included:

Tommy Ford, member of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Team

Ian Levine, wax technician for the U.S. Snowboard Cross Team

Quincy Shannon, President of the Denver-based ski club Ski Noir 5280

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Edited by
Lydia Price
Lydia Price
Lydia Price is a senior commerce editor at Travel + Leisure, where she writes and edits reviews about outdoor products. She also shares her top product recommendations in short-form videos across T+L's social platforms.

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