🏔️ The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

Forget frozen toes and misplaced goggles! This is your definitive, emoji-powered checklist to conquer the mountains, shred the slopes, and master the art of après-ski.

1. ⛷️ On-Mountain Gear (Rent or Bring)

The big stuff! Whether you own it or rent it, this is the hardware that turns you into a mountain machine. 🎿

• ⛷️ Skis or Snowboard

• 👟 Ski/Snowboard Boots (make sure they fit well!)

• 🦯 Poles (for skiers)

• 🧳 Boot Bag or Ski/Snowboard Bag (for travel)

2. 🧥 Outerwear (The Shells)

This is your waterproof armor! These shells are the ultimate defense against snow, wind, and looking like a frozen popsicle. 🛡️

• 🧥 Ski/Snowboard Jacket (waterproof, windproof, ideally with a powder skirt)

• 👖 Ski/Snowboard Pants (waterproof, windproof)

• 🧤 Heavy-duty Ski Gloves or Mittens (Mittens are generally warmer)

• 🧤 Backup pair of gloves/mittens (in case the first pair gets wet)

3. 👕 Layers (Base & Mid)

Layers are the secret weapon of every happy skier! They trap the heat like a boss and wick away sweat so you stay toasty and dry, no matter how hard you shred. 🧅

🌡️ Base Layers (Skin-tight/Moisture-Wicking)

• 👚 Thermal Tops (2-3 pairs, wool or synthetic)

• 🩱 Thermal Bottoms (2-3 pairs, wool or synthetic)

🧣 Mid Layers (Insulation)

• 🧣 Fleece or Wool Half-Zip Pullover

• 🦺 Thin Puffy Jacket or Vest (great for cold days and as a standalone off-mountain jacket)

• 👕 Light Hoodie or Sweatshirt

4. ⛑️ Protection & Accessories

This is your mission-critical gear! From helmets to high-SPF lip balm, this kit keeps you safe, seeing clearly, and totally protected against the mountain's elements. 🕶️

• ⛑️ Helmet (mandatory for safety, check fit)

• 👓 Goggles (with UV protection)

  • Tip: Bring two lenses if possible—one dark for sun, one light/clear for snow/fog.

• 😷 Face Mask, Neck Gaiter, or Balaclava (protects skin from windburn)

• 🧦 Ski/Snowboard Socks (3-4 pairs, tall, wool or synthetic blend—never cotton)

• 🔥 Hand Warmers / Toe Warmers

• 🧴 Sunscreen (high SPF, the sun is intense at altitude)

• 💄 Lip Balm with SPF

5. 🍷 Après-Ski & Off-Mountain Essentials

When the lifts stop spinning, the real fun begins! This is your gear for hot tub sessions, cozy cabin nights, and celebrating a perfect day on the slopes. 🥂

• 👖 Casual Tops & Bottoms (Jeans, leggings, sweaters)

• 🥾 Après-Ski Boots (waterproof boots with good tread for walking on snow/ice)

• 👙 Underwear (enough for the duration of the trip)

• 🧦 Casual Socks

• 🏊 Swimsuit (for hot tubs or pool access)

• 🧶 Hat (Beanie) and Scarf

6. 💧 Health, Hydration & Altitude Prevention

The mountain air is thin, but your preparation shouldn't be! This is your vital survival kit to fight altitude, stay hydrated, and keep those muscles happy. 🔋

• 💧 Electrolyte Mixes or Tablets (e.g., Nuun, Liquid I.V.)

• 💊 Over-the-counter pain relievers (Advil/Tylenol for muscle aches and minor headaches)

• ⚕️ Prescription medications (including any for altitude, if applicable)

• 🩹 Small First-Aid Kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes)

• 🧴 Moisturizer and Hand Cream (high altitude can dry out skin and hands)

• 👀 Eye Drops (for dry eyes common at altitude)

7. 📱 Travel & Tech

Stay charged, connected, and capture every epic moment! This gear ensures you can navigate, document, and recharge with ease. 📸

• 💳 ID/Passport and Insurance Documents (physical and digital copies)

• 💰 Credit Cards / Cash (plus a small amount of local currency, if applicable)

• 🔌 Phone and Charger

• 🔋 Portable Power Bank

• 📸 Camera or GoPro (with extra battery)

• 🎧 Headphones

• 🚰 Reusable Water Bottle (staying hydrated is crucial)

8. 🏠 Lodging & Comfort

Turn your rental into a cozy, functional base camp! These items bring comfort, convenience, and good vibes after a long day of shredding. ✨

• 🎒 Small Backpack or Fanny Pack (for on-mountain essentials)

• 🌬️ Boot Dryer (if you have room—a game-changer for drying boots overnight)

• 🛠️ Multi-tool or Wax Scraper (for minor adjustments/repairs)

• 🔊 Portable Speaker (for the condo/cabin)

• 🧺 Travel Clothesline (great for drying wet layers)

• 📚 Book or E-reader (for relaxing evenings)

• 🃏 Games or Deck of Cards (for group fun)

9. 🧼 Toiletries

Don't forget the self-care essentials! Keep yourself fresh, clean, and ready to face the mountain or the après-ski crowd. 🛀

• 🦷 Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss

• 🧴 Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap/Body Wash

• 💇 Hair Brush/Comb

• 🤓 Contact Lenses/Solution/Glasses

10. 🏅 Highly-Rated Gear Brands (For Reference)

These are the MVPs of ski gear! If you want top-tier performance, durability, and style, look no further than these trusted brand names. 🏆

• 🧥 Outerwear (Jacket/Pants): Arc'teryx, Patagonia, The North Face, Helly Hansen, Mammut, Flylow, Burton (Snowboard)

• 👕 Base Layers (Thermals): Smartwool (Merino Wool), Icebreaker (Merino Wool), Patagonia (Capilene), Helly Hansen (Lifa)

• 🧤 Gloves/Mittens: Hestra, Black Diamond, Outdoor Research, Kinco (Value/Workhorse)

• 👓 Goggles/Helmets: Oakley, Smith, Anon, Giro

• 🧦 Socks: Darn Tough, Smartwool, Stance (Ski-Specific)

11. 🚀 Logistical Launchpad (The Pre-Trip Checklist)

Check these off before you hit the road! These essential tasks guarantee a smooth takeoff and zero stress once you're carving down the slopes. ✅

• 📅 Confirm Accommodation and Transportation Reservations (Flight, Shuttle, Car Rental)

• 💸 Purchase/Pre-book Lift Tickets (often cheaper online in advance!)

• 🛠️ Get Skis/Board Waxed and Tuned (or reserve rentals)

• 💳 Notify Bank/Credit Card Company of Travel Dates

• 🐶 Arrange Pet/House Sitter (if applicable)

• 📄 Check Weather and Snow Conditions Forecast

• 🏡 Finalize Trip Itinerary with Group Members (who's driving, who has the keys, etc.)

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxYVqs8Q6VHWqEkIUwwjXZ0XWM-TnAmJnFUvnT_1R9YH3OcA/viewform