How to Pack for a Ski Trip, Including Off-Slope Essentials
Ski season is here. In some parts of the world, it’s already underway. Your jacket’s ready, your goggles are in the bag, and that missing glove has finally turned up. Looks like you’re about ready to go. When you pack for a ski trip, think about the whole day. You’ll hit the slopes in the morning, peel off damp layers in the afternoon, and maybe head out to an event nearby in the evening. So give a little thought to what you’ll need once the ski boots come off, too.
Pack layers and a few spares for the slopes
Set aside a set of thermal base layers and a midlayer, like a fleece, to wear under your ski jacket and pants. If you have a thick, insulated jacket, a lightweight fleece might be enough. If the weather changes throughout the day, it’s handy to have a layer you can take off and stash in your bag when you warm up.
Keep your gloves, neck gaiter, goggles, and ski socks together in a small bag. If you’re bringing your own helmet, slip your goggles into their pouch and tuck them inside it. If you’re skiing a few days in a row, bring a spare pair of socks and gloves. On the second morning, dry gloves might do more for you than that third sweater.
If you’re renting skis, boots, poles, or a helmet, check what’s included in the rental package. Ask whether you need to reserve a helmet separately, and keep goggles, gloves, and ski socks on your own packing list.
Pack a few things for your evening plans
If you like to change as soon as you get back from the slopes, put a dry T-shirt, a pair of comfy pants, and everyday socks at the top of your suitcase. Those same pants can work for dinner, too. Keep your pajamas and underwear with them so you can get changed without turning your suitcase upside down the second you get to your room.
If you’re spending the evening at the hotel, a pair of comfortable everyday shoes will do. If you’re heading into town and the streets are snowy, go for water-resistant winter shoes with grippy soles. Wear your bulkiest pair on the way there to save room in your bag. Got pool or spa plans? Pack a swimsuit and flip-flops, and check whether the hotel provides pool towels before bringing your own.
Keep wet gear and first-day essentials separate
Pack an empty waterproof bag to carry damp gloves, your neck gaiter, and ski socks back to your room. Take everything out when you get back and let it dry. If you’re skiing again the next day, ask at check-in whether the hotel has a drying area, especially for ski boots.
If you’re heading straight to the slopes before you can get into your room, put your ski socks, goggles, gloves, and neck gaiter in a small bag. Keep your sunscreen, lip balm, charging cable, and ID handy, too. That way, you won’t have to unpack your entire suitcase in the hotel lobby just to find a pair of socks.
Sample packing list for two ski days and two nights
| Where you’ll use it | What to pack |
|---|---|
| On the slopes | Ski jacket and pants, 2 sets of thermal base layers, 1 fleece, 2 pairs of ski socks, goggles, a neck gaiter, and gloves. Bring spare gloves if you have them. |
| Ski equipment | Helmet, skis, boots, and poles. Check your booking to see which items you’re renting. |
| At the hotel and in the evening | 1 pair of comfy pants, 2 tops, everyday socks and underwear, pajamas, and shoes that suit your evening plans. Add a swimsuit and flip-flops if you’ll be using the pool. |
| In your small bag | ID, booking details, sunscreen, lip balm, and a charging cable. |
| For wet gear | An empty waterproof bag. |
For a longer trip, start by working out how many socks, pairs of underwear, and sets of base layers you’ll need. If you can wash and dry a few things along the way, you can pack fewer changes. You can wear the same jacket, ski pants, and fleece for several days.