What To Pack
For A Ski Trip

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or you’re about to embark on your first skiing trip, you know that preparation is key. So the main question is “what to pack for a ski trip?”, right?

While this might seem like an easy task, there’s actually a lot that you need to prepare for before leaving home. But don’t worry, if you aren’t sure you have everything you need, you can simply refer to our short-but-comprehensive guide that will get you all set!

Skiing Equipment

Under skiing equipment, most people think they just need their skis, helmet, jacket, poles, and pants, and they’re all set. While these are important, there’s a lot more that you need in order to be fully prepared.

Skiing Essentials

The following equipment is a must if you want to be able to ski for longer periods.

  • A pair of skis (backcountry, powder, all-mountain, whatever rows your boat)
  • Ski boots
  • Ski poles
  • Ski bindings
  • Ski jacket
  • Ski pants
  • Ski helmet
  • Thermal undershirt
  • Thermal underpants
  • Mid layer jacket
  • Ski socks
  • Ski gloves
  • Ski goggles
  • Ski/lift pass

Backcountry Specific Essentials

Besides the above, if you hit the backcountry, you’ll need the following:

  • An avalanche beacon
  • A shovel
  • A backpack
  • Crampons
  • Ski skins

Optional Skiing Equipment

The following equipment is not that important, but it’s strongly recommended as it can make your ski trip much more enjoyable.

  • Extra thermal underwear, so you can change them if the pair you wear gets too sweaty, or just add one on top if you’re really cold
  • Neckwarmer
  • A beanie
  • Wrist guards
  • Glove protectors
  • A wiper for your goggles
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Tissues

Other Equipment

Being prepared for the slopes is important, but you also need to prepare for when you get off them. This includes hygiene products, medication, electronics, and other stuff which can help you have a much more pleasant trip overall.

Hygiene Products

  • Facial cleanser
  • Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Hair accessories (brush, comb, hair tie, claw clip, hairpin)
  • Dental hygiene products (toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss)
  • Hair products (shampoo, conditioner, styling gel – if you use it)
  • Shaving gear (shaving foam/gel, razor, aftershave)
  • Nail clippers
  • Any other type of cosmetics and makeup that you use
  • Moisturizer

Medication and First-Aid

Make sure that you bring all of the meds on the list below, as this way you will be prepared for any medical emergencies. Better be safe than sorry.

  • Anti-inflammatories and analgesics
  • Bandaid and sports tape
  • Any cold-relief medication such as paracetamol, aspirin, decongestants, nasal sprays, anti-histamines
  • Vitamin and mineral supplements
  • Anti-inflammatory creams and gels

Electronics & Accessories For Them

A vacation is not a vacation with some of your gadgets, rights? This way you can capture memorable moments with your friends and family, and also your sick moves on the ski tracks. Also, you’ll need some of them for relaxation and to make your life all-round easier.

  • MP3 player
  • Tablet or laptop
  • Chargers for all of them
  • Headphones
  • Camera or GoPro
  • Mobile phone
  • Spare memory cards
  • Power bank
  • Tripod

Traveling & Accommodation Essentials

Here you have the list that you should check before leaving your home. You can use it to check off all the things you need in order to get where you’re going, and all the paperwork you’ll need.

Also, we’ll include some of the things you should pack depending on the place where you will be staying.

  • Passport & Visa (if required, also make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months)
  • Spare money (cash or a credit card)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tickets and reservations confirmations (printed or stored on an email account)
  • Make photocopies from all important documents like passport, visa, driver’s license
  • Maps (some places don’t have good reception so your GPS might not help)
  • Check for necessary vaccination if you travel to another country
  • Check if you’ll need electrical adapters
  • Make sure not to pack any sharp objects, razors, or liquids in your cabin luggage (if you’re traveling by plane)
  • Suitcase locks & tags

Extras

Extras are all the things you don’t need in order to have fun while on the slopes or out with your friends in a bar, but rather for when you’ll be on your own, or just items that will help you make your trip all the more pleasant and relaxing.

  • Books or Kindle
  • Sunglasses
  • Earplugs
  • Swimsuit
  • Board games, playing cards, or other types of games you can play with friends when you stay in

Final Words

Preparation is everything when you are going on a skiing trip. Take your time when packing, make sure you have everything you need in order to have fun, while also being prepared for some not-so-fortunate events that you might find yourself into.

Go through our list once again before you put your key in the lock, and if you’re all set, go and hit the slopes without a worry.

Article by:
Natalie Waters
Content Writer at Bluehouse
Last Updated April 2024

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