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Ski vacations require seemingly endless planning and coordination as you and your loved ones make your way to and down the slopes — and you can never be too prepared. Your group needs the proper gear, passes, parking permits, navigation tools and easy access to everyday essentials for everyone to participate. Learn what to bring on a ski trip to enjoy the action as a group.
What to Pack for a Ski Trip
Skiing involves more gear than most sports. Traveling with the entire ensemble will incur additional luggage fees at any airline. You can rent most of the equipment at the resort to lighten your load, but you’ll need a reservation to reserve your size. Whether renting, borrowing, or buying, ensure you can access the following during your stay.
Ski Gear:
- Skis
- Ski poles
- Ski helmet (full-face or half-face)
- Wireless helmet headset
- Goggles (if using a half-face helmet)
- Ski boots
- Ski gloves
Pro Tips:
Use gear designed specifically for skiing instead of repurposing non-athletic winter gear. Try on existing items to see if they still fit and are in good condition. You never know where the trail will take you. Learn what to wear for cross-country skiing to tackle any trail — steep or flat.
Wearing a full-face helmet simplifies packing by insulating your head from the cold, so you don’t have to combine multiple items.
Regardless of which type of helmet you use, pair it with ski helmet headphones to communicate wirelessly with your companions without looking away from the trail or taking your hands off the poles. It syncs automatically and uses dynamic mesh communication to form direct links between you and your instructor or every member of your group. If you need music to get in the zone, use ski helmet speakers to listen to your favorite tunes or instructional content for last-minute tips while you ride.
Bring Ski Helmet Communication to Keep Your Group Connected
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Ski Clothing:
- Long underwear
- Snow/ski pants with suspenders
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Thermal long-sleeve top
- Fleece pullover
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Ski jacket
- Ski mask
- Knee, shoulder and elbow pads
- Wrist guards
Pro Tips:
Interlock your waterproof outer layers to stop water from leaking in. Prevent sweat from forming inside your ensemble by wearing socks, underwear and underlayers made of nylon or wool — fabrics that dry quickly — instead of cotton.
Your innermost layers should fit snugly without limiting your range of motion. Replace items with weak spots, loose strings and holes before the trip.
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On the Slopes Essentials:
- Water bottle
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Shades
- Handkerchief
- Compact aerodynamic backpack
- Leisurewear
- Paper map
- Watch or phone to keep time
Pro Tips:
Bring enough water and protein-packed snacks to last you however long you plan on being away from the resort. A few hours of skiing can deplete as much as four percent of your body weight through water loss.
- Sunglasses reduce glare when you’re waiting for the lift.
- Leave room in your bag for middle layers so you can remove them if you get too warm.
- Don’t forget to bring comfortable clothes to change into after a long day on the slopes, including pajamas and something for hanging out in the lodge.
Optional Items:
- Dinner/cocktail attire
- Books, games and other entertainment
- Hiking boots
- Compass
- Non-athletic winter clothing
If you want to explore the town or wilderness without skis, wear warmer layers to stay comfortable on casual hikes and walks when you’re not working up a sweat. When skiing backcountry or cross-country, bring navigation equipment to find your way back to the resort or parking lot.
Ski towns are home to some of the most luxurious restaurants in the country. Research the dress code to ensure you have the right ensemble to get a table or a drink at the bar. You don’t want to spend your vacation looking for a black dress or sport jacket.
Packing for a Good Time
Helping everyone get their gear together beforehand lets you focus on having fun once you’ve arrived. Coordinate with your group to pool together these items and use equipment that lets you enjoy each other’s company while skiing.
Every trip is unique. Research the resort amenities and park attractions to get a better impression of your stay, and plan for every contingency to make your trip as seamless as possible.
