Essentials you need to pack for a ski trip

Using packing cubes for your ski trip is a fantastic way of organizing your items – and bringing more items than anticipated. Have one packing cube for your base layers and another for beanies (we warned you, we pack a lot!).

If you’re taking multiple ski jackets, why not wear one (or two) on the plane? This saves you packing them in your luggage, where they’re likely to take up most of the space.

If you don’t want to look like the Michelin man or Joey from Friends in the episode where he wears all Chandler’s clothing, buy packable snow outerwear instead. This means you’ll be able to pack them small (and sometimes into their own pockets) to avoid taking up most of the room in your luggage.

We don’t want to jinx it, but wearing your outwear on the plane also means you’re sorted if your luggage goes missing on the other side. Pack your snow pants into your hand luggage or unzip the vents if you decide to wear them on the plane – a full riding outfit will be toasty, otherwise!

Yes, you have to take a fair few things with you on your ski trip, but there are often many nooks and crannies to fill. For example, stuff your ski or snowboard boots with multiple pairs of ski socks or become a packing pro by placing your helmet in with your boots.

Don’t forget the viral TikTok hack: remove the inside of your travel pillow and replace it with base layers, t-shirts, socks, etc. No one will ever know. Well, except for the security team at the X-ray machine.

Helmets don’t just protect your head, you know. They can look after your most fragile items while traveling, too. Our top tip is to place your goggles in there (in a goggle sleeve, of course).

Our favorite type of luggage is often a wheeled ski or snowboard bag. These normally have to be checked in as ‘oversized’ luggage, but your ski and snowboard equipment gets destination-side in one piece. Plus, there’s plenty of room for your clothing essentials, gear, and more – all of which act as protective padding around your skis or snowboard. Ski boxes, on the other hand, are ideal for transporting your kit when road-tripping to the mountains.

The classic suitcase or roller duffle bag is perfect for bringing your ski clothing, outwear, and accessories. You can also often buy these in lightweight, split styles to fit more in without going over your weight limit. Just remember that wheels won’t be too helpful if you’re dragging your luggage through deep powder. So, you might want to make sure you can lift it – or sit on it and roll it down the hill (don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!).

A boot bag is ideal for bringing your ski or snowboard boots. These can often be taken as a carry-on rather than placed in hold – but always double-check with your airline before flying. There’s also a bit of an art in how to pack these.

Although they’re at the bottom of the three-layer system, base layers should be at the top of your packing list. These long sleeves and leggings keep you warm, wick sweat away from your skin, and prevent overheating (like during those slushy spring hikes). Pack between one and two base layer sets for a week’s ski trip.

Mid layers are all about your breathable hoodies, fleeces, and lightly insulated layers. How many you need depends on where and when you’re heading for your trip. For example, shredding in the dead of winter needs mid layers on top of base layers to keep you warm against plummeting temperatures. This could be a quilted down jacket to easily fit underneath your shell jacket – and provide extra insulation against the cold.

Outerwear is an essential item for your ski trip. Depending on the length of your trip, you’ll typically need 1 x ski jacket and 1 x pair of ski pants. Some ski jackets and ski pants come with different insulation options. As a general rule, select heavier insulated options for sub-zero temperatures and awesome warmth-to-weight ratio. For layering versatility and keeping light on your feet, go for a shell option. Of course, you can always wear a mid layer underneath a shell if the temperatures throw you a curveball.

Pack yourself some waterproof, insulated ski gloves or mittens and your fingers won’t mind as you cling on to frozen T-bars and straight-line it down the slopes. A flexible pair of glove liners are perfect for additional protection against the elements. You can even buy smartphone and touchscreen-compatible glove liners to tap away without having to expose your hands to the cold.

No ski trip packing list is complete with the humble – but super effective – neck gaiter. Just slide this over your neck for extra warmth and protection against the cold, wind, and falling snow. You can also pull it half-way up the back of your head (so it’s secure against your chin) and wear under a beanie and helmet. Two strands of hair sticking out at the front are optional!

The smallest items are often the most important. And never is that more true than bringing beanies with you on a ski trip. They cover up the dreaded helmet hair come après-ski and can be worn under your helmet, East-Coast style, while riding. Yep, there’s a style element, but they’re also pretty perfect for providing extra warmth and comfort. And for that reason, we always pack way more than we actually need!

We recommend packing at least two pairs of ski socks. However, when it comes to ski socks, it’s not a case of thicker is better. Instead, you need technical, thin socks with padding around the shin area for comfortable shredding from dawn to dusk (well, first chair to last lifts). Don’t worry – they’ll keep your toes warm and your feet ready to charge the mountain all day.

Ski poles are a crucial part of your equipment, so you won’t want to leave them behind! Take a pair that’s sturdy, reliable, and ready for planting as you tackle those steeps!

Ski and snowboard boots are the literal link between your body and your board or skis, so forgetting them from your packing list would be a bit of a downer! Of course, you can rent these in resort. However, some riders won’t touch any other boots but their own – they know and love the flex, responsiveness – and ability to handle those après-ski floors!

It’s not mandatory to wear a helmet in every resort. However, there’s no denying what an awesome safety accessory they are. As well as keeping your noggin’ safe, helmets are also great at adding warmth (and fixing your goggles in place). So, you definitely don’t want to be skipping packing your helmet just to save space!

Your goggles are such a handy item – they give you sight on the mountain so you can choose your line, jib features, and look stylish, too. Most goggles offer interchangeable lenses for different lighting conditions. This is awesome if an unexpected whiteout clouds your bluebird week. So, don’t forget to bring a spare goggle lens: 1 x yellow lens for whiteouts and 1 x polarized lens for sunny conditions. Have one lens on your goggles to save space.

One pair of winter boots is perfect for wearing when traveling to your ski resort or heading to a restaurant in the evenings. Ideally, these winter boots will have solid traction on snow – so you don’t suddenly mimic Bambi on ice. They’ll also be above the ankle, so no powder creeps in, and have a waterproof exterior to protect your feet and toes.

Most resorts have swimming pools or spas – and some even feature natural hot springs. These are the perfect remedy for relieving aching ski legs, so make sure you pack your swimwear. Heading to France? Guys, pack Speedos. According to a 1903 law, all men have to wear a Speedo in public pools for hygiene reasons. We promise we’re not winding you up!

Sunnies are perfect for carrying inside your jacket and wearing for après. Believe it or not, sun exposure can be extra intense in the mountains, so make sure your shades of choice offer 100% UV protection.