There’s no better way to make the most of winter than by hitting the slopes! Whether you’ll be taking it easy on the bunny hills or flying down the more advanced runs, being prepared is key. Getting caught without proper gear, sun protection, change of clothes, etc. can really ruin your day!
Check out this list of my 17 ski trip must-haves to be sure you don’t forget a thing. Remember your smile, keep your chapstick and shades close, and get ready to ride some powder!
A neck wallet is a super useful item to have on you during your ski trip. Keep your valuables like passport, wallet, keys, and smartphone safe and secured by organizing them into this handy pouch that can be worn around your neck.
While you’re out on the slopes, you won’t have a chance to charge your phone or camera. Use this handy lipstick-sized portable charger that will fit easily in your coat pocket to charge up your devices while you’re on the go.
Gloves are two of the most important things you’ll be bringing on your ski trip. Make sure you get specialized ski gloves so that your hands don’t overheat, but stay protected from the wind and snow. These ones work great for skiing. You’ll also need a hat, and this beanie is perfect for slipping on under your ski mask, and is a good alternative to earmuffs.
If your ski trip is taking you to another country, you may need a universal power adapter in order to plug in your electronics. This one is amazing because it works in over 100 countries and comes with USB ports so you can charge several devices at once.
This is an important base layer of your ski outfit. Don’t hit the slopes without a good pair of long underwear to regulate your body temperature and keep you feeling good all day long. This pair is sweat-wicking, insulating and ultra comfortable.
Avoid overpacking for your ski trip by using packing cubes! These colorful pouches will keep you organized so you won’t ever have to dig through your luggage searching for that one essential item. This set is awesome because it also comes with separate cases for laundry and shoes.
Especially in crowded areas like ski lodges, hotels, and cafes, you put your personal information at risk when you connect to the public WiFi. Hackers will be waiting to steal your sensitive information like credit card numbers and passwords, so turn on this handy VPN and keep your info safe! If you’re traveling to a foreign country, a VPN will ensure you have access to websites from your home country if there’s censorship wherever you’re traveling.
A buff is another name for a neck warmer and muffler combo. It can also be used as a headband, too. Buffs are super multipurpose and very handy while skiing. This one is awesome and will keep you warm out on the slopes.
For those occasions during your ski trip in which you are not skiing, it’s handy to have some cute, warm snow boots with you. Slip these white ones on with any sort of outfit and feel like a bona fide snow bunny!
The last thing you’ll want to worry about on your ski holiday is wet pants! You can’t help exposing your clothing to the snow and ice, so having waterproof pants is key. These snow pants are highly rated and extremely insulated yet breathable.
Socks are vital to an enjoyable ski experience. Skiing in socks that absorb water will leave you cold and blistered at the end of the day. Stick with waterproof socks. These ones are breathable, waterproof and perfect for a day in the snow.
If your ski trip is bringing you more than 100 miles from home, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got travel insurance. Whether your flight gets cancelled, your luggage gets lost, or you need emergency medical treatment, travel insurance will have you covered in any situation. We recommend TravelInsurance.com because their website allows you to compare policies from top companies so you can find the best option for you and your travel plans.
Even if you’re just a beginner, a ski trip almost guarantees awesome views! Bring an affordable waterproof camera like this one to capture all the incredible moments set in your snowy wonderland. There are special attachments you can get to attach the camera to your ski poles or to a helmet for first-person action footage.
Poles are obviously a key part of skiing and you won’t want to hit the slopes without them! A good pair of poles should be sturdy, semi-flexible and lightweight. These Rossignol poles are perfect for the job and will have you skiing like a pro.
Of course, you’re going to need a bag to transport all of your ski gear. The awkward shape of much of your gear definitely calls for a specialized ski bag like this one that can fit all your stuff and is extremely durable.
When you stop for breaks at the lodge or grab a drink on your way back to the ski resort, keep your skis locked up with this three-digit lock. It’ll give you peace of mind during your trip and will ensure that no one takes your stuff!
This one is a no-brainer. Obviously you need skis. I bet you didn’t know you could get some high quality skis on Amazon, though. These ones have awesome reviews and aren’t too expensive as far as skis are concerned.
Layering is key when dressing for a day of skiing. Start with your base layers of thermal underwear and a synthetic long sleeve shirt. Your mid-layer is your insulating layer. It should be a soft-shell (or fleece) jacket or pullover. Your next layer is your protective layer including your ski pants. They should be waterproof, and wind resistant. Make sure you wear your waterproof ski socks, and maybe tuck an extra pair into your ski bag in case water or snow gets inside your socks. Ski gloves are important as well. Don’t forget your goggles, buff and any other accessories!
A buff is a much more logical item of ski wear. An ordinary scarf runs the risk of flying off of your neck. A buff can be a scarf, a face guard, a headband, or a sweatband.
Cotton absorbs water and sweat easily, and then takes forever to dry. In freezing temperatures this is highly dangerous, and even puts you at risk for hypothermia. Opt for synthetic fabrics that are marketed as quick-dry or sweat-wicking.
Ski towns are very laid back. After skiing most people go out for dinner or a beer in their ski clothes! If you’re in a nicer place like Aspen, CO, and are planning on having a fancier night out, go
It depends on your budget and skill level, really. If you’re an experienced skier but you don’t have your own equipment, it may cost a little more to rent equipment that can keep up with your level of skill, but it’s worth it. If you’re a beginner, it makes more sense to rent since it’s unlikely that you’ve invested enough to purchase your own gear.
Often resorts have their own lodges, or you can find hotels and even home-share options like condos very close to the resort. Often they even offer shuttle services!
Try a sightseeing tour or a ski class that sounds like fun! Even if skiing isn’t your thing, a ski class can be a fun way to feel entertained and safe at any skill level. Other options for rental equipment can sometimes even include sleds or other fun and unique snow riding gear. Otherwise, check out the shopping and entertainment near the slopes!
