If you’re planning a ski trip, putting together a solid ski trip packing list will require some strategy. It’s important to have the right gear for both on and off the slopes, as well as layers for warmer days and options for frigid ones. From weather fluctuations (which can change from day-to-day and even sometimes hour-by-hour) to the vibe of the resort you’ll be skiing at, every option must be considered. Knowing where to begin can be intimidating, which is why the packing list below is the perfect place to start.
for both on and off the slopes, as well as layers for warmer days and options for frigid ones.Illustration: Forbes / Images: Retailer
A great rule of thumb is that your suitcase should include products that are both stylish and functional. These Kamik snow boots, which were tested in wintry conditions in both Alaska and Japan, will look great on the slopes and are incredibly waterproof, while this flattering Eileen Fisher sweater will feel like a warm hug as you lounge by the fireplace after an active day. From gloves to goggles, this list narrows down the clothes and accessories to make packing for your next ski trip as easy as the bunny hill.
When choosing the right ski clothes, style is certainly a factor, but it’s even more important to get the materials and function right. Your goal should be to stay warm and dry while using as few layers as possible to minimize bulk. To accomplish this, look for waterproof materials like Gore-Tex and moisture-wicking fabrics, and opt for a warm ski sock that comes up above the boot and doesn’t include any ribbing or other texture that could cut into your skin. For more options, check out our What To Wear Skiing guide.
This jacket by beloved ski gear brand Perfect Moment offers a great balance of style and function. It features a chic black and white color-blocking design alongside 700-fill-power down insulation for warmth. Like all good ski jackets, there’s a zippered compartment for your RFID ski pass, along with smart solutions like an internal goggle pocket and cleaning cloth and adjustable powder skirt for true pow days.
This classic puffer jacket is perfect for a day out on the slopes. Its recycled Thermore Ecodown padding will keep you warm in a variety of conditions, the water-repellent nylon will ensure you’re never wet even during snowy days and the cropped fit means you’ll have a full range of motion for completing turns (even for us short girls). The jacket comes in black along with fun pops of color, such as pink coral and lime green, so you’ll never be missed on the mountain.
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A good ski pant has a combination of factors: all-around stretch, a forgivable waist for ease of movement, insulation for warmth and a slim fit for style. These pants have it all, from its elastic inner waistband to its thermal insulation. As a bonus, they come in three different lengths—short, regular and long—and a wide range of sizes to fit every body type.
These lightweight, waterproof pants are incredibly easy to travel with, as they fold up seamlessly for convenient packing. The thin pants are perfect for layering with a heavier base layer and feature ventilation zippers for warmer days.
Dakine
Dakine Sequoia Gore-Tex Glove
These incredibly warm gloves feature Gore-Tex for the ultimate waterproofing along with a zippered pocket capable of holding hand warmers for really cold days. They come with a convenient built-in lens scraper for goggles (for when it snows) and a pair of touchscreen compatible glove liners.
Ski socks are a very personal choice: some skiers prefer a thicker sock, while others prefer less bulky thin ones. If warmth is one of the most important factors, you can’t go wrong with this mid-weight cushioned pair. The knee-high socks have a reinforced heel and toe for extra warmth and comfort and have no texture so they won’t cut into your skin when you’re strapped into a tight boot.
A good base layer is worth its weight in gold and this fleece pullover from trusted outdoor gear brand Patagonia definitely qualifies. Its unique Polartec fabric creates a fleece waffle texture on the inside to keep you warm and wick away moisture. The top also comes in several colors to match any outfit.
These fleece lined bottoms feel like a hug for your legs, while the nylon outer helps them easily slip under any ski pants. The pants also feature a side pocket just large enough to store a phone or lip balm for easy access between runs.
Aprés-Ski Essentials
While function is the most important factor when choosing options for the slopes, style and coziness is what you want post-runs. Sure, sitting in front of a fire and drinking a beer can also be hard work, but you’re definitely not as active as you are when you’re carving it up on the mountain—and therefore definitely not as warm. Swap your ski pants for a soft pair of sweatpants, and slip on a sweater that feels like a cozy hug so you can focus on toasting your epic turns. For more options, read our Ultimate Guide to Après-Ski.
I wore these mid-rise snow boots on recent ski trips in both Alaska and Japan, and can attest to how durable and waterproof they are. The nylon and rubber outer is complimented by the soft fleece lining and very cushioned sole. As a bonus, they’re completely vegan friendly.
These insulated boots are made for a variety of wintry conditions from snow to ice thanks to a rubber outsole built for traction, a PU-coated leather upper and recycled polyester insulation for warmth. They also have enough support to protect your foot no matter the weather.
The word “hug” is in the name, and that’s exactly what this comfy sweater feels like thanks to its brushed fleece interior fabric. The loose funnel neck adds to the coziness, while the soft Tencel Lyocell fabric creates a chic look perfect for any après moment.
This fleece is so fluffy and soft, it feels like touching a cloud. The warm and roomy hoodie also features a waterproof chest pouch, zippered hand-warmer pockets and elasticated cuffs to ensure you’re never cold.
These slinky joggers are easy to slip on after a day out on the mountain. They’re super soft and feel like wearing sweatpants, yet look stylish enough to wear to dinner. As a bonus, they come in a wide variety of different lengths to fit both short and tall skiers.
These textured pants feel like wearing a light weighted blanket on your legs, making them a great choice post-runs. The chic linen and tailored fit won’t look out of place in the best après bars, while the elastic stretch waist and soft, heavier fabric will make sure you stay warm and comfy while there.
This classic jacket offers the best of both worlds: it’s super warm and insulated yet doesn’t have the heft or puffiness of a down jacket. The insulation is designed to keep you warm when you need to be as well as to keep excess heat away from the body so you won’t overheat when you’re putting in extra effort. The jacket also self-stuffs into the left-chest pocket so you can fold it up and pack it away for later.
This sophisticated jacket has a slim fit and structured design that won’t look out of place in the mountains or in a city. The coat features PrimaLoft breathable insulation to keep you warm along with a removable snow skirt so you can transition it right from the slopes to the streets.
Accessories
It’s all too easy to overpack when planning for a ski trip, but the best way to avoid that is by finding versatile accessories that are easily stored and can do double duty. Instead of packing lenses for all sorts of conditions, find one that changes with the light, and instead of bringing your biggest and fluffiest pom-pom hat, look for one you can slip into your pocket when you’re on the mountain so you can avoid having to get a locker. For more options, read our How To Dress For Cold Weather guide.
Conditions change when you’re on the mountain, and it’s near impossible to predict ahead of a ski trip. That’s why these photochromic ski goggles are key, adapting to the light changes throughout the day and changing the tint to match. These amber lenses, tested during a full day of skiing in Japan, worked just as advertised, functioning perfectly in sunny, cloudy, and flat-light conditions.
This knit hat features a thick waffle-weave texture made from recycled polyester and comes in nine different colors so it goes with just about any outfit. The hat is also a slim design without any pom-poms or other embellishments so it can easily fit in your pocket while you’re on the slopes.
If you’re going to wear a scarf, you want it to feel like a comfy blanket for your neck, and this one fits the bill perfectly. The wool blend is soft and plush, and the Buffalo plaid pattern is as classic as it gets.
If you plan to swap a hat for earmuffs, you can’t go wrong with this cable knit and faux fur option. The adjustable earmuffs come in five different colors to look cute wherever you are.
Swap your bulky ski gloves for this low-profile pair from Icelandic brand 66ºNorth to ensure frostbite never wins. The touchscreen-compatible gloves stretch for an easy fit and come up above your wrist so no cold air is getting in.
How We Chose Items For A Ski Trip Packing List
If packing for a ski trip were easy, articles like this one wouldn’t be remotely necessary. However, given the seemingly infinite avalanche of ski clothing, gear and accessories out there, it helps to have an expert skier on hand to identify real quality from products that don’t live up to the hype.
To that end, we tapped the expertise of Alison Fox, a Brooklyn-based freelance writer who has been skiing since she was a child. In addition to being a regular contributor for Forbes Vetted, Fox is a regular contributor to Travel + Leisure, where she covers topics ranging from destination news and airlines to, you guessed it, ski resorts. She travels the world each year in search of the best slopes and has skied on four different continents, including in Japan, New Zealand, Alaska and the French Alps. Needless to say, she’s a ski expert who knows exactly what to pack for any ski trip.
Fox researched the items for this ski trip packing list extensively and tested many of the items herself. She cross-referenced her data against hundreds of reviews from real world customers and pulled from decades of firsthand experience as an avid skier to bring you the best recommendations for your next trip.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
From meticulously testing and reviewing the best ski gear for ultimate shredding to scouring the market for the coziest thermal underwear to keep you toasty on the slopes, we here at Forbes Vetted have dedicated ourselves to helping winter sport lovers conquer the cold. When it came time to put together a ski trip packing list, we applied the same unyielding commitment to ensure that our readers could hit the slopes in style, warmth and comfort.
We examined each contender on this list, closely examining materials and construction and testing them out on multiple ski trips. To make the cut for our ski trip packing list, products were required to balance style and functionality, as well as keep your body warm and dry while you’re on the mountain.
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Alison Fox is a journalist who has traveled to more than 50 countries. She focuses on travel news and feature stories and her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Born in Brooklyn and a lifelong traveler, she developed a love for exploring the world at an early age.Read MoreRead Less