After hundreds of ski trips and thousands of guided days, we've seen every possible packing mistake. The most expensive is forgetting something critical and paying resort prices to replace it. The second most expensive is overpacking and paying airline baggage fees for things you never use.
Here's the definitive list.
On-mountain clothing (skiing)
Base layers (moisture-wicking):
- 2 thermal tops (merino wool or synthetic — never cotton)
- 2 thermal bottoms
- 4-5 pairs of ski-specific socks (wool or synthetic, mid-calf height)
Mid layer:
- 1 fleece jacket or insulated vest (for cold days under your shell)
Outer layer:
- 1 ski jacket (waterproof/breathable, minimum 10,000mm waterproof rating)
- 1 ski pants (same standard)
Accessories on mountain:
- Helmet (rent or bring — ALWAYS wear one)
- Goggles (bring your own; rental shops often have terrible options)
- Ski gloves (waterproof, warm, with wrist guard option)
- Neck gaiter/balaclava
- Thin glove liners (for inside gloves on really cold days)
Off-mountain clothing
After a big ski day you want: casual comfort, warmth for evening walks, one nice outfit if you're doing nicer dining. Think: 2 pairs of casual pants, sweaters/fleeces, comfortable boots for walking in snow/slush.
Equipment (skip if renting)
- Skis, poles
- Ski boots (often worth renting if you go less than 4 times/year)
- Helmet (worth owning — hygiene and fit)
Health and body care
- SPF 50+ sunscreen face (reapply every 2 hours — altitude = intense UV)
- SPF lip balm
- Hand moisturizer (high altitude air is incredibly drying)
- Ibuprofen/Advil (muscle soreness is real)
- Any altitude sickness medication if you're prone
- Blister pads (boots always find a weak spot)
Documents and money
- Lift pass (usually purchased in advance)
- Photo ID
- Insurance documentation
- Cash for tips, small purchases, and situations where cards don't work
The gear bag for the slope
Small daypack or fanny pack:
- Phone (charged, in protective case)
- Portable charger
- Sunscreen for reapplication
- Snacks (bars, nuts — resort food is expensive)
- Trail map (screenshot it)
- Hand warmers
What NOT to bring
- Heavy SLR camera (your phone is fine, and cameras get damaged)
- Jeans (never, ever ski in jeans)
- Cotton base layers (you will be miserable)
- More than 2-3 ski outfits (you'll wear the same things)
Pro tip: Ship ahead
If you're flying, consider shipping your ski gear to your destination hotel ahead of time. Services like Luggage Free or Ship Skis will handle it, and you'll travel in comfort without wrestling with a ski bag in the airport.
Ready to experience it yourself?
Book a local Ski Buddy and discover the mountain like a local.