What to Pack for a Ski Trip: The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List for Women

 

Packing for a ski trip can be a daunting task. Not to mention the logistics of fitting bulky winter gear and boots into a suitcase, it’s tough to know what you’ll need to stay warm and comfortable while braving the harsh winter elements. But fear not, as I’ve compiled my favorite winter essentials in this ultimate ski trip packing list that will prepare you to hit the slopes and look good doing it.

Growing up in Florida, I never quite got the hang of winter. My idea of a chilly day means anything below 70 degrees. Until recently I couldn’t wrap my head around why people voluntarily lived in cold places, let alone used their precious vacation days to travel across the country to a freezing cold destination.

But things changed when my husband and I moved to Colorado for the winter season. My entire mindset about the season has shifted, and I’ve learned to love the mountains, skiing and most everything in between.

So when it comes to how to pack for a ski trip, it all comes down to setting yourself up for success.

Warming up by the fire in Beaver Creek, Colorado

I’m a firm believer that to a certain point, gear is just gear – stuff people buy to make themselves feel more prepared.

But winter is different – gear is everything. Having the right or wrong setup – whether it’s for skiing or just heading out to dinner in subfreezing temperatures – can make or break your trip. 

So whether it’s your first time skiing or you’re updating your wardrobe for your annual trip, stick around. I’ve pulled together my favorite ski gear, outerwear and winter attire in this ultimate ski trip packing list.

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What to Pack for a Ski Trip: For the Slopes

     Hitting the slopes at Beaver Creek and Vail, Colorado

Ski Jackets & Pants

First things first – no ski trip packing list is complete without a sharp ski ensemble. Enter, Obermeyer.

I initially discovered Obermeyer when my friend Cassidy lent me her Tuscany II Jacket. Right away I was hooked, and I immediately became obsessed with the brand. A Colorado institution, Obermeyer’s outerwear is just as warm and durable as it is flattering… Something that can’t be said about all ski gear.

Obermeyer Siren Jacket / Obermeyer Tuscany II Jacket / Obermeyer Bliss Pant

Both Obermeyer’s Tuscany II and Siren Jacket are the perfect universal winter coats. Take your pick, they’re both classics. Go seamlessly from the slopes to dinner out – both jackets come with a removable fur hood for when you want to be fancy.

As far as ski pants go, my favorites are Obermeyer’s Bliss Pant. The 3M Thinsulate insulation not only keeps your legs crazy warm, but the flattering cut prevents you from looking like the Michelin man.

Braving the Back Bowls at Vail Mountain, Colorado

Essential Ski Accessories

After a few days of freezing on the chairlift (and well, everywhere), I discovered Smartwool’s Merino 250 Neck Gaiter and I’ve never looked back. Like a scarf but better, this merino wool neck buff blocks the wind from your face, thus keeping you nice and toasty in the process.

READ MORE: 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Vail Besides Ski

As far as headgear goes, long gone are the days of wearing only a hat or headband to ski. Helmets are here to stay, and for the most part will keep you warm on the slopes. For days that are extra chilly – or if you’re die-hard enough to ski when it’s actually snowing – a thermal beanie under a helmet will work wonders. Check out this one from French Fitness Revolution.

As far as ski gloves go, the consensus is in: leather gloves are warmest for skiing. I’m a big fan of Swany’s La Posh Leather Gloves, which are as warm and waterproof as they are comfortable.

Top off your ensemble with a pair of ski goggles like these from Wildhorn.

Smartwool Merino 250 Neck Gaiter / French Fitness Revolution Thermal Skull Cap / Swany La Posh Leather Gloves / Wildhorn Roca Ski Goggles

Ski Base Layers

     
Après-ski in the yurt at the Montage Deer Valley, Utah

They say it’s what’s inside that counts, and when it comes to ski gear I couldn’t agree more.

Have I mentioned how much I adore Smartwool? Stay cozy underneath your ski gear with base layers like their Merino 250 Base Layer Bottom and Wool Active Crew Top.

READ MORE: The Best Things to Do in Beaver Creek, Colorado

Still cold? If you’re like me, then the answer is probably yes. For ski days that are extra chilly, throw on an additional layer like Lululemon’s Down For It All Vest.

For your feet, I’m a big fan of Pure Athlete’s wool ski socks. They’re warm, provide great cushion from cumbersome ski boots and also come in lots of fun colors.

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Smartwool Merino 250 Baselayer Bottom / Smartwool NTS Mid 250 Crew Top /Lululemon Down For It All Vest / Pure Athlete Wool Ski Socks

What to Pack for a Ski Trip: For Off the Slopes

Snow Boots

If I can at minimum keep my feet warm, then I’m a happy camper. Though good boots aren’t cheap, you won’t regret making the investment in proper winter footwear.

As far as boots go, the big name in town is Sorel. These trusty classics are crazy warm, water and snow proof, and a bonus – they’re also super cute. Sorel’s turn your average leggings and a sweater getup into an actual outfit.

A snowy evening walk in Vail, Colorado

For everyday trekking around town, I love Sorel’s Caribou Boot – more often than not, I’m wearing these. For a sneaker-style boot that’s still crazy warm, I love Sorel’s Explorer Joan of Arctic Boot.

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Sorel Caribou Boot / Sorel Explorer Joan Boot

Hats & Gloves

Sunset at the Montage Deer Valley, Utah

There are few things worse than having cold ears, so having the right headgear on hand is absolutely essential.

For chilly evenings in the mountains, you’ll need a warm beanie like this one from Amazon. A cozy headband will take you places and preserve your hair in the process, like this earwarmer from Lululemon.

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Furtalk Winter Beanie / Lululemon’s Show Me the Sherpa Earwarmer/ Hestra Nordic Wool Mitt/ The North Face ETip Glove

Newsflash – mittens are back. Hestra’s Nordic Wool Mitts are as cute as they are cozy, and the Scandinavian design is a fun accent to any outfit.

For everyday adventures around town, I love the ETip Gloves from The North Face. Their thin thermal design is surprisingly warm and even will work with your phone. #priorities

Essential Winter Attire

A snowy night at Beaver Creek Mountain

Call me granola, but on any given day I’m most likely wearing a vest. They keep you comfy minus the bulkiness of a full blown sweater, plus won’t be too hot when the heat is cranked up indoors.

For something a bit cozier, I look to Patagonia’s Los Gatos Wray Vest, which feels a bit like you’re wearing a teddy bear. Alternatively, if you’re heading out to a nice dinner try Love Token’s Faux Fur Vest which will keep you warm and stylish in the process.

Soft flannel shirts have also become staples in my winter wardrobe. Channel your inner lumberjack in a classic flannel like Madewell’s Sunday Shirt or Wrangler’s Boyfriend Flannel Shirt.

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Patagonia Los Gatos Wray Vest / Love Token Faux Fur Vest / Madewell’s Sunday Shirt / Wrangler’s Boyfriend Flannel Shirt

Winter Leggings

What’s my favorite things about living in the mountains? Leggings are acceptable attire for most any occasion. However, I quickly learned that my usual summer leggings didn’t cut it in the sub-freezing temperatures.

My new all-around faves for winter is Lululemon’s Keep the Heat Thermal Tight. The fleece lining paired with Lulu’s usual compression and tailored lines make them perfect for both a chilly outdoor workout or an evening out.

READ MORE: A Weekend Guide to St. Pete Beach, Florida

For a more budget-friendly cozy option, I’m obsessed with these $12 fleece leggings from Amazon. Nope, that’s not a typo, my friends. These babies are only twelve dollars.

Finally, you can’t go wrong with SPANX’s classic Faux Leather Moto Leggings – they go with just about everything.

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Lululemon Keep the Heat Thermal Tight / Sejora High Waisted Fleece Lined Leggings / SPANX Faux Leather Moto Leggings

Winter Health + Beauty

     
Warming up at the Four Seasons Vail 

The cold, dry mountain climate is a stark cry from the humidity of Florida, and the change up threw a big monkey wrench in my beauty regiment.

After just a few weeks here, I had dry skin, hair, nails, nose… I’ll spare you further details. Though I haven’t entirely perfected it, I’ve found a few tricks that are well worth trying.

Winter Skincare Essentials

Both the altitude and the elements of the mountains can really do a number on your skin. And contrary to logic or popular belief, you can most definitely still get sunburnt – even when it’s cold out.

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Neutrogena’s Age Shield Face Sunscreen with SPF 110 / Sun Bum Lip Balm with SPF 30 /Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

For your face, I’m a big fan of Neutrogena’s Age Shield Face Sunscreen with SPF 110. The extra high SPF is not messing around, plus it’s oil-free formula gets the job done minus the grease of most sunscreens.

Protect your pout with Sun Bum Lip Balm with SPF 30. Sun Bum’s fun tropical flavors like coconut even taste like vacation.

I’ve been a fan of Aveeno’s Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion for years, and most recently put it to the test under the dry winter conditions of Colorado. This lotion works wonders, and I keep it on hand (no pun intended) at all times.

Winter Health Essentials

A sunny day on Beaver Creek Mountain, Colorado

It’s no secret that nosebleeds can result from the dry air and the high elevation, and there’s never a good time to get one. The good news – there are a few things you can do to acclimate yourself to fight the effects of the mountains.

Immediately upon arrival at altitude, use a saline nasal spray like Arm & Hammer’s Simply Saline Nasal Mist to get out ahead of the discomfort.

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Arm & Hammer’s Simply Saline Nasal Mist / MZTDYTL Portable Mini Humidifier / OGX Coconut Miracle Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Using a humidifier at night also works wonders for combating the dry mountain air, like this portable one from MZTDYTL.

And finally to prevent your hair from falling victim to the harsh winter elements, your hotel or Airbnb’s free stuff probably isn’t going to cut it. Come prepared and pack travel-sized bottles of OGX’s Coconut Oil Shampoo and Conditioner.

 

A bluebird day on the slopes in Vail, Colorado

I hope that this guide has been helpful in preparing you for your next ski trip. Given the right gear, a sense of adventure, and lots of hot coffee, it’s truly a season to be enjoyed.

I want to hear from you, what are your best tips for packing for a ski trip? Stay warm, my friends!

 

Cheers,

Meredith

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