Last Updated on November 18, 2019 by Jane
As I am writing this I am looking out the window and the view is full of snow. Our local ski hill is opening within the week and the kids have gone on a few mini runs in the back yard. While I can’t see us flying off on a ski vacation just yet I know it is in the future once our kids have had some more practice. I have plenty of fond memories of weekends spent at ski hills in Ontario and full blown ski vacations at Mount Tremblant in Quebec. This is what to pack for a ski trip.
What to Pack for a Ski Trip
- Candy Land Pom Beanie – It should go without saying that if you are packing for a winter activity you need to pack a hat but I can’t tell you how many times I have gone skiing and novice skiers are totally unprepared. Please pack a hat. Don’t freeze. Skiing is so much more enjoyable when you are dressed for it. If you are wearing a helmet you are going to want something like this instead.
- Bolle SMU Ski Goggles – I have tried skiing with just sunglasses before but goggles are so much better. Your eyes are protected from the wind when you cruise down the hill and can adjust for flatness so that you can see all the bumps and grooves of the hill.
- Super Duper Strength Sunglasses – sunglasses are a must because when the sun reflects off the snow it is so bright! I find on even on dull days that the snow can brighten everything up.
- Hooded Puffer Jacket with Faux Shearling Trim – A coat is another obvious item. But in order to cut down on over packing you might want a parka that you would like to wear while you are not skiing too. That being said I always find that a parka too hot for driving in the car or travelling. So you might want to have a car coat or lighter wool coat for travel. Find the parka here too.
- Seamless Base Layer – back in the 80’s and early 90’s I would have worn a white turtleneck. The tissue turtlenecks I have now are so much better looking. But this base layer has that retro ski feel with a modern fabric.
- Excursion quilted down vest – Instead of a sweater over your base layer try a down vest. Or if you are skiing in the frigid cold that is Quebec perhaps you will need a sweater and a vest over your base layer!
- Insulated Snow Pants – Another thing novice or new skiers tend to get wrong is not wearing snow pants. Or wearing jeans. Ditch the jeans, wear some long johns and snow pants instead.
- Smartwool Women’s PhD Ski Medium Pattern Socks – wearing the right socks can make or break your ski day. These socks are made with merino wool which is warm but thin and wicks sweat away.
- ‘Tofino II’ Faux Fur Lined Waterproof Boot – a winter ski trip means that you need a warm pair of boots. Something that can handle the snow, slush and cold. Sorel is my go to.
- Smartwool Women’s NTS Mid 250 Bottoms Mountain Purple Heather Pants – base layers are so important when you are skiing because you are spending the entire day outside. Layer these under your snow pants.
- Women’s Canada Goose Lightweight Quilted Mittens – Years ago I bought a pair of down mittens and it was the best thing I did for my fingers. These are the warmest mittens ever. It is like having a down coat for your hands. You might want phone liners if you are skiing on a super cold day and can’t help yourself snapping selfies.
- Winter Skin Savers – Since you are spending the whole day outside you are going to want to treat your skin with some tender loving care.
- Brushed Fringe Scarf – While I do not use a scarf while skiing (I use one of these) I would suggest packing one for the rest of the time when you are not skiing. It finishes off an outfit and keeps you toasty.
Of course you will have to pack some regular clothes for apres ski. I find that ski chalet dressing is fairly casual especially since you have to manage dressing for the cold too.
You also need skis! And boots! And helmets! We always lug ours along on our weekend trips but you might rent yours at the hill. I know skiers who even though they owned skis rented them when they flew out to Whistler. Skis may or may not be on your list depending on whether you own them or not or how far you are going on your ski trip.
This is what to pack for a ski trip. What would you pack? Add your tips in the comments.