This Ski Packing Checklist Is Going Viral For A Reason

I’ve taken enough ski trips to know that packing smart makes all the difference between a great vacation and a stressful one.

There’s a balance between bringing everything you need and not overloading your luggage with stuff you’ll never use.

I’ve been the guy who forgot his goggles and had to buy expensive ones at the resort shop.

I’ve also been the guy who packed way too much and couldn’t fit everything in my bag for the flight home.

After years of trial and error, I’ve figured out exactly what needs to go in my ski bag.

This is my complete packing list—everything you actually need for a ski trip, organized so you won’t forget a thing.

My Clothing Layer System That Works Every Time

A good base layer regulates temperature and moves moisture away from your skin, and thermal tops and leggings made of merino wool or technical polyester blends work best.

I can’t stress this enough—skip cotton completely.

Once cotton gets wet from sweat, you’ll be cold and miserable all day.

I pack three sets of base layers for a week-long trip.

That gives me enough to rotate through while some are drying.

Your insulating layer traps heat, and fleece pullovers, down jackets, or synthetic insulated tops are perfect options.

I usually bring one fleece and one lightweight puffy jacket.

The fleece is great for everyday wear around the lodge, and the puffy compresses into almost nothing in my bag.

If you tend to feel cold, pack two mid layers so you can double up on especially freezing days.

This has saved me on brutally cold mornings when the temperature drops way below what I expected.

The beauty of layering is that you can adjust throughout the day based on conditions and activity level.

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The Outer Layer Gear You Can’t Skip

Choose a waterproof, breathable shell jacket and pants, looking for key details like taped seams, snow skirts, and adjustable cuffs.

Your outer layer is your shield against the elements.

I learned this lesson the hard way skiing in a jacket that wasn’t actually waterproof—just water-resistant.

There’s a massive difference.

Stay warm and dry by bringing waterproof ski pants to wear over your base layer pants, or some skiers prefer bibs, which are basically overalls that cover up to your chest.

I’m a big fan of bibs because they keep snow out better and there’s no gap at your lower back.

But regular ski pants work great too if that’s what you prefer.

It might be a good idea (and more fun) to choose a distinctive color or pattern so friends and family can spot you easily.

This is actually really practical when you’re trying to meet up with your group on a crowded mountain.

Make sure your jacket has good pockets—you’ll use them constantly for your phone, snacks, and lift pass.

Ski Boots And Socks That Keep Your Feet Happy

You can buy special socks just for skiing—they come up to your shin so your skin isn’t rubbing against the ski boots and provide extra cushioning.

Proper ski socks are worth every penny.

I pack one pair for every day I’ll be skiing, plus one extra.

Merino wool is my go-to material because it stays warm even when wet and doesn’t get smelly.

Here’s a mistake I see all the time—people wearing two pairs of regular socks thinking it’ll be warmer.

It actually restricts circulation and makes your feet colder, plus your boots won’t fit right.

One good pair of ski socks is all you need.

Remember to try them on at home with thick socks to ensure they still fit, and if not you can always rent them when you get there.

If you’re bringing your own boots, this is crucial.

I always test my boots before packing them to make sure everything still fits properly.

Hand Protection That Actually Works

Ski gloves are a must, and they should be able to be tightened around the wrist to keep snow out.

I always pack two pairs of gloves.

One pair inevitably gets soaked, and having a backup means I’m never stuck with frozen hands.

Mittens are a little warmer than gloves, although they might make it more difficult to adjust your skis or get items out of your pack.

I prefer gloves for the dexterity, but some people swear by mittens.

My must-have feature is touchscreen-compatible fingertips so I can use my phone without exposing my hands to the cold.

Glove liners help keep your hands even warmer on really cold days when you wear them inside your gloves or mittens.

These are lightweight and barely take up space, so I throw them in as an emergency backup.

They’ve saved me more than once when temperatures dropped unexpectedly.

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💸 I brought a suitcase that was WAY TOO BIG for the tiny hotel rooms and train aisles. I completely missed the last train because I didn’t understand the schedule. I spent HUNDREDS extra on things I could’ve gotten for cheap. Sound familiar?

“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my stressful mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, NO-NONSENSE tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.

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Head And Face Gear That Makes A Difference

Helmets may be the most important piece of ski gear, keeping your head warm as well as safe.

Safety first, always.

I never ski without a helmet, and if you’re renting gear, make sure you add one to your rental package.

If you’re planning to wear a hat out on the slopes underneath your helmet, keep in mind that doing so can affect the fit and effectiveness of your helmet.

This is important for safety.

I bring a thin neck gaiter or buff instead—it keeps my face and neck warm without messing with helmet fit.

These are so versatile too—you can wear them as a headband, face mask, or neck warmer.

I pack a regular beanie for wearing around town and at the lodge.

Goggles are absolutely non-negotiable.

A good pair of ski goggles will make all the difference on a powder day or flat light day when it’s overcast or snowing, and yellow, gold, amber, green or rose-colored lenses offer higher visible light transmission.

I also bring sunglasses for walking around when I’m not on the mountain.

What Goes In My Ski Backpack

I always ski with a small backpack even though not everyone does.

It’s where I keep everything I might need during the day without having to go back to the lodge.

Don’t forget water bottles, which will be useful both for traveling and staying hydrated on the slopes.

Staying hydrated at altitude is crucial.

I use an insulated water bottle so it doesn’t freeze, and I’ve learned to only fill it about three-quarters full to leave room for expansion if it does start to freeze.

I also pack a small first aid kit with basics like bandages, pain relievers, and blister care.

A multitool has come in handy more times than I can count for random repairs.

Extra layers go in here too—a down vest or light jacket that I can add or remove as the temperature changes.

Trail maps, sunscreen, and lip balm are always in my backpack.

Having everything in one place means I can grab it and go every morning without thinking about it.

The Snacks That Keep You Going

If you’re planning to bring snacks on the slopes, go for something that won’t crush or crumble easily, like beef jerky, gummy candy or protein bars.

Resort food is expensive and sometimes the lines are long.

Having your own snacks means you can refuel between runs without wasting time.

I pack way more snacks than I think I’ll need.

Trail mix, protein bars, and energy chews are my favorites.

Don’t forget candy to carry in your pockets to provide a sugar boost, and you can use candy as an extra incentive while skiing with kids.

I always have a few fun-size candy bars in my jacket pocket.

They’re perfect for a quick energy boost on the chairlift.

Granola bars, nuts, dried fruit—anything that can handle cold temperatures and getting a bit squished works great.

I pack snacks for travel days too, especially for early morning flights or long drives to the mountain.

Sun And Skin Protection You Can’t Forget

Because of high elevation (and frequent sunshine), sunscreen is an absolute essential.

The UV rays at altitude are seriously intense, even on cloudy days.

I pack SPF 50 and apply it every morning before I head out, then reapply throughout the day.

My face, neck, ears, and especially under my chin where the sun reflects off the snow.

Lip balm with SPF is in every pocket.

Chapped lips at altitude are miserable, and they can ruin your whole trip.

I also bring moisturizer because the cold dry air and altitude really dry out your skin.

My hands get especially rough, so hand lotion is a must-have.

After-sun lotion feels amazing in the evenings after a full day on the mountain.

These items are small and lightweight, but they make a huge difference in how you feel each day.

Don’t skip them thinking they’re not important—they absolutely are.

The Off-Mountain Clothes You’ll Actually Wear

I bring one nice outfit for going out to dinner, but ski towns are generally pretty casual.

A comfortable pair of jeans, a flannel shirt, and a sweater usually cover it.

Warm, waterproof boots with good tread are essential for walking around town.

Icy sidewalks and slushy streets are no joke.

I pack casual lounge clothes—sweatpants, t-shirts, comfortable layers for relaxing at the lodge.

A swimsuit is a must because most ski accommodations have hot tubs.

Soaking in a hot tub after a long day skiing is one of life’s great pleasures.

Flip-flops or slides for getting to and from the hot tub, plus wearing in your room.

I also bring one pair of comfortable sneakers for any indoor activities or casual walking around.

Keep it simple—you won’t need as many clothes as you think because you’ll be in your ski gear most of the day.

Pack items you can mix and match to create different outfits.

The Tech And Small Essentials That Save The Day

Cold drains cell phone batteries, so you will want to pack an external battery pack to ensure you can stay connected while on the mountain.

I keep mine in an inner pocket close to my body to keep it warm.

Hand warmers next to your cell phone can also help keep you a bit warmer, too.

This is a game-changer for keeping your phone working all day.

I bring all my charging cables and a wall adapter with multiple USB ports.

A headlamp is useful for early mornings or if you’re walking back to your accommodation after dark.

Pack extra hand warmers because cold fingers can lead to crabby moods and shorter days on the slope.

I throw a whole box in my bag—they weigh nothing and can save an entire ski day.

Toe warmers too if you tend to get cold feet.

A small sewing kit or duct tape for emergency repairs has saved me more than once.

Ziplock bags in various sizes are surprisingly useful for wet clothes, organizing small items, or protecting electronics.