Family Ski Trip Packing List

Essentials to Pack & Free Checklist (Updated for 2020)

**Thanks to Zina from Let’s Lasso the Moon for this awesome photo!
If it’s an adventure you’re craving for, head on to the mountain slopes and get that dose of adrenaline rush. You’ll feel a tingle of excitement (blame it on the endorphins) with every slide through the snowy hills!

Hold on a minute though because packing for a skiing winter trip requires a little more planning and preparation. Without the proper skiing clothes and gear, you’ll be slipping on thin ice (pun intended).

So if you’re ready to face the winter cold, continue reading for our ski trip packing list which every member of your fun-loving family can use!

Some Tips Before You Go

Even with a sweet ski packing list, you might still feel a bit overwhelmed. Lucky for you, we’ve provided a few tips on how to survive your winter vacation without bringing your whole closet.

1.) Print a packing list

Before you pack those five dressy outfits — think first. Do you really need all those items?

Rather than putting random things in your suitcase, print this Ski Holiday Checklist to figure out what you really need and avoid bringing unnecessary things.

2.) Use clear packing cubes

Ever wondered why those clear packing cubes are a hit?

It’s because these tiny goodies are skilled at many things!

Use an Extra Small Cube for tinier items, such as travel size toiletries or charges, USB connectors or even snacks. Use a Small Cube to keep your accessories together, such as ski glasses, mittens, scarves and beanies. Use a Medium Cube to store your regular resort clothes such as long-sleeve tops and thermal leggings. Use a Large Cube for bulkier items, like your sweaters, coats and jackets.

3.) Plan your airport outfits (x2) before packing

Are you planning on being comfy or ready for the day when you arrive?

Avoid the mistake of packing all your favorite outfits with nothing left to wear on the plane. Don’t forget to wear your bulkiest jacket as an addition to your airport outfit. It might not look trendy but at least you’re lessening the bulk of your luggage!

4.) Buy travel-size toiletries

No, there’s no need to bring that entire bottle of TRESemmé, all you need is a mini version of it. If you’re a frequent traveler, invest in travel-size toiletries of all your favorite products.

If you can’t find small versions of your favorite brands, raid the drugstore, look for 3 ounce, clear containers and transfer the toiletries into the bottles.

Pro Tip: Before you place each bottle inside the cube, put a plastic wrap under its cap and close it tightly. Next, store all your 3 ounce items safely inside an Extra Small Cube to avoid leaks in your suitcase.

5.) Bring a portable phone charger

Chances are you’ll be outside the whole time — skiing, perfecting that snow angel, or taking a selfie under a snow-covered tree.

Carry a portable phone charger with you all the time so you can survive all day without worrying about an empty battery.

6.) Bring a mini wallet

Forget that bulky wallet! Find a purse that can keep your cash and most important cards together without worrying about a big lump in your back pocket or small sling purse. Now that your suitcase is good to go, don’t forget to pack your airplane tote bag!

Ski Trip Checklist for Families

Packing for a ski trip doesn’t have to be as complicated or mind boggling. The key to combating the low temperatures is to layer clothes. And with our simple ski trip essentials checklist below, you’ll be out on the slopes instead of worrying about the cold temperature. So enjoy!

Skiing / Snowboarding Clothes

☐ Thermal Tops & Pants (Base layer) – Best if made from synthetic or merino wool

☐ Fleece Tops (Mid layer for insulation) – Fleece is better than down for wicking moisture and retaining heat

☐ Waterproof Jacket – Improves durability in wet conditions

☐ Waterproof Snow Pants – To keep your lower body dry and comfortable

☐ Skiing / Snowboarding Socks – Ski socks made from wool or synthetic fiber are sure to keep your feet warm

☐ Sports Bras (For the ladies) – Opt for your favorite comfortable ones that let you move without any restriction

Pro Tip: Layering is the key! With a few key items, you can stay warm without packing bulky winter clothing. As long as you have an outerwear that is waterproof, a comfy thermal base layer and fleece mid-layer for heat retention, you’re golden.

Skiing / Snowboarding Gear

☐ Skiing / Snowboarding Boots – Make sure that your boots fit right, are comfortable, and work well with your bindings.

☐ Skis / Snowboard (Plus Ski Bag) – Choose the right board for your style and ability

☐ Ski Poles – Pick the right ski pole. Check out this website to know how to choose the right ski poles

☐ Helmet – Protect your head with a high-quality and comfortable helmet. Checkout this Ski & Snowboard Helmet & Size Chart

☐ Day Backpack – To keep your personal essentials with you at all times

☐ Snack Pouch – For when you get hungry

☐ Avalanche Kit – Beacon, shovel, probe, and radio / satellite communicate are a must

Pro Tip: To rent or to bring your own? You can always rent heavy, expensive and bulky ski gear in your destination especially if you’re flying!

Skiing / Snowboarding Accessories

☐ Goggles / Sunglasses – Protect your eyes from snow and other hazards

☐ Hat / Beanie – For when you need that extra warmth

☐ Neck Warmer – Keeps warm air inside your jacket and cold air out.

☐ Skiing Gloves or Mittens – Ski gloves allow for more mobility while mittens provide more warmth

☐ Balaclava Face Mask – Keeps you warm, comfortable, and free from frostbite

☐ Ear Muffs / Headband – Cold weather can impact your hearing so it’s important to keep your ears warm

Pro Tip: Your packing list won’t be complete without the proper skiing (or snowboarding) accessories. Imagine being out on the slopes in the middle of the day without goggles or sunglasses! It’s also more hygienic and these items don’t take up much space anyway.

Resort / Non-Ski Clothes

☐ Long Sleeve Tops – Make sure you bring ones that are thick to keep you perfectly warm

☐ Jeans, Trousers / Thermal Leggings – Wear under snowboard pants or bibs for greater insulation

☐ Sweater / Wool Jacket – Opt for a weatherproof wool that can keep you warm and cozy

☐ Snow / Winter Boots – Trudge through snow comfortably with a pair of comfortable and durable winter boots

☐ Normal Gloves – For casual chilling or lounging

☐ Pajamas / Loungewear – For sleeping

☐ Underwear (Briefs, boxers, panties, bras, socks & swimwear)

Pro Tip: You won’t always be out in the slopes, unless you’re secretly the abominable snowman. Pack along some casual clothes you can wear around the resort. But…always pack extra undies, extra socks and extra pants. Those items can easily get wet during the day and you don’t want to be wet, cold and without a fresh pair of socks.

Toiletries

☐ Shampoo & Conditioner – Keep your hair nourished through chillier days with the right shampoo and conditioner

☐ Soap / Body Wash – Go for brands that provide additional moisture

☐ Toothpaste & Toothbrushes – Opt for travel size ones

☐ Deodorant – To keep you smelling fresh and clean all day

☐ Facial Wash, Toner & Moisturizer – It’s important to keep your face moisturized as cold weather causes skin to dry

☐ Lotion / Body Cream – Very important to keep the skin healthy and hydrated during the cold season

☐ Lip Balm – Keeps your lips from being chapped and sore

☐ Face Sunscreen – Fun Fact: The higher the altitude, the more exposed you are to UV radiation! Just because it’s colder, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Not so fun if you leave the slopes with a burned face.

☐ Cosmetics / Makeup – To look your best every day

☐ Tampons – For that unexpected “visitor” during your trip

Pro Tip: This clear circle pouch set is perfect for keeping in your jacket while on the slopes!

Health / First Aid

☐ Prescription Medications - Personal medications prescribed by your doctor

☐ Pain Relievers & Anti-Inflammatory Meds – To treat general pain and alleviate light fever

☐ Alcohol Wipes – To sterilize tools to be used for the wounds

☐ Antibiotic Ointment – To prevent the bandage from sticking to the skin and to protect the wound from bacteria

☐ Bandages, Gauze Pads & Medical Tape – To dress wounds, sprains or strains

☐ Tweezers – For removing debris out of an open wound or splinter

☐ Moleskin Fabric (For blisters) – Pack extras as blister patches need to be replaced and reapplied daily

☐ Muscle Ache Patch / Balm – To soothe and relax muscle pain

Pro Tip: Accidents can happen anytime during a ski trip so bring a handy First Aid Kit. This DIY first aid kit should always be in your backpack or handbag. You can use our Extra Small Cube which even has an easy-grip handle for on-the-go adventures!

Electronics

☐ Camera + Charger – For taking beautiful professional photos

☐ Smartphone + Charger + Power Bank – You’re gonna need extra juice for your phone for all the pictures and videos you will be taking

☐ Tablet + Charger – To keep kids entertained with fun and educational videos

☐ Laptop + Charger – When you want to squeeze in a little bit of work

☐ Walkie Talkie (Why not?!)

☐ Earphones – For when you want to watch a movie or listen to music

Personal Bag Essentials

☐ Passport & Visa – Check your passport’s validity and make sure it’s not less than 6 months. Read more about the 6-month passport validity rule here.

☐ Flight Ticket, Itinerary & Resort Reservation – Keep printed copies available just in case you can’t access your electronic copy if your phone runs out of battery

☐ Wallet, Keys & Other Valuables – Keep them in one safe storage to avoid misplacing them

☐ Travel Size Toiletries – Good for packing light and less

☐ Gadgets – Keep a tab on your kids when they’re using gadgets so they won’t misplace them

☐ Travel Insurance Card/s – Keep them in a separate secure storage

☐ Snacks – To have something to munch on wherever you go

Pro Tip: Use our Extra Small Packing Cube for organizing these items (passport, visa, flight ticket, keys and travel cards). For the kids, use another Extra Small Packing Cube for their favorite snacks and treats. It can help temper tantrums and breakdowns while on the plane!

Others / Extras

☐ Laundry Bag – To keep your dirty clothes from your clean ones

☐ Mini Tissues – For personal hygiene

☐ Water Bottle – Keep yourself hydrated

☐ Hand & Foot Warmers – To keep your fingers and toes warm when skiing

☐ Scarf – Perfect to keep you neck warm when you’re not skiing

☐ List of Emergency Contacts – Keep printed and electronic copies

☐ Flashlight – For emergency

☐ Small Handbag – To keep your hygiene kit and other personal items in

☐ Backpack – To keep all family needs in one bag

☐ Entertainment – Activity kit for kids and reading materials for the adults

Pro Tip: Bring a water bottle for each member of the family for staying hydrated during your adventures (and less buying plastic bottles). Entertaining items like toys, coloring tools and playing cards are also a nice touch to have for travel days or chilling in the cabin / resort.

Now you’re ready for your adventurous ski trip. With our complete ski trip packing list and ski trip checklist, you’ve got nothing to worry about!

Do check out our different sizes packing cubes to make your next ski adventure organized for the entire family.

Any comments or suggestions? Questions going through your mind? Send us an email and we’d be glad to alp you (wink wink).