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Some of my favourite vacations are trips to the mountain. There is just something about the fresh mountain air, cozy fires, hot chocolate and post-mountain hot tub hangouts that makes my soul so happy.
Let’s be honest, growing up in Canada – there is not a lot going on all winter long so outdoor activities in the snow are the entertainment of choice for most of us. I grew up both downhill and cross-country skiing, then in high school I switched to snowboarding and fell in love with it. But let me tell you – with all of those trips to the mountain, you’re bound to forget something that is absolutely essential which is why I’m sharing my ski and snowboard trip packing list in hopes that it helps you be as prepared as possible for your winter adventures!
One year I forgot my snow pants, which is up there as one of the worst things you can forget. I had to buy a new pair when I got there which was an unnecessary purchase. After that experience I always started creating a packing list so I would never forget anything again and so far it’s worked.
If you are reading this and it’s your first trip ski trip – you are in the right place. This is my complete ski and snowboard trip packing list and it covers all of the essentials you need for a snow vacation!
Essentials For On The Mountain
Clothing:
Thermal Underwear and/or Base Layers
- Thermal underwear is a fancy way of saying fleece lined leggings & fleece lined long sleeve top/turtleneck. Layering is essential for staying warm all day long. Ensure you bring warm base layers for each day on the mountain. This could incorporate some of the workout clothing you already own, it doesn’t need to be mountain specific but it definitely needs to be able to keep you warm.
Sports Bras
- Any kind of will do, as long as it’s a bra you feel comfortable in and can be active in!
Neck Warmer
- In my family we call these Bula’s because that’s the Canadian brand we’ve always worn. I thought they were just called Bula’s until my friends asked me what the heck I was talking about. So yes, Bula is a great brand but any type of neck warmer will do. These should also be fleece or fleece lined to keep out the wind up on the mountain.
Balaclava
- For those who don’t know, a balaclava is a type of warm headgear that only exposes your eyes, nose & sometimes mouth. I always layer my balaclava under my helmet and neck warmer. This really prevents any wind from getting down my neck and keeps my head warm underneath my helmet. Alternatively, you can wear a very thin hat under your helmet that covers your ears and then your neck warmer but I find it being all attached with the balaclava is the best way to stay warm – especially on the really cold days.
Mittens
- Personally, I am a fan of mittens on the slopes but many people love gloves. I just find that my hands stay warmer in mittens. Make sure whichever ones you bring are waterproof and very warm. My favourite mittens or gloves are the ones that have a wrist leash, so you can take off your mittens and have them hang from your wrist whenever needed. It completely takes the worry out of losing a mit, and coming from someone who has dropped mits before – these are game changers!
Snowboard and/or Ski Socks
- Any warm, high sock will suffice but ski and snowboard socks have more padding in certain areas to create more comfort on the mountain, keep you warmer and create a better fit in your boot. If you are planning to ski or snowboard often throughout the season, I highly recommend a pair of these sport specific socks.
Jacket
- A warm, waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket. My favourite womens jackets throughout the years have always been Burton jackets because they make longer ones which keep me so much warmer. As a teenage girl, I never understood why they made all of the women’s jackets so tight and short. I personally like a jacket the comes about mid-thigh and gives me enough room to move and feel comfortable.
Snow Pants
- Warm, waterproof, windproof and breathable is what you are looking for in a good pair of snow pants. My favourite style are in overall form. Overalls keep me warmer, are more comfortable and prevent any snow from getting up your back when you inevitably take a tumble!
Breathable Fleece
- This depends on the weather and your coat. If you have a very high rated coat for warmth, I wouldn’t worry about a fleece. I personally haven’t gone out with a fleece on in years as my coat is so warm. Depending on your gear and the temperature, this may be essential so I always recommend bringing a breathable fleece just incase.
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Gear:
Snowboard and/or Skis & Poles
- The obviously the staple of your ski and snowboard trip packing list. You can always rent these at the resort. Make sure to call ahead so you know where to go for rentals and to get more information on reservations/prices/packages.
Snowboard Boots and/or Ski Boots
- These can also be rented at the resort.
Helmet
- This is necessary. Please ensure you always wear a helmet – it can save your life. If you do not own one, you can rent one at the resort.
Snowboard Lock and/or Ski Lock
- Optional: This depends on the resort. I always lock up my gear because it was an investment for me and I would hate if anything happened to it. Some resorts also have ski valet at the base of the mountain, I usually only use ski valet at the end of the day and lock up my board if I’m grabbing lunch or using the washroom at a chalet.
Snowboard Leash and/or Ski Leash
- This is another safety item. Leashes ensure that if for some reason your boots come out of your bindings your skis and/or snowboard aren’t sliding down the mountain without you and possibly harming other people. Many mountains that I’ve been to have made leashes mandatory, although I have never seen them check I would still recommend it to protect other people and protect your gear.
Goggles
- Goggles not only allow for great visibility, they keep you much warmer and actually protect your eyes if you were to ever get into an accident. Remember that sunglasses on the mountain aren’t safe because if something were to happen they could shatter and cause damage to your sight. Note that there are multiple different lenses available. Some are made for extremely sunny days and others for overcast and/or night skiing. If you’re on a budget I recommend starting with lenses specific for overcast days as they will still offer sun protection but allow you to see in all conditions.
Board/Ski Bag
- I pack all of my gear into my board bag as it’s easiest to travel with. I also add in an old towel to dry off my board at the end of the day to prevent any rusting/damage.
Extras:
Facial Tissues
- For the obvious.
Headphones
- Make sure you have a great playlist already set-up so you don’t have to keep reaching in to change the song. Be a safe skier/rider and only ride with one headphone in so you can be aware of your surroundings.
Lip Balm
- Keep your lips from chapping and protect them from the sun with SPF lip balm.
Hand Sanitizer
- For after using the tissues or for wanting to have a quick snack on the gondola but you just touched a bunch of random railings and doors.
Power Bar
- Great snack to keep you going until your next meal break.
Phone/Camera
- Capture the fun!
ID & Cash/Card
- It’s good to have your ID on you in case of an accident. Bring cash or a card if needed. Remember to keep these items in a zipped pocket INSIDE your jacket to prevent any important items getting lost on the mountain.
Lift Pass
- For the obvious.
Sunscreen
- Sunscreen is necessary on the slopes even on an overcast day. It’s always important to wear sunscreen to prevent any sun damage.
Essentials For Off The Mountain
Clothing:
Hat
- Always great to have a cute hat to hide your helmet hair for those apres-ski drinks or appetizers!
Extra Gloves
- Your on-mountain gloves will need to dry out overnight so bring an extra pair for off-mountain activities in the evening.
Extra Winter Jacket/Coat
- Same with the gloves – a good warm jacket for off-mountain activities will be great to let your on-mountain jacket dry out overnight.
Socks
- Ankle socks and cozy wool socks.
Bras & Underwear
- For the obvious.
Sleepwear/Loungewear
- It’s great to have some extra loungewear for the days you want to spend by the fire reading instead of on the slopes.
Snow Boots
- For walking around the village or for hikes/snowshoeing.
Scarf
- It can be cold in the village too! Bundle up!
Sunglasses
- For the obvious.
Swim Suit
- Nothing like an apres-ski soak in the hot tub!
Flip Flops
- For around your room and/or the pool area.
Jeans/Pants/Leggings
- Bring some outfits you can explore in.
Sweater/Fleece/Turtlenecks
- A few cute sweaters for dinners out always come in handy.
Shirts (mix of short & long sleeve)
- Great for layering!
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Extras:
Wallet/Purse, Keys & Other Necessary Travel Documentation
- Make sure you keep this in a safe place!
Games/Books/Other Entertainment
- We love bringing books, card games and board games to the mountain to play in the evenings or on the days the weather isn’t ideal.
First Aid Kit & Any Necessary Medication
- Definitely needed. No one wants to be driving around looking for a pharmacy.
Electronic Chargers and Battery Pack
- Battery pack is great to keep your phone from dying in the cold when on the slopes!
Toiletry Bag
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, skincare etc.
Water Bottle
- Because reusable water bottles are the way to go!
Snacks for road trip or on-mountain
- Protein bars are my favourite snacks!
Optional: Small backpack for the slopes if needed
- If it’s not ideal for you to come in for lunch or take breaks at a chalet, I recommend a small backpack to carry some food and drinks to eat throughout the day.
Optional: Snowshoes and/or skates
- These are great for the days you aren’t on the mountain but still want to get outside and have fun! Most resorts have rentals available as well.
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There you have it, a complete ski and snowboard trip packing list that includes every essential. I hope this helped with your trip planning. Enjoy the mountain!
