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Ski Trip Gear Checklist
Layers, protection and the boot and ski prep to sort before you reach the mountain.
A real, editable checklist below — tick, tap a line to rewrite, drag to reorder.
Tick the circles, tap any line to change it, drag the dots to reorder.
Saved in this browser. Send it to Clear to keep it on your phone.
Three layers carry most of this list: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid layer and a waterproof outer shell. Skip cotton, which holds moisture against your skin. Skiing can burn more than 500 calories an hour, per Blue Angel Snow, so bring snacks you can pocket and a water bottle or hydro-pack. Sort rentals before you travel: resort rental lines can run long and size options may be limited. If there's no ski shop near home, get tuning done on arrival. This list covers resort days and leaves out backcountry and race setups.
Why these items are on the list
- Thermal base layer, top and bottom. Wool, silk or synthetic wicking fabric pulls moisture off your skin. Not cotton.
- Ski socks, thin to medium. Thin to medium socks in wicking fabric keep feet warm and dry.
- Fleece or wool mid layer. Cold day, double up. You can shed one later.
- Waterproof jacket. Keeps wind and snow out. Be sure sleeves are long enough.
- Waterproof ski pants. Overlap with the jacket matters. Gaps let snow creep in.
- Waterproof gloves or mittens. Keeps wind and snow out. Gloves or mittens both work.
- Ski helmet. Lightweight and warm. It can reduce or prevent injury.
- Ski goggles. Block wind, sun and glare. Peak Performance's racing list suggests spare goggles with different lens tints.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava. Face cover for cold days. Neck gaiters and balaclavas are great additions.
- Sunscreen for snow days. Snow reflects sunlight, so burn risk is high. Blue Angel Snow says reapply at lunch.
- Disposable hand warmers. Fit inside gloves, usually last all day and are sold at resort shops.
- Water bottle or hydro-pack. Drink even if you're not thirsty. At altitude, drink more water and less alcohol.
- Protein and carb snacks. Such as cheese sticks, nuts, dried fruit or granola bars. Eating keeps you stronger and warmer.
- Ski boots, broken in. Wear boots and ski socks around the house before the trip.
- Skis or snowboard, tuned. Waxed, with bindings adjusted to your weight and ability. Many shops won't adjust older bindings.
- Ski bag for flights. Limelight says that without a bag, most airlines will grudgingly give you a plastic sheath.
- Waterproof after-ski boots. Sturdy, with good traction. Limelight's Laurel Miller calls classic Uggs worthless on snow, ice and damp.
- Traction devices for shoes. Slip over shoes for icy streets at night. You can remove them on arrival.
- Jeans, beanie and sweater. Limelight says North American resorts have a laid-back dress code, so evenings stay casual.
- Spare gloves and base layer. Peak Performance's racing checklist keeps spare gloves and extra base layers as backups.
Tick it over a few evenings before the trip, then keep it open on your phone for packing day. Share it with the group so gaps show up early.
When to use it
Use it before you travel, so rentals, tuning and boot break-in don't land on the morning of the trip.