A Complete Ski Trip Packing List for First-Timers

Packing for your first ski trip can feel like a guessing game. Do you really need that many layers? Are regular winter clothes enough? And why is everything so bulky? If you’ve never skied before, it’s hard to know what’s essential and what’s overkill. This ski trip packing list is a complete guide to everything you need to pack whether you’re on the slopes or enjoying downtime off the mountain. 

Ski Trip Clothing Essentials 

Ski Apache is one of the most southernmost ski resorts in the United States, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t need to dress for cold weather. You’re still skiing at elevation and it definitely gets cold. The goal isn’t just to stay warm, you also want to stay dry and comfortable from your first run to your last. Here’s a list of what to wear skiing for the first time. 

  1. Outerwear jacket: A hardshell jacket is essential. Make sure yours is warm, waterproof, and breathable.
  2. Pants: Bring one to two pairs of waterproof, insulated ski pants. Pants offer more flexibility than bibs or snowsuits if you need to shed layers.  
  3. Snow bib or snowsuit: Personal preference rules here. Packing a snow bib or snowsuit in addition to pants gives you options depending on weather conditions.  
  4. Base layer tops & bottoms: This layer (Merino wool or synthetic) should be snug, moisture-wicking, and breathable. It’s smart to pack a variety of weights so you can adjust based on the forecast. Choose lightweight for milder days, midweight, or heavyweight for especially cold temperatures. Bring a base layer set for each day you’ll be skiing. Or, if you’re able to wash your items mid-trip even better. This will help save room in your suitcase. 
  5. Mid-layer tops: Merino wool sweaters, fleece pullovers, vests, or lightweight puffers work well. Pack enough mid-layers for each ski day too.
  6. Socks: Pack a pair of socks for each day you’re on the slopes. Thick Merino wool or synthetic blends will keep you warm and dry. Avoid cotton socks at all costs!
  7. Winter hat: A warm beanie is an easy swap for a helmet aprés-ski.
  8. Gloves or mittens: Make sure they’re waterproof and insulated.
  9. Neckwarmer, balaclava, or gaiter: Protect your face and neck from windburn and the cold. 

Ski and Snowboard Gear  

If you’re a first-time skier, you most likely won’t have your own equipment yet and that’s perfectly fine. Most ski resorts and mountain towns have ski rentals for everything you’ll need on the slopes. Use this list to get familiar with what to rent ahead of time or decide which pieces might be worth investing in if you plan to ski frequently.  

  1. Skis
  2. Snowboard
  3. Ski poles
  4. Ski boots
  5. Snowboard boots
  6. Helmet 
  7. Goggles 
  8. Wrist guards (optional): This is highly recommended for beginner snowboarders more so than skiers to protect the wrists when breaking falls. 
  9. Knee pads (optional): Soft knee pads help cushion any impacts when learning to ski. 
  10. Padded shorts (optional): Ideal for beginners, this offers discreet protection for the hips, thighs, and tailbone during tumbles. 

Extra Items Worth Packing

Once you’ve got the ski trip essentials covered, don’t overlook the smaller details. These items don’t take up much space, but will make a big difference once you’re on the mountain. 

  1. Sunscreen: While UV rays may not be the first thing you think of when you think of skiing, the high altitudes and snow reflection intensify UV exposure. Broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen will prevent sunburn and skin damage. 
  2. SPF lip balm: An essential for preventing chapped lips in dry, cold mountain air. 
  3. Tissues: Useful to have on hand if the wind and cold cause a runny nose.
  4. Backpack: A small backpack keeps all your necessities handy.
  5. Lock: If you want to store your items in a ski locker apres-ski or while you’re on the slopes, this will keep your items secure. 
  6. Handwarmers: Bring multiple packs for a little extra warmth for chilly hands and/or feet.
  7. Insulated water bottle or hydration pack: High altitudes cause dehydration fast. Stay ahead of fatigue with constant hydration. 
  8. Snacks: Think protein bars, trail mix, or even beef jerky. Anything to help keep your energy and stamina up. 
  9. Portable charger: Keep your phone charged all day long.  
  10. GoPro Camera: While not necessary, it’s a fun way to capture your runs and relive the best moments of your ski trip.

Aprés-Ski and Off-Mountain Clothing  

First-time ski travelers often focus on gear and forget about what to wear the rest of the day. What you wear off the slopes is just as important as your ski clothing. You’ll want to include practical winter staples to your ski trip packing list that you can wear aprés-ski, while walking through town, or when going out to dinner. 

  1. Winter jacket: A parka or puffer will keep you comfortable when exploring 
  2. Casual tops and/or sweaters: Flannels, turtlenecks, Merino wool knits, and pullovers are great for both indoors and outdoors
  3. Casual pants: Jeans, joggers, leggings, or any type of comfortable pants that will keep you warm. 
  4. Casual gloves: Lightweight to midweight gloves are ideal. Ski gloves are too bulky for everyday wear.
  5. Winter boots: Choose waterproof, insulated boots with good traction. 
  6. Winter hat: A beanie will keep your ears warm and body temperature regulated.  
  7. Swimsuit: Yes, a swimsuit is an item you won’t want to forget on your trip! Many hotels and resorts have a pool, hot tub, or spa that you can enjoy when you aren’t on the slopes. 

What Not to Wear While Skiing

While these items may be good options for wearing around the resort or in town, you definitely don’t want to be caught on the slopes in these clothes. The wrong clothing can make you miserable fast. Avoid making a rookie mistake and wearing these items to ski: 

  • Cotton: Absorbs moisture and dries slowly. Once it gets wet from sweat or snow, it stays wet. 
  • Jeans: Denim isn’t waterproof or insulated. Definitely not approved for the slopes. 
  • Leggings: Don’t provide enough warmth or protection from snow.
  • Everyday winter coats: Most fashion coats aren’t waterproof or breathable enough for skiing
  • Ankle socks: Short socks can slip down inside ski boots and don’t provide adequate warmth
  • Non-waterproof outwear: Any jacket or pants that aren’t waterproof will quickly leave you damp and cold. 

How to Pack Your Ski Trip Essentials

There’s a lot to pack for a ski trip, and most of it happens to be bulky. Here are a few ways to help you save space in your suitcase whether you’re driving or flying. 

  1. Roll, Don’t Fold 

Folding your clothing actually takes up more space than rolling your clothes. Rolling your clothes lets you pack more efficiently. If the fabric allows for it, roll non-bulky items when you can to fit more items in your suitcase. 

  1. Use Packing Cubes  

Packing cubes make organizing simple. Use them to organize all your clothes. Use the cubes to separate base layers, mid-layers, and accessories (or organize them in whatever way makes the most sense to you) so you can easily grab what you need without digging through your entire suitcase.

  1. Try Vacuum Sealed Bags

Like packing cubes, compression or vacuum-sealed bags are great for consolidating. For large, bulky items like puffer jackets, snow pants, suits and bibs, vacuum sealed bags come in handy. They significantly reduce volume which allows you to pack even more in your suitcase or leave room for souvenirs when you’re coming back.  

  1. Stuff Ski and Winter Boots

Empty boots means wasted space! Fill them with socks, gloves, gaiters, or other small access to maximize every inch of your suitcase. 

Ski Trip Packing List FAQs

How many layers do I need to wear while skiing? 

Most skiers wear three layers: a base layer, a mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. The base layer keeps sweat off your skin, the mid-layer adds warmth, and the outer layer protects you from wind and snow. Depending on how cold it is, you can adjust the thickness of each layer by choosing lightweight, midweight, or heavyweight fabrics. 

Are jeans ok for skiing?

No, jeans are not appropriate for skiing. Not only do they fail to provide warmth, but they are not waterproof and quickly absorb moisture. Once they are wet, they stay wet which will leave you cold and uncomfortable on the slopes. 

What clothes should I pack for a ski trip? 

Pack moisture-wicking base layers, warm mid-layers (like fleece or wool), waterproof ski pants, a waterproof ski jacket, wool or synthetic ski socks, waterproof and insulated gloves or mittens, and a warm hat. You’ll also want to pack casual winter clothes for off-mountain activities.