Hitting the slopes soon? Whether you’re a Powder Hound, a Snow Bunny, an Après Enthusiast, or a first-time Slopepoke who’s hoping to stay (mostly) upright on the beginner hills, the gear you pack — or forget — can make or break your trip.
Luckily, the team here at aloSIM has put together our ultimate ski trip packing list, with everything you need for a truly spectacular ski vacation.
Ready? Let’s snow!
What to pack for the ski hill
• Ski jackets and ski pants (or one-piece snowsuits): It’s a good idea to have a couple of ski outfits, if possible, in case one set gets soaked and doesn’t have time to dry before your next time hitting the slopes.
• Mittens or gloves: Pack whatever’s most comfortable for you, and make sure they’re waterproof and insulated to keep your hands dry and warm.
• Hat, headband, or earmuffs: Your ears will get cold quickly while you’re skiing, so protect them from the elements.
• Balaclava, neck gaiter, or ski mask: Most skiers prefer to wear one of these to keep their face warm when they’re swoosh-swooshing down the hill.
• Base layers: Your ski trip packing list should include a few sets of base layers that will wick moisture away from your skin (merino wool is great for this, while cotton is terrible).
• Sweaters or sweatshirts: You’ll want something cozy to put on over your base layers. A ski trip is the perfect time to break out the classic snowflake-printed knit sweaters, but others prefer a fleece pullover or well-worn sweatshirt.
• Wool socks: Instead of layering multiple pairs of socks, top skiers prefer wearing one high-quality pair designed to insulate their tootsies and keep them dry. Merino wool is a popular material, or you can go a little fancier with Primaloft or Thermolite socks designed for skiers.
• Ski goggles or sunglasses: The sun’s no joke when it’s blindingly bright and reflecting off the snow. Get a pair of sunglasses that can be secured to your face while skiing, or a pair of comfortable ski goggles.
• Sunscreen: Even if it looks cloudy, don’t skip the sunscreen on your next ski trip. Pack a moisturizer that includes SPF protection so you avoid sunburns while keeping your skin hydrated.
• Lip balm: Your lips could get extra dry on the slopes, so tucking a tube of lip balm into your pocket only takes a second and it just might save the day.
• Your own ski or snowboard equipment (OPTIONAL): If you own your own skis, ski poles, ski boots, or snowboard, you can add it to your ski list packing list and save some money in the rental shop. Just make sure it’s actually a good deal to lug it with you (and potentially pay to check it on your flight) versus renting gear.
What to pack for the ski lodge
• Sweaters: Depending on where you’re staying, a nice sweater is fine for most restaurants and bars.
• Pants or leggings: Pair your sweater with something comfortable — your body might be achy after a long day of skiing!
• Pyjamas, socks, and undies: We trust you know how to pack enough PJs and underwear for your trip, but make sure you pack regular socks. The thicker, insulated ones you’ll wear on the ski hill will leave you with uncomfortably hot feet if you’re just hanging out in the lodge near the fire.
• Boots: Throw in a pair of your favorite (comfy) boots for walking around the ski resort or heading into town.
• Hat & gloves/mittens: Bring along a couple of hat/mitts/gloves sets. You’ll probably throw them on when you’re going for a walk, enjoying outdoor activities other than skiing, or moving between buildings — and you don’t want to accidentally misplace the “good” ones you need for skiing.
• Sunglasses: If you’re using ski goggles on the slopes, make sure you have a regular pair of sunnies for other activities. (Wearing ski goggles to the local shops would look low-key hilarious, though.)
• Reading material: If you love to read, your ski trip packing list should include your eReader or a few paperbacks so you’re all set for relaxing in front of a roaring fireplace in your room or in the main lodge.
• Toiletries: Your skin might be drier than usual depending on the elevation and how long you’re spending outdoors, so be sure to throw in an extra-hydrating moisturizer. A soothing gel for sore muscles could be useful after a long day of skiing. Oh, and definitely add another tube of lip balm so you can keep one in your room, and one in your ski jacket.
• Charge cord and power bank: You’ll want your phone to stay charged during the trip so you’re reachable (when you want to be reachable), and a small power bank will save the day if you’re on the slopes with a dead phone and you really, really want to take a selfie or quick video.
How to use your phone on your ski vacation
• Download an eSIM: If you’ll be travelling to another country for your ski vacation, download an eSIM (digital SIM card) for your phone so you can have low-cost mobile data
• Get affordable local data: Your eSIM acts like a traditional SIM card by connecting you directly to a local network, except you can use a free eSIM app, like aloSIM, to add more data if you need it.
• Never pay roaming charges: Make sure to turn Data Roaming off on your primary SIM before you travel internationally, in order to avoid roaming charges on your regular cell phone plan from back home.
• Enjoy steady data on and off the slopes: You’ll have Wi-Fi in the lodge, but when you’re out on the slopes, only a mobile data connection will keep you connected. Send messages, photos, and videos from the chairlift using a prepaid data package.
• Prepaid data available for top-rated ski resorts: No matter where you’re travelling to ski, you’ll be able to buy prepaid data for your phone.
Instant prepaid data for top ski resorts
Skiing Whistler Blackcomb? Download a Canada eSIM with prepaid data
Skiing Vail, Aspen, Park City, Deer Valley, or Telluride? Download a United States eSIM with prepaid data
Skiing Courchevel, Chamonix, or Val d’Isere? Download a France eSIM with prepaid data
Skiing Zermatt, Verbier, or St. Moritz? Download a Switzerland eSIM with prepaid data
Skiing Cortina D’Ampezzo or Val Gardena? Download an Italy eSIM with prepaid data
Skiing Niseko or Hakuba? Download a Japan eSIM with prepaid data
Skiing St. Anton or Kitzbühel? Download an Austria eSIM with prepaid data
