Gearing up for your very first ski trip but not quite sure what to pack? You’re not alone, but don’t worry. With the right clothing, safety gear and travel tech, you’ll be ready to go without a hiccup.
The simple key to enjoying the thrill and fun of a trip to the slopes is to dress for the weather and pack appropriately. Unlike other vacations, ski trips require some forethought to prepare for the cold weather, altitude, and any other equipment and gear you’ll need to partake in this amazing winter sport.
Layer up with the right clothing
Winter travellers and locals alike will tell you: the key to staying warm on the slopes is layering. Avoid cotton and natural fabrics, which will trap sweat and chill you.
Instead, start with a synthetic, moisture-wicking base layer, then add fleece to retain your body heat, and top it off with a waterproof, windproof shell to protect against snow and wind (think: ski jacket and snowpants).
You can’t go wrong with a quality pair of thermal socks, a good scarf, warm hat, and quality ski gloves. Pro tip: pack extra socks and gloves to swap out when they inevitably get wet.
Ski and safety gear
Beginner skiers can likely make do with rental gear from the hill. If you’ve made an investment in the sport and already purchased your own equipment, make a checklist of all its components.
- Skis or snowboard
- Snowboard bindings (with extra screws)
- Ski / snowboard boots (well fitting boots can make a huge difference in comfort and balance)
- Helmet (safety first!)
- Ski Goggles (choose lenses suited for the bright reflective light on snow)
- Poles (if skiing)
It also helps to toss in some extras like hand warmers, lip balm with SPF, and sunscreen. (That’s right! Sunburns on snowy slopes are more common than you’d think.)
Travelling with ski or snowboard gear
If your ski trip is taking you across the border or better yet out the country, there are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with ski or snowboard gear.
For starters, depending on the airline, skis or snowboard can be considered oversized luggage. This means the process to check them in for travel will be slightly different.
It is also to be aware of overweight fees. In general, the standard weight limit for checked items is around 50lbs. If your snowboard / ski bag exceeds that cost, you may be charged extra for overweight baggage fees.
Tip: Always make sure to check the specific guidelines of the airline you are travelling with before arriving at the airport to avoid any surprises.
Off-the-slopes essentials
For some folks, the best part of a ski trip is actually the après-ski (after-ski time). It’s a great time to indulge in a warm cocktail or refuel with a nice treat.
If your resort has a sauna or a hot tub, be sure to bring your swimsuit to enjoy a relaxing cedar-scented warm-up .
Other essentials when planning what to pack for a ski trip, including a portable charger, travel adapter, and headphones will also come in handy. Don’t forget your extra-hydrating toiletries like moisturiser and lip balm to combat the dry cold of the mountains.
Travel tech
If your ski trip takes you abroad — say, from the U.S. to Canada or even all the way to the Alps — you’ll do well to stay connected with an eSIM.
Especially for multi-day journeys that take you across the border, an eSIM allows you to stay connected without racking up roaming charges.
With aloSIM, winter travellers can download a local or regional data plan directly before they’ve even checked out the hill. It’s especially useful in remote ski areas where Wi-Fi can be spotty.
Important extras
Once you’ve filled up your suitcase with your must-haves to hit the hill, don’t overlook the less-exciting travel basics like:
- Insurance (including medical and equipment coverage)
- Snacks (energy bars and anything easy-to-eat on the ski-lift)
- Copies of your ID, travel documents, and any reservations
Make the most of your ski trip by packing smart. With the right layers, gear, and travel tech to keep you connected across borders, you’ll be ready to focus on the fun.
