The Ultimate Packing List for Your Next Ski Vacation -

My eighteen-year-old son asked to go skiing for his 18th birthday and I thought why not! I had never planned a ski vacation before, so I had a lot to get figured out! I had no idea what I was getting myself into or how expensive it was going to be, so my youngest son lucked out with a birthday trip!

Here is some of what I learned planning our first ski trip!

Trip Prep:

You have to get the basics down first!

Where do you want to go skiing? Out west? Near the east coast? In the northern part of the US? Out of the country?
What ski resort do you want to look into once you choose the part of the country you want to ski?
How big of accomodations do you need?
What benefits are you looking for? Ski-in/Ski-out? Large resort? Small resort? Stay at the resort or nearby? Suite with a kitchen or regular hotel room? Good dining options? Other activities?

Keep in mind, this can take a lot of research if you are booking a ski trip for the first time. I have traveled since I was a child and I’ve been planning my own travel since the age of 19 or younger. However, I found that planning a ski trip was an entirely different experience. There was so much more to think about (like I listed above) and so much more to pack (I’m used to beach vacations)!

We liked our cottage at Crystal Mountain in Michigan!

Once you find what you are looking for, you need to book it! I found out the hard way that ski reservations fill up quickly!

Then, once you book your hotel reservation:

Make sure all liability waivers are signed before you go. This saves time and is super important if minors, that are not your biological children, are going with you.
Book lift tickets
Book equipment rental (if needed)
Schedule any other reservations you need ahead of time (ex. dining reservations, other activity reservations, etc…)
Purchase plane tickets if you are flying

Ski/Snowboarding Items:

There are several items that you need for your next ski trip. Some you can purchase and some you can rent. Here are our recommendations!

Purchase:

You will need to purchase your own necessary winter items.

Coat
Ski pants (We found great inexpensive ones at Bass Pro!)
Ski gloves
Light gloves
Sock hat
Snow goggles
Hand warmers
Plus, you will need layers!

Rent:

You can rent ski or snowboarding equipment at most resorts. This is a great option if you are unsure whether or not you will enjoy skiing or if you don’t plan to go frequently.

Renting helmets are also a possibility, this is particularly good for new skiers!

Personal Items:

Next, you need to think about what you need to back! When you travel anywhere away from home, you often need the same items. Here are the basics:

Personal documents (driver’s license, health insurance card, etc…)
Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, contact supplies, shampoo, etc…)
Chargers
Camera/GoPro
Clothes for each day (shirt, pants, socks, undies, etc…)
Swim suit if the resort has a pool or hot tub
Shoes/boots for snow
PJs
Nice outfit for a night out if you want
Snacks for the trip and/or hotel
Laundry soap…just in case

Other:

There are other items you may want for your ski vacation, depending on if you are flying or driving. Here are the additional recommendations I recommend:

Cards and/or boardgames to use when not skiing
Books to read
Snacks and drinks for the resort stay
Bread, lunch meat, chips, etc… for a quick and inexpensive lunch while resting between slopes
Crock pot if you are cooking in the room (this makes meals EASY)
Other food and drink items desired
AND plenty of money for food and other activities!

Bonus:

Download our ski/snowboard packing list for free here! These are the basics, so make sure to add your favorite items for the additional suggestions above!