🏔️ On The Slopes: Hard Gear
Note: If you are renting gear, you can skip the items marked with an asterisk ().*
- [ ] Skis or Snowboard* (in a padded travel bag)
- [ ] Ski Poles*
- [ ] Ski/Snowboard Boots (⚠️ Pro Tip: If flying, carry these on the plane. They are the hardest item to replace if luggage is lost.)
- [ ] Helmet (Safety first!)
- [ ] Goggles (Ideally with interchangeable lenses for sunny vs. cloudy days)
- [ ] Lift Pass / Ikon / Epic Pass (Don’t forget the physical card!)
❄️ On The Slopes: Clothing (The Layering System)
The goal is to stay warm and dry. Avoid cotton layers as they absorb moisture and make you cold.
Base Layer (Next to skin)
- [ ] Thermal Tops (Synthetic or Merino wool, x2-3)
- [ ] Thermal Bottoms (Synthetic or Merino wool, x2)
- [ ] Ski Socks (Wool/Synthetic blend. Thin is actually warmer than thick! x3 pairs)
Mid Layer (Insulation)
- [ ] Fleece Jacket or Wool Sweater
- [ ] Down Vest or Puffy Jacket (For very cold days)
Outer Layer (Protection)
- [ ] Waterproof Ski Jacket / Shell
- [ ] Waterproof Ski Pants or Bibs
- [ ] Waterproof Gloves or Mittens (Mittens are warmer)
- [ ] Glove Liners (Optional, for extra warmth/using phone)
Accessories
- [ ] Neck Warmer / Buff / Balaclava (Essential for wind protection)
- [ ] Face Mask (If required or for extreme cold)
🍻 Après-Ski & Off-Mountain
For dinner, walking around the village, and relaxing in the cabin.
- [ ] Snow Boots (Waterproof with good grip for icy sidewalks)
- [ ] Jeans / Corduroys / Lined Pants
- [ ] Flannels / Chunky Sweaters
- [ ] Warm Hat / Beanie (To cover “helmet hair”)
- [ ] Swimsuit (For the hot tub—mandatory!)
- [ ] Slippers / House Shoes (For inside the condo/hotel)
- [ ] Sleepwear (Flannel pajamas are great)
☀️ Toiletries & Health (Mountain Specifics)
High altitude sun is strong, and the air is very dry.
- [ ] Sunscreen (SPF 30+ or 50+. The sun reflects off the snow.)
- [ ] Lip Balm with SPF (Prevents windburn and sunburn)
- [ ] Heavy Moisturizer / Lotion (For dry skin)
- [ ] Saline Nasal Spray (Helps with dry mountain air)
- [ ] Ibuprofen / Advil (For sore muscles and altitude headaches)
- [ ] Hydration Packets (Liquid IV/Electrolytes to prevent altitude sickness)
🎒 The “Nice to Haves”
- [ ] Hand & Toe Warmers (Disposable heat packs—lifesavers on cold days)
- [ ] Action Camera (GoPro + Chest/Helmet mount)
- [ ] Portable Charger (Cold drains phone batteries quickly)
- [ ] Multi-tool (For adjusting bindings on the fly)
- [ ] Boot Dryer (Portable travel dryers are great for multi-day trips)
- [ ] Snacks for pockets (Protein bars, chocolate)
💡 3 Ski Trip Pro-Tips
- Dry Everything Nightly: As soon as you get back to the room, hang up your jacket, gloves, and pants. Pull the liners out of your boots (if possible) to ensure they are dry for the next morning.
- One Pair of Socks Rule: Never wear two pairs of socks in your ski boots. It cuts off circulation and actually makes your feet colder.
- Check Your Pockets: Before you fly/drive, check all your jacket pockets. You might find an old lip balm or lift pass from last year (or perishable snacks you don’t want to find later!).
