# Ski Trip Packing List URL: https://emptvl.vercel.app/packing-lists/ski-trip Publisher: Empyrean Travel (https://emptvl.vercel.app/) Last reviewed: 2026-10-19 A ski trip packing list built on layers: base, mid and shell, plus goggles, gloves and après-ski clothes, and why your ski boots belong in your carry-on bag. **Quick answer:** Pack for a ski trip in layers: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof shell jacket and pants, plus thin ski socks, gloves or mittens, goggles, a helmet and a neck gaiter. Carry your ski boots and one day’s ski clothing on the plane so a delayed bag doesn’t cost you a day on the mountain. - Bag: Duffel + boot bag as carry-on - Climate: Cold and changeable; strong sun at altitude - Dress code: Technical layers; après is casual - Don't forget: Goggles, sunscreen and lift pass ## Checklist **Documents & bookings:** Government ID or passport; Lift pass or pass reservation confirmation; Ski or snowboard rental reservation; Ski school or lesson confirmations; Lodging and transfer details; Travel insurance that covers winter sports; Rental car confirmation and snow-chain rules; Credit card plus a backup card; Emergency contact list **Ski gear:** Waterproof ski jacket; Waterproof ski pants or bibs; Base layers, top and bottom (merino or synthetic); Fleece or light down mid-layer; Thin ski socks, one pair per day; Gloves or mittens, plus liners; Goggles with a low-light lens; Helmet; Neck gaiter or balaclava; Ski boots, if you own them; Hand and toe warmers; Small backpack **Après & town:** Warm winter coat; Insulated waterproof boots with good grip; Jeans or casual trousers; Sweaters; Warm hat; Casual dinner outfit; Swimsuit for the hot tub or spa; Slippers; Sleepwear **Tech:** Phone and charger (cold drains batteries fast); Power bank (carry-on only); Resort app and offline trail map; Action camera and helmet mount; Charging cables; Universal plug adapter for international resorts; Zippered inside pocket or phone pouch; Ski-tracking app, if you like stats **Health & toiletries:** Sunscreen (SPF 30+); Lip balm with SPF; Rich moisturizer and hand cream; Pain reliever; Blister pads; Prescription medication; Refillable water bottle; Eye drops for dry air; Tissues; Toiletries **Carry-on essentials:** Ski boots in a boot bag; Goggles; Gloves; Base layers; Ski jacket (wear it on the plane); All medication; Valuables; Snacks ## How should you layer for skiing? Start with a merino or synthetic base layer that pulls sweat away from your skin; cotton stays wet and makes you cold. Add a fleece or light down mid-layer, then a waterproof, breathable shell. On warm spring days you shed the mid-layer; on cold mornings you add a vest. Wear one pair of thin ski socks rather than thick ones. A snug boot with a bulky sock cuts circulation, and cold feet follow. Bring a pair per day or rotate merino pairs, which resist odor. ## Should you bring your own skis or rent? Renting at the resort saves airline baggage fees, removes the hassle of a ski bag, and lets you choose skis for the conditions. Boots are the exception: well-fitted boots matter more than skis, so travel with yours if you own them. Many U.S. airlines count one ski bag plus one boot bag as a single checked bag, but rules and fees vary by airline and fare. Check before you fly, and reserve rentals ahead during holidays. ## How do you prepare for altitude and sun on a ski trip? Many ski resorts in the Rockies and the Alps sit at high elevation, where the air is thin and dry. Drink more water than usual, go easy on alcohol the first night, and pack lip balm and moisturizer. Snow reflects sunlight, so wear sunscreen even on cloudy days. Check that your travel insurance covers skiing and medical evacuation, since some policies exclude winter sports. Our guide to travel insurance explains what to look for. Flying to the Alps? Zürich is a common gateway to Swiss resorts. ## Frequently asked questions **Q: Can I bring ski boots as a carry-on?** A: Usually yes. A boot bag typically fits within carry-on size limits, and many skiers bring boots on board because well-fitted boots are hard to replace if a checked bag goes missing. Size and weight rules vary by airline and fare type, so check your airline’s carry-on dimensions. Pack goggles and a base layer in the same bag. **Q: Do airlines charge extra for skis?** A: Many U.S. airlines treat one ski bag plus one boot bag as a single checked bag, charged at the standard checked-bag rate for your fare. Overweight fees can still apply, and international and low-cost carriers often have different rules. Check your airline’s sports equipment policy before you fly, or rent skis at the resort to skip the fee entirely. **Q: What should I wear for après-ski?** A: Après is relaxed. Warm, waterproof boots with good grip are the most important piece, since you’ll walk on icy paths. Add jeans or casual trousers, a sweater and a warm coat. Upscale resort towns in Colorado and the Alps lean smart-casual at dinner, but you’ll rarely need anything more formal than a nice sweater. **Q: Do I need travel insurance for a ski trip?** A: It’s strongly recommended. Ski injuries can mean expensive rescue, treatment and evacuation, especially abroad, and some standard policies exclude or limit winter sports. Look for a policy that names skiing or snowboarding and includes medical evacuation, and read any limits on off-piste skiing. Our travel insurance guide explains the main coverage types.