The packing list you need for your next skip trip
The winter season is the perfect time to travel out for winter activities. Specifically, let’s talk about skiing. Skiing and snowboarding are seen as two of the most popular activities during the winter season. After all, what’s the point of getting so much snow if you can’t make use of it? However, many people who are new to the sport might be wondering what they should include in their ski trip packing list.
Preparation is important for any trip, especially one that requires strenuous outdoor activity. After all, there are many things that need to be considered. You need to consider where and when you are going. Most importantly, you need to understand what to bring with you in your ski trip packing list!
Creating a packing list for a ski trip isn’t easy on your first attempt. If you are confused about what to do and are wondering where to start, this ultimate ski trip packing list provides the basic essentials that everyone needs when traveling to a ski resort or ski lodge for a ski trip.
How to Start Packing
What you need to bring can be broken down into three major parts. Keep these in mind when you begin to pack to make sure you take sufficient supplies with you. The three things you need to keep in mind are a) what to wear when skiing, b) ski gear, and c) basic travel essentials. Breaking these down helps to ensure that you don’t forget anything important.
Let’s start off with what is one of the most important components: how to dress when skiing.
What to Wear when Skiing
For many who live up north, the idea of layering is second nature once the winter season rolls around. Anyone who has gone through a blizzard knows that it’s important to keep warm. Obviously, you don’t want to be traveling during a blizzard–that should be common sense.
It will still be pretty cold, though, up at the ski slopes, and no matter how experienced you are with skiing, you will still have to contend with the snow, so warm clothing is very important.
So, to keep as warm as possible, you need to layer up properly. You’ll need three different layers to deal with the weather conditions while skiing. These layers are known as the base layers, mid layers, and protective layers.
What Makes a Good Base Layer?
The base layer is the innermost layer. It is meant to be a comfortable inner layer that sticks closely to your skin and helps regulate your body temperature while you are doing exercise. Ideally, you want your base layer to be made from material that dries quickly while also retaining the heat your body produces from moving around. These layers tend to be a lot thinner due to this type of material, which makes them easier to pack for a ski trip.
What Makes a Good Mid Layer?
This layer is the middle layer. Shocking, I know. This layer is for insulation purposes. You need to have this layer to ensure that you keep yourself warm by preventing the cold air from penetrating through to your skin. However, you don’t want to get cold from the harsh weather while keeping the heat so thoroughly trapped around your body that you overheat. Make sure you have a layer for both your upper and lower body.
What Makes a Good Protective Layer?
This third and final layer is to shield you from the elements. It is important to have waterproof clothing to help shield you from rain and snow. You may also consider getting some windproof gear as well. You’ll also want to ensure you have a decent number of pockets to allow for carrying backup provisions and accessories.
If you can manage to successfully plan your outfit by using this three-layer method, then you should be prepared for the worst of conditions. However, for extra protection, you should put some thought into accessories as well. Below are some helpful accessories that should be on your ski trip packing list.
Thermal Underwear
Thermal underwear will be very useful in keeping your body warm during cold weather. It is recommended to pack some to help endure the frigid temperatures.
Ski Boots
Good ski boots are necessary not just for skiing, but for winter in general. Ensure that they are not only sturdy but also comfortable. And while it’s good to have warm boots, it helps to have foot warmers as well.
Ski Socks
It’s important to have good ski socks to keep your feet warm during your runs, especially the last ones of the day. Make sure to have a couple pairs on your ski trip packing list and when you’re out skiing, try not to get them wet.
Ski Jackets
There is a lot to consider when choosing a good winter jacket for skiing. It’s a good idea to look into a good windproof and waterproof ski jacket as it provides important protection to keep cold air out and warm air in.
Ski Gloves
Ski gloves are probably one of the most important accessories for skiing. It’s crucial to keep your hands warm in low temperatures. Hands and feet are usually the parts of the body most susceptible to cold weather. While it’s good if they are warm, it’s even better if they are also waterproof.
Hand warmers are also very useful for keeping your hands warm when skiing, so be sure to carry a few extras just in case.
Ski Pants
Just like ski jackets, ski pants are an important part of the foundation of your outfit. You can’t neglect your legs, so consider getting some warm, insulated ski pants.
Ski Hats
You definitely don’t want your head to be cold when you are outside skiing, so you’ll need a warm hat to keep your head toasty. Make sure it’s the right fit so that you’re comfortable for long outdoor outings.
Fleeces
Warm fleeces are very useful when planning the mid layers of your winter ski outfit. They are very good for maintaining your body temperature and therefore they work well as a mid-layer.
Ski Gear
Next up is something even more important for your ski trip packing list–ski gear. Obviously, there wouldn’t be much point in going on a ski trip without bringing any ski gear with you. You’ll need to pack different pieces of gear and ensure you leave yourself enough packing room to store them properly.
Remember that you will need to carry this gear around with you for extended durations of time, so plan accordingly. Here’s what you’ll need for a good time on the slopes.
Skis
This probably goes without saying, but it’s very hard to go skiing without skis. Not just any skis will do, you need to consider the length of the skis, the size and width, ability to turn, and many other options. Make sure you do some research beforehand to ensure a more rewarding experience.
Ski Poles
Necessary skiing essentials include a good set of ski poles to ensure stability when carving down the ski slopes. Now, these must be picked carefully so that you get ones that match your height best so that you can make turns properly and effectively.
Ski Backpack
Ski gear can be a lot to carry, so you’ll want to make sure you have a sturdy backpack that carries your things when you’re heading to the ski slopes.
Ski Bindings
Ski bindings are essential to making sure you stay securely fastened to your skis. This is a safety issue, so make sure you’re aware of how to secure them properly before you start skiing.
Wax for Skis
Ski wax is used to give your skis a smoother performance when going down the slopes with better turning capabilities. There are many benefits to it, but do ensure that you’re aware of how to wax skis before going on the trip. Knowing how to maintain your equipment is crucial to being prepared for any ski trip.
Take some time to research the different types of wax that you can use. Different ski waxes have different effects when applied and some are better for certain uses than others. It’s recommended to be careful about overusing wax as that can have an environmental impact.
Ski Goggles
Skis Goggles should be on everyone’s ski trip packing list as they are a vital addition to any skier’s gear because they are necessary for protecting your eyes from not only the sun’s rays but also the wind and snow.
Face Mask/Neck Gaiter
Unfortunately, ski goggles can only cover so much of your face, so it’s good to have extra protection to keep your face from getting cold. I recommend getting a face mask or a neck gaiter to lessen the damage the dry air can do to your skin and keep you warm.
Security Lock
Some ski lodges provide the option of renting skis and other equipment for the purposes of recreation. The advantage of this is that you can lighten your travel pack, but you won’t have gear specifically tailored to you. Keep this in mind when planning your ski trip packing list.
Other Essentials
This stuff will be a bit tricky to pack so you want to have these things properly fitted before embarking on your ski trip. Once you get the stuff ready, getting started will be a lot easier. So, now that you’ve learned how to dress for skiing and what ski gear you need for skiing, you’re almost set. The final things you will need are actually pretty simple. These essentials include the following:
Toiletries
This is an essential part of any packing list as whenever you travel you’re going to want to make sure to keep up a normal routine. However, while food and lodging may be provided at ski resorts and the like, you always need to ensure you bring your own toiletries to keep up your hygiene routine.
Indoor Clothes
Now hopefully you aren’t planning on wearing a ski jacket to bed. You’re going to want to pack some non-ski clothing for when you aren’t out on the slopes.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a necessary measure to protect against the UV rays that the sun produces. The fresh snow can reflect these rays and amplify them so be sure to protect your skin to prevent overexposure to harmful UV rays. Ideally, with enough sunscreen and enough layers of clothing, it should’nt be a significant worry.
Lip Balm
Another form of protection you should include is protection for your lips. Lips can easily get chapped and dry during the harsh winter season and in the worst case, your lips can bleed. To prevent this, carry some lip balm to keep your lips from drying out.
First Aid Kit
Accidents happen when you least expect or want them to, so always make sure to be prepared to deal with an injury. Even with sunscreen and lip balm, the weather conditions can still be unforgiving, and sunscreen and lip balm cannot help with major incidents.
Having a health kit in your backpack can help you be more prepared for unusual situations.
Identification/Passport
Remember to take this with you when traveling, but it is best to leave important documents in a secure location as they will be safer there and won’t be much use when skiing.
Money
Always keep an extra stash on you just in case when traveling. Do ensure that you keep a sharp eye out on your things and keep them locked up if they contain anything valuable. This can be useful if you plan you take skiing lessons.
Portable Charger/ External Battery Pack
A portable charger is very important for making sure your devices stay charged up when you travel so that you have an effective means of communication. The great thing about an external battery pack is it allows for an emergency charge you can use anywhere, making it very useful in outdoor situations. You would be hard-pressed to find a tree with an outlet.
Remember that your phone may not be totally reliable on the slopes as some remote areas tend to have some connection issues. Depending on what ski lodge you visit, this is something to keep in mind when planning your ski trip packing list.
Additional Entertainment
When planning a ski trip, your ski trip packing list should include things to do when you are not skiing. After all, you aren’t expecting to stay on the slopes for the entire trip. So, try and pack something that can keep you busy during your downtime.
Why Is This Necessary?
This is stuff that would hopefully already be on your packing list. Still, just a friendly reminder that having things like an extra charger or a kit to treat injuries is quite important for any strenuous activity that may lead to possible incidents of bodily harm. Also, you can think about the ski trip, but do keep in mind what to pack for when you are not on the slopes.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you enjoy skiing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced veteran. However, that is why it is so essential to dress appropriately, find the right gear, and be prepared for anything. While skiing can be a fun winter activity, that doesn’t mean that skiing is easy. It takes a lot of research to get the most out of it.
As winter rolls around, the options that we can take advantage of outdoors are limited, but whatever we do outside, it should be done safely. So now that you know the essentials of a ski trip packing list, get out there, be safe, and have fun. Do note that we do have some ideas for where you can plan your ski trip here.
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