First Ski Trip

If you’re getting ready for your first ski trip, packing can feel like a job all by itself. You don’t want to show up freezing or missing gear, but you also don’t need to bring half your closet. After a few mistakes (and some frozen digits), here’s what I’ve learned about what to actually pack — what matters, what
doesn’t, and how to keep it simple.

1. Clothing: Layer Like You Mean It
   When it comes to mountain weather, layers are everything. Don’t worry about having the “perfect” outfit
   — focus on staying warm, dry, and comfortable.
2. Gear You’ll Actually Use Every Day
   Here’s what I never ski without: ski socks, waterproof gloves, neck gaiter or balaclava, helmet, goggles, and a small dry bag.
3. Off-the-Slopes Clothes
   You’ll want a few comfortable items for hanging out in town or the lodge: jeans, sweaters, boots, and a warm hat. Very important to bring some lodge socks too, really thick socks for evenings by the fireplace.
4. Essentials People Always Forget
   Don’t forget sunscreen, lip balm, maybe some pain reliever, water bottle, phone charger, and detergent. There will be plenty of places to purchase these items but mountain mark up is a real thing!
5. Packing Tips That Save You Money
   Rent bulky gear at your destination, buy small items ahead of time, roll your clothes, and keep one ski outfit in your carry-on.
   

Quick Checklist

• Base layer top & bottom (I’m still buying mine from Wal Mart, the reebok brand is legit and super cheap)
• Mid layer (fleece or light jacket)
• Ski Bibs, I prefer the ski bib route. Simple for kids and adults alike. This replaces the pants by the way.
• Outer shell jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Gloves or mittens (Waterproof) Start cheap but make sure they’ll get you through a day on the mountain. Last thing you want is to take breaks for cold wet hands. Dicks sporting goods has a house brand for like $20
• Helmet, this can be rented also but make sure you have one
• Goggles
• Ski socks
• Neck gaiter or Balaclava
• Jeans/sweats
• Warm sweater
• Boots
• Beanie
• Swimsuit, one of the most important items on your ski trip. Hot tub will be needed and well deserved
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Water bottle if you’d like, every mountain I’ve been to has free water all over the mountain. Cups provided.
• Snacks, again Mountain Mark Up is a real thing. Get your snacks before you head up hill.
• Phone charger, some resorts do have charging stations but you need your phone more than ever on the mountain.
• Pain reliever
  Final Thoughts
  Don’t overthink packing — focus on comfort and warmth. Half the gear you think you need, you probably won’t use. If you’re unsure, just remember this: dry, warm, and flexible beats fancy every time.

Unless you know skiing is going to be your thing I’m pretty sure 90% of us can survive on things already in our closet. You can dial it in once the ski bug grabs you.