Despite how much I travel, I still find myself rushing to the store to get things or desperately trying to improvise with what I actually remembered to pack. When you’re traveling to a mountain, there’s not always easy access to get these things (not to mention they are pretty expensive when you can find it). You always remember the ski or snowboard gear, I hope. But you might forget to pack these for your next ski or snow trip! These may not be so obvious. Consequently, future you will thank me.
Bonus: Park City Views
Plus, here are some amazing photos from our last trip this past January 2020 before the entire world stopped traveling.
In no particular order… (my full packing list at the bottom of this post).
Coconut oil packets. I pack these wherever I go, snow or not. These work great when you’re improvising whenever you run out of lotion, shower gel, or shaving cream. As a matter of fact, coconut oil will really come in handy to use as extra moisturizer for your dry skin in the cold weather. For instance, you can grab some from Trader Joe’s.
Bathing suit and flip flops. Arguably the best part of skiing is everything that happens after the slopes…from sipping hot cocoa to enjoying the hot tub while it snows. Bring the bathing suit and flip flops for trips to the hot tub.
Heat tech clothing from Uniqlo. These are my favorite thermals to wear underneath sweaters and jackets or wear on their own. They are pretty thin and can keep you extremely warm. I don’t suggest wearing these as your base layers though as they likely wouldn’t wick off the snow. On the other hand, maybe could be used for mid layers if you need them.
Hydration. If you’re not used to the altitude, hydration is your best friend. H2O works wonders, but I always supplement with a Liquid IV before bed and first thing in the morning.
Collapsible water bottle with carabiner. Speaking of water, I highly suggest grabbing one of these to bring with you on the mountain. It’s pretty inconvenient to stop, unstrap, and rack up your skis or snowboard to grab water. If you can save a couple trips with this, all the better!
Pain relievers. You’re most definitely going to ache from muscles you never knew you had. Pack some ibuprofen, but don’t forget something else like Salonpas or Biofreeze for added relief on aches and pains so you can make the most of your trip.
Hand and toe warmers. Pack a few extra to switch out on the mountain. I also use an extra one to place by my phone.
Extra goggles and gloves. Not totally necessary, but helpful if you accidentally drop your goggles or gloves into the white abyss. The shops definitely sell these, but they’re not cheap.
Portable phone charger. Guarantee to need this with all of the photos you’ll be taking. Equally important to be reachable at all times.
Your favorite protein bars. I am not a huge fan of ski lodge food. I know, who could hate burgers and loaded nachos? Pack one or two to minimize having to eat unhealthy food or unhealthier food. In other words, save that burger as your prize for a full day out on the slopes!
Packing cubes. On my relentless search to redefine my travel, I am always figuring out how to pack more with less luggage. Packing cubes are a great addition for every traveler. Not only do they help keep your things organized and separated, they help me pack more into my luggage. every. time.
Sunblock. Do not underestimate the sun out there. Likewise, pack an extra travel-sized bottle to bring with you on the mountain to reapply.
Sunglasses. I always forget these, but sunglasses are great to use when you’re not skiing or even when you don’t want to wear your goggles to/from the ski lodge.
Vitamins. In addition to staying hydrated, keep your immune system strong. Specifically, I pack zinc pills, multivitamins, and DHM Detox.
Leave-in conditioner or hair mask. My hair becomes extremely dry and almost brittle from the cold weather, so I’ll bring leave-in conditioner or a hair mask for extra conditioning. You can even customize your own here.
Robe and slippers. I might be biased, but these are important *everywhere* you travel. Bundling up and staying warm are top priorities on any ski and snow trip. Also, the robe will come in handy for trips to the hot tub!
Wet Bag(s). These are really useful if you’re staying in a hotel, somewhere with no dryer, or you’re rushing to the airport after the slopes. Toss in your clothes that haven’t dried out before your travel back home to avoid a stinky suitcase.
In summary, if you don’t forget to pack these for your next ski or snow trip, you’ll have less to worry about and more time to enjoy your trip.
Enjoy the skiing and snowboarding, and definitely enjoy the Après-ski!
Full pack list for ski or snow trip
General Essentials
- Keys
- Cell phone
- Wallet
- Disposable masks
- Boarding pass
- Toiletries
- Prescriptions
- Pain relievers (ibuprofen, Salonpas, Biofreeze)
- Coconut oil packets
- Packing cubes
- Luggage
- Hand sanitizer or wipes
- Gum / mints
- Laptop / iPad
- Chargers for everything
Slope Essentials
- Resort map
- Base layer
- Mid layer
- Outer layer
- Balaclava (not attractive) or gaiter/mask
- Beanie
- Ski gloves
- Ski socks
- Goggles
- Sunglasses
- Boots/Board/Bindings/Skis/Poles/Helmet or rental confirmation
- Hand and toe warmers
- Collapsible water bottle with carabiner
- Lift tickets
- ID
- Portable phone charger
- Your favorite protein bars
- Sunblock
- Lip balm
- Hand sanitizer
- Extra goggles and gloves
- Camera / go-pro
Après-Ski
- Heat tech clothing from Uniqlo
- Beanies
- Layers and layers – keep it simple
- Jeans and leggings
- Waterproof jacket
- Robe and slippers
- Bathing suit and flip flops
- Boots
- Socks
Après the Après
- Hydration
- Vitamins
- Foam roller (if it fits in the luggage)
- Heating pad (if it fits)
- Lounge clothes
- Warm socks
- Baseball cap
- Hairdryer (good for your hair and for boots and gloves if you don’t have a fireplace or some other heat source to dry them)
- Febreze
- Small scissors
- Workout clothes and sneakers
- Wet Bag
Safe and happy travels.
