The Ultimate Packing List For A Ski Weekend

Guest Post By: evo

Ah, a weekend of skiing, who wouldn’t be excited to get away to the mountains for a few days and relax, with no more pressing obligations than trying to carve the perfect turn?

The only problem is, that the mountains can make your life the opposite of relaxing if you don’t come prepared. A ski weekend isn’t like a beach vacation where you just need to be sure you’ve packed enough sunscreen for your time by the water- there’s much more ski equ ipm ent to remember.

That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate packing list for a ski weekend. It’s got all the essentials, as well as some less-obvious items that we’ve started bringing along as we’ve learned how much they can help make the weekend more comfortable.

So run through this list as you’re packing, and don’t forget those snowboard goggles! Once you’ve got everything checked off, you’ll be ready to head to the mountains without a care in the world.

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Ski or Snowboard Gear

This is the obvious stuff, without it, you’re not skiing or riding. So make sure you’ve got your skis or board, your bindings are working properly, you’ve got both your boots, and your poles. If you’re renting gear at your destination, you’re worry-free here.

Skis or snowboard
Boots
Ski poles
Properly adjusted bindings

Outerwear

Your outerwear is key to staying warm and dry all vacation long. Plus, there’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and realizing that you forgot your snow pants. So, make sure you’ve got your ski jacket, your ski pants, and all the parts of your layering system, from base layers up to that puffy jacket.

Long underwear base layers (preferably with a spare pair to swap into)
Puffy insulated jacket or fleece
Ski pants
Ski jacket

Accessories

Just because they’re accessories doesn’t mean they’re optional. These are the personal touches that work behind the scenes to keep you comfortable and happy all day on the hill. Sure, you can buy new ski socks at the resort shop, but they won’t interface as perfectly with your boots as your favorite pair does. The same goes for buffs, face masks, helmets, goggles, and gloves or mittens. They’re all replaceable, but it’s a bummer to be stuck waiting in line at the shop when your friends are out on the mountain.

Helmet
Goggles (with spare lenses)
Beanie
Buff or face mask
Mittens or gloves
Ski socks
Goggle wipe

Quality of Life Upgrades

So now that you’ve got your essential gear packed, it’s time to start thinking about the stuff that you might not need but that definitely makes your life better. This is the stuff that you always forget until you really want it. Like snacks. Sure, ski resorts sell food, but it’s expensive and a hassle to get. Bring enough pocket bacon and you’ll be set to ski all day without ever waiting in a cafeteria line.

Snacks (both for on the hill, and eating before and after skiing)
Alcohol (it’s more expensive at resorts)
Hand warmers
Portable phone power bank
Headphones
Multi-tool to make adjustments to snowboard bindings
Rub-on ski wax

Personal Essentials

A ski trip is a trip just like any other, so it pays to be prepared with all the normal stuff you’d need to spend the night outside of your home. It’s easy to lose contacts on the ski hill, bring spares. Deodorant helps your friends stay your friends, and just because you’re riding lifts all day doesn’t mean you don’t need to brush your teeth anymore. Don’t get carried away with your ski gear and forget the important basics

Spare contacts or glasses
Contact solution
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Toiletries
Toenail clipper

Apres Accessories

Finally, you’re not just going to be skiing or riding every waking minute of your trip, right? So bring casual clothes that you can wear other than your technical outerwear. You’re visiting a beautiful community with more to offer than just the ski hill. So bring clothes that will help you explore it.

Waterproof casual shoes or boots
Casual pants
Flannel shirts
Spare non-ski socks
Casual warm hat

And there you have it. Feel free to add anything to this list that you normally would pack, but with these essentials, you’re guaranteed to be ready for a good time in the mountains and will be ready for anything Mother Nature can throw at you. Now the real trick is making sure you make it back home with all the gear and clothes you left with…

Guest Post Author:

We are evo– a ski, snowboard, mountain bike, surf, wake, skate, camp, and lifestyle retailer based in Seattle, Washington, USA, with stores located in Seattle, Portland, Denver, Whistler, and Salt Lake City (coming soon). evo explores the collaboration between culture and sports – our aim is to bring all things relevant to the urban, action sports lifestyle into one creative space. Whether it is on the website, on the phone or in our stores, our aim is to make all who come into contact with evo feel welcome and excited about their experience.