Ultimate Winter Ski Packing List

In need of a winter packing list when skiing? Always forgetting something when packing? Well, here is my Winter Ski packing list with all the ski essentials you must bring!

To simplify packing for a ski vacation, this ski trip packing list will help you remember all of the essentials that will keep you warm and comfortable on the slopes. Based on 4+ ski trips to Austria, here’s exactly what I pack.

Tip: Make sure to print them out twice! One before you leave for your vacation and one leaving for home, in order to not forget anything!

General Packing List

The following things must be on the top of your packing list!

Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and must have one blank page.
- From Europe and skiing in Europe? ID is just fine!
Travel insurance: Be sure to have (ski) insurance, it might come in handy!
Vaccinations: Check your vaccinations, this is very important! Some countries require mandatory vaccinations in order to enter them.
Itineraries, tickets, and reservation confirmations
Credit card and cash
Medical insurance cards

Backpack

Your backpack is also an important item on your packing list.

Backpack: Invest in a good backpack (or luggage, but the roads are not made for luggage). I have an Osprey backpack of 40L. This one is perfect for a two-week trip, but it was just a bit small for a 3-week trip (I managed by rolling my clothes). So maybe buy the 50L backpack if you plan on going away for more than 2 weeks. Also, bring along a day backpack. It comes in handy for your camera equipment, a bottle of water, and other stuff.
Packing cubes: Bring packing cubes! They are so easy to use, and I can put in 14 pieces of clothing per bag!

Packing hack: Roll your clothes to fit more in your luggage!

Medicine and toiletries

Sunscreen is absolutely essential. I had a dual sunscreen + lip balm in one.

Sunscreen: This is a must.
Lip balm: I always pack my Buttercream lip balm, and my lips are soft in no time! Use one with SPF.
Toothbrush, toothpaste
Hairbrush and other hair accessories
Deodorant & Cosmetics – Scissors
First aid kit: Nausea & Diarrhoea tablets
Hand Sanitizer: I use this every time I used a public bathroom or right before dinner, which comes in handy.
Quick-drying towel: Invention of the year! Put your wet towel on a chair, and it’s dry in an hour. It’s also not as thick as a normal towel, so it’s easy to pack.
Wet wipes: I always bring my wet wipes on my holidays. If you’re in a public toilet that’s dirty or where there is no toilet paper, wet wipes are a blessing.
Small bottles: I always pack small, reusable bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You save space and weight!

Packing hack: Avoid overpacking by using a packing list & adapting it over time. I updated my packing list over the years. I did not bring a neck pillow on my travels until I was 26, for instance.

Ski And Snowboard Clothing

Remember to pack lots of warm layers, as the weather conditions on the mountains can change quickly and dramatically.

Waterproof Ski Jacket
Waterproof Ski Pants
Additional insulation – 1 fleece vest or sweater per 2 days
Base layer tops – 1 to 3 non-cotton base layer tops
Base layer bottoms – 1 to 3 non-cotton base layer bottoms
Gloves & mittens – waterproof and insulated ski gloves or mittens
Warm winter hat
Wool Ski Socks – 4 pairs
Neck gaiter (we call it a buff)– non-cotton balaclava or ski mask
1 pair of jeans
Sleepwear
Undergarments
Waterproof winter boots

Ski And Snowboard Gear

Don’t want to bring your gear, or are you a beginner? Rent your ski and snowboard equipment at a Ski Depot near the gondolas. There, you can rent lockers to store your gear near the ski slopes.

Skis and ski poles or snowboards – We’ve rented them
Ski boots or snowboard boots – We’ve rented them
Ski helmet
Ski goggles – Yellow lenses for snowy days, and polarised lenses for sunny days.
Sunglasses
Helmet
Hand and toe warmers – 1 to 7 packs of each, or electric boot warmers
Ski tickets/Ski passes – Ski passes are best stored in an interior zippered pocket in your jacket.

Electronics

Camera and GoPro: Pack your camera and GoPro for having HD photos and videos.
Chargers: Check if you need a plug adapter!
Powerbank: Bring along a power bank! Just check your airline’s guidelines as some can’t come onto the plane.
Hard disk: Backup your photos while traveling!

Now you’re ready for your skip trip!