Winter (Ski and Snowboard) Gear and Essentials List
When it’s time to pack for a ski trip, it can be overwhelming. So I use this list to help me focus. I feel frazzled at times on family winter trips. No joke. It’s a lot to manage. So, I also use this list to actually get dressed and get my kids dressed and/or verbally go over essentials with teens. You may not need or want all the items in the list. Anyway, I sort of go over all these items in my mind before I step out to hit the slopes.
At the bottom of this webpage is a downloadable PDF file of this list if you prefer a paper copy. You might like to print them off and hand them out to your kids. Or you could attach a printed list to each suitcase in your family just before a trip?
- Lift ticket (attach to coat, pants or helmet)
- Helmet
- Goggles and goggle lenses
- Neck Gaiter
- Base layer
- Mid layer (if necessary)
- Ski or Snowboard pants (or shell)
- Ski or Snowboard coat (or shell)
- Ski socks
- Ski mitts or gloves
- glove liner (optional)
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Pocket snack
- Tampons/liners (girls)
- Hand and foot warmers
- Ski or snowboard boots
- Skis or snowboard
- Snow or hiking boots for non slope times
- Hair care (long hair): condition and braid long hair to avoid helmet matting
- Critical question: What is the forecast? is water/rain proof gear necessary? Will it be below 30 degrees? Will it be very sunny?
- Extra phone battery (optional)
- Charging cord for iPhone
- iPhone
- Ear buds (optional)
- Pocket money/card/money app
- Hotel/VRBO door code or key (take photo)
- Review favorite you tube coach for reminders on basics such as putting on boots, getting on lifts, carrying equipment on piste (in person lessons are recommended for beginners but watching a video can be helpful to prepare for a lesson).
- For kids going into camp or day care: According to the camp or day care program, you might need to pack a lunchbox with lunch box, snack pack, water bottle, any important medicines such as an epi pen, all required paperwork for day care such as Rx, identification and/or reservation number.
Downhill Family 