Going on a ski trip to Aspen, Colorado, or any alpine destination during the winter can be simple and stress-free if everyone you are traveling with does a good job packing. However, actually remembering everything can pose quite a challenge if you don’t have a ski trip packing list.
Take the frustration out of packing for your ski trip by using this comprehensive list for adults and children. Follow it piece-by-piece to simplify your packing logistics, and ensure nothing important gets left behind.
To make things even easier, we’ve made our ski trip packing list printable.
What to Pack for a Ski Trip
SKI & SNOWBOARD CLOTHING – ADULTS & CHILDREN
- Outer layers – waterproof ski jacket and ski pants
- Insulation – breathable fleece, wool, or down vest/sweater
- Base layers – non-cotton base layer, both top and bottom
- Ski gloves or mittens - waterproof and windproof
- Neck gaiter or ski mask
- Wool ski socks
SKI & SNOWBOARD GEAR – ADULTS & CHILDREN
- Skis
- Ski boots
- Ski poles
- Snowboard
- Snowboard boots
- Goggles and sunglasses
- Helmet
OFF-MOUNTAIN WINTER CLOTHING – ADULTS & CHILDREN
- Insulated winter coat
- Winter hat
- Gloves or mittens
- Insulated, waterproof winter boots
- Warm socks
- Winter sweaters
- Jeans and pants
- Swimsuit (for pool or hot tub use)
- Sleepwear
TOILETRIES – ADULTS
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Lotion
- Or use shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion provided in your room
- Hair products and accessories – hairspray, hairbrush, and curling iron
- Cosmetics
- Shaving supplies
- Sunscreen and aloe vera lotion
- Lip balm with sunscreen
TOILETRIES – CHILDREN
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Soap
- Lotion
- Or, use shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion provided in your room
- Sunscreen and aloe vera lotion
- Lip balm with sunscreen
SKI TRIP ESSENTIALS - ADULTS
- Books and magazines
- Headphones
- Fully charged electronics – phone, tablet, and laptop
- Charging cords
- Wallet – identification and insurance cards, credit card, and cash
- Important travel and vacation documents – boarding passes, guidebooks, etc.
SKI TRIP ESSENTIALS - CHILDREN
- Favorite books and toys
- Fully charged electronic devices
- Headphones
- Snacks – for instance, sliced fruit, granola bars, or crackers.
How to Pack for a Ski Trip
Knowing what to pack for a ski vacation is half the battle; knowing how to pack all of it is equally important.
If you are bringing ski equipment with you instead of renting it, make sure you have a quality ski or snowboard bag to put it in. If you don’t, it might be worth purchasing one or borrowing one from a friend.
Essential Ski Trip Luggage
- Ski or snowboard bag - to protect your ski equipment
- Suitcase or duffel bag - to pack bulky winter clothing
- Boot Bag - optional if you can’t fit your boots in your other bags
- Carry-on backpack or purse
Once you have your luggage, print out the ski trip packing list above and lay out every item on it on the floor in a wide open space. This will allow you to inventory each item before it gets packed. When each item goes into your bags, make sure to cross it off the list. Then you won’t have to dig through what you’ve already packed to confirm you do indeed have your toothbrush.
How to Pack a Ski or Snowboard Bag
Make the most of the ample space inside ski and snowboard bags by using them to transport your boots, helmet, and other bulky gear like jackets and ski pants. Here are a couple videos that will help:
It’s easy to get carried away and think that you are going to need more clothes and outfit changes than you actually will. Stick to the list and only pack one of each item if you can get away with it.
Packing for Short vs. Long Ski Trips
Surprisingly, the amount that you need to pack isn’t all that different for a short ski trip vs. a longer trip. With that being said, when you are hauling heavy ski equipment through the airport you will thank yourself for leaving every extra pound of unnecessary gear at home.
Packing for Weekend Ski Trips
Only pack what you actually need, not what you “might” need. This will make travel much lighter and faster. Follow the ski vacation packing list above. It includes all the essentials and not much more.
Packing for Week-Long Ski Trips
If you are going on a ski trip for a week or longer, you are likely going to have a lot more time to relax around your condo or hotel than if you are going for a weekend. Make the most of it by packing a few luxuries in addition to the essentials.
Maybe bring a set of slippers, an extra outfit or two, a portable speaker, a deck of cards, or a board game to help keep you entertained. Having a few extra items that will help make your ski trip more fun never hurts.
Before you pack for a long ski trip, check to see if your hotel has laundry facilities. If it does, you may be able to minimize what you bring with you.
Aspen Ski Trip Planning
We hope that this ski trip packing list will assist you and your family as you prepare for your ski vacation. With its central location in downtown Aspen, the Aspen Square Condominium Hotel provides guests with the ease of quick access for an effortless vacation experience.
For additional assistance with vacation planning, if you are a guest at Aspen Square, contact Aspen Square's concierge team, who can provide recommendations for family-friendly restaurants, fun outdoor activities, and can assist in arranging for ski and snowboard school lessons for kids and adults. Our concierge team can be reached by phone at 1-800-470-0530 or by email at concierge@aspensquarehotel.com.