It’s a bonus TRAVEL POST today!
Over the years, I’ve shared with you…
…how I PACKED FOR OUR MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE…
…my ULTIMATE BEACH TRIP PACKING LIST…
…my FALL TRAVEL PACKING LIST…and today, I’m sharing…
…my SKI VACATION PACKING LIST!
Since we’re already chatting about our recent trip to Park City this year, I thought it would be a great time to throw in a bonus post about what we pack.
After years and years of taking my family on a ski vacation, here are my two biggest takeaways/lessons learned.
#1: You never need as many “real clothes” as you think. Every single year, while in my house packing, I think “Well, surely, I’ll need a pair of denim jeans or a sweater? Maybe a pair of booties?”. Nope. Nope. Nope. I now pack NONE of those items. For us, on ski trips, we live in leggings and sweatshirts. For dinner, I still often wear leggings or maybe a pair of black jeans, but I always wear my “boots made for snow” and never a real shoe. These trips are about being practical, staying warm and embracing the “ski town” vibe that tends to be (although I know there are some exceptions…) laidback and chill.
#2: Packing cubes are a must!
…every single thing we take with us goes inside a PACKING CUBE including my carry on items (which is what you’re seeing here!). E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G! I’ve done multiple posts on the brilliance of packing cubes. I do not go even away for one night without using them.
So, relying on RULES 1 AND 2 and understanding all of my thoughts, tips, tricks and ideas in my TOP 10 TIPS FROM A SKI MOM post (you really should read that one before packing!!), here is my basic list:
IF YOU PLAN ON WORKING OUT AT A GYM WHILE YOU’RE THERE (which we do, but I know many of you don’t), make sure you pack:
1: Workout shoes
2: Workout clothes (including sports bras, socks, etc)
3: If you wear any watches/devices/use headphones, bring those
THINGS TO BRING FOR ACTUAL SKIING (a * means you can rent these items there instead of bring them):
1: Base layers (tops and bottoms)
2: Very warm socks
3: Ski pants/ski bib
4: Ski jacket
5: Gloves (we prefer mittens)
6: Neck gaiter
7: Goggles
8: Helmet*
9: Skis and poles or snowboard*
10: Ski/Snowboarding boots*
11: Handwarmers (you can buy them there as well!)
THINGS TO BRING WHEN YOU’RE NOT SKIING:
1: Boots made for snow like Sorels or Uggs.
2: Fleece lined leggings (THESE are my favorite) or warm athletic pants
3: Sherpa/Fleece/Warm sweatshirts, layerable pieces
4: One pair of dark denim for evenings
5: Toboggans/Hats
6: Socks, undies, bras
7: PJs
8: Slippers or cozy socks
9: Gloves
10: Scarves
11: A crossbody/belt bag that’s easy to add on top of your coat
12: A very warm (I like long!) heavy winter coat
TOILETRIES:
1: Toothbrush/toothpaste
2: Contact items
3: Makeup, hair care, beauty products including shampoo, razors
4: Curling iron, hair dryer
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:
1: Any jewelry you’d like while you’re there
2: Trash bags for dirty laundry
3: Kindle, laptop, headphones, etc along with their charging cords
4: Books to read
And truly, that’s it! That’s my list right there!
Now, make sure you check out my 18 KEYS FOR PREPPING FOR A TRIP post…
…where I deep dive into how I pack and prep so that going on vacation with my crew isn’t insane.
THIS POST HERE IS PROBABLY THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE of all of these packing posts, so make sure you stop by. I cover everything you need to do BEFORE your trip in this post and then…
…I share all of my tips, tricks and ideas for everything you should do AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM YOUR TRIP to make your life simpler too.
That wraps up this Tuesday!
I hope this helps any of you heading out on a family ski vacation. If I missed anything (which I’m sure I did!), please comment and share! xx
Jess says
Thank you! Headed to Telluride in a couple weeks! I will surely use this list! Totally agree with the laid back clothes. I think I’ll pack my faux leather leggings for nice nights out. After you mentioned snowshoeing over skiing last year, I had gave that a whirl. I loved to and received a great pair from LL Bean I can’t wait to try out!! I too don’t love snow like my skiers do, but may as well make the most of it and these mountain towns sure are beautiful!
Mix and Match Mama says
Telluride is the PRETTIEST ski town I’ve personally ever visited. I hope you have a WONDERFUL time!
Elspeth says
Great ideas and tips! I love a good packing list!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Paula says
With the thickness & bulkiness of shi gear, does it cause you all to take extra luggage?
Mix and Match Mama says
What causes us to take extra luggage is that we own our own equipment. Andrew and the kids have all that ski/board gear which does make for so many extra bags. Me? I just needed leggings, a fleece and Sorels. Ha!
SS says
Shay,
I love fleece lined leggings….we wear them when it gets cold here because if there is snow we always end up outside playing!! My Dad worked outside and he was all about layers. Fleece and merino wool socks were his go to. He had to always have a good hat…he hated wind in his ears. I have definitely gotten that from him. I got a new hat this year for Xmas and it covers my ears.
I would rather cross country ski than down hill. 😂
Candace Young says
Thanks for the lists !! We are going to Whistler end of the this month! We’ve never been ! 4 adults 60+ and 2 adults 36! And 4 children…8,6,3,3 months! Flying from Arkansas! What’s your 5 must haves for the trip? Any recommendations on eats?
Mix and Match Mama says
That will be so much fun!!! Andrew has been boarding in Whistler twice, but I’ve never been, so I don’t know where to tell you to eat. As far as what to pack, make sure you check out my packing for families post and perhaps you should also pack by day(s)? I hope you guys have the BEST time!!
hayley beck says
I’m just so curious which of you works out at a gym while on a ski trip?? I couldn’t imagine working out combined with the exhaustion of skiing and I’m genuinely impressed. 2024 goals!
Mix and Match Mama says
Andrew, Smith and I worked out every day 🙂 .
Emily says
Just added calendar reminders with links to both posts: The packing tips for 2 weeks out from upcoming trips and reminders a few days before returning with the tips for returning! Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yay!!! I’m so happy to help! You’re going to have the best time!
Kelly says
Perfect timing! We’re leaving in three weeks to go down under for a month. I’m beginning to feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. I had forgotten about your lists. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
You guys are going to have so much fun!!!
Hannah Johnson says
I love your ski vacation packing list! Your insight about not needing many “real clothes” is spot-on. I’ve learned the hard way too – it’s all about practicality and staying warm. By the way, have you checked out Flylow Gear for ski apparel? They’ve got some fantastic options, and I recently snagged great discounts using EMUCoupon. Also, your tip about packing cubes is a game-changer! Do you have any additional hacks for making ski trips smoother?
Mix and Match Mama says
Have you checked out my Top 10 Tips from a Ski Mom post? I have a lot of tips there!!!
Hannah Johnson says
I have not checked it yet but i am going to right now!
Sheaffer says
Here’s how I pack… I drastically overpack and take way more than I’ll ever need and then I’m annoyed every single time. The end.
Mix and Match Mama says
I know this to be true. Bahahaha!