It’s time to pack for your skiing and/or snowboarding trip! Whether you’re road-tripping to your favorite mountain town or boarding a flight to a bucket-list resort, this guide will help you avoid forgetting the essentials.

Let’s be honest—packing can be stressful. Our goal? Reduce the pain of packing and the pain your body feels after charging hard on the mountain. From lift passes to base layers, we’ve got you covered.

And yes, there’s a printable PDF checklist at the bottom if you just want the clean 8.5x11 version. (We’ll assume you’re also packing underwear and casual clothes… unless you’re heading deep into the backcountry for days.)

Ready to make this trip legendary? Let’s dive in.

Documents

Don’t let paperwork derail your powder day.

• ☐ Season/Lift Pass
  
  

• ☐ Resort Pass
  
  

• ☐ Resort Map
  
  

• ☐ Map/Directions to Resort
  
  

• ☐ Flight – Boarding Pass
  
  

• ☐ Flight – Passport/Visa
  
  

• ☐ Flight/Drive – Photo ID or Driver’s License
  
  

• ☐ Drive – Rental Car Confirmation #/Email
  
  

• ☐ Hotel – Confirmation #/Email
  
  

Health & Emergency Essentials

Mountain adventures are amazing—but preparation is everything.

• ☐ Medical Insurance Card
  
  

• ☐ Emergency Contact Information
  
  

• ☐ Prescription Medication
  
  

• ☐ Prescription Glasses/Contact Lenses
  
  

• ☐ Tiger Balm (for soreness, minor injuries & sinus relief)
  
  

• ☐ Whip Energy Pouches ( For a boost of energy)

• ☐ Hydration Pack (Liquid I.V.)
  
  

Snowboard Gear

Riders, don’t forget:

• ☐ Snowboard & Bindings
  
  

• ☐ Snowboard Boots
  
  

Snowboard Clothing

Layering is the key to staying warm, dry, and comfortable.

• ☐ Helmet
  
  

• ☐ Goggles (plus various lenses)
  
  

• ☐ Balaclava
  
  

• ☐ Gloves
  
  

• ☐ Glove liners
  
  

• ☐ Hardshell Jacket
  
  

• ☐ Softshell Jacket
  
  

• ☐ Mid-layer Top
  
  

• ☐ Mid-layer Bottom
  
  

• ☐ Base layer Top
  
  

• ☐ Base layer Bottom
  
  

• ☐ Hardshell Pants
  
  

• ☐ Ski/Snowboard Socks
  
  

Ski/Snowboard Accessories

These small items make a big difference.

• ☐ Ski/Snowboard Bag
  
  

• ☐ Boot Bag
  
  

• ☐ Hand/Boot Warmers
  
  

• ☐ Ski/Snowboard Lock
  
  

• ☐ Ski/Snowboard Multi-Tool
  
  

• ☐ Wax

• ☐ Scrapper

Personal Accessories

Because the trip isn’t just about time on the slopes.

• ☐ Sunglasses
  
  

• ☐ Sunscreen
  
  

• ☐ Lip Balm
  
  

• ☐ Beanie
  
  

• ☐ Casual Winter Coat
  
  

• ☐ Rain Jacket or Shell
  
  

• ☐ Waterproof Boots
  
  

• ☐ Swimwear (for pool/hot tub)
  
  

• ☐ Slippers/Flip Flops
  
  

• ☐ Daypack
  
  

Backcountry Accessories

If you’re heading beyond resort boundaries, safety comes first.

• ☐ Avalanche Probe or Rescue Shovel
  
  

• ☐ Beacon
  
  

• ☐ Topo Maps/Compass/GPS
  
  

• ☐ First Aid Kit
  
  

4 Smart Ski Trip Packing Tips

Here are a few things to think about before you pack:

1. Check the Weather

Visit your resort’s official website for accurate daily slope temperatures. If you’re staying in a nearby town, check those temps too. Sometimes the temperature difference between base and summit means packing shorts for après-ski isn’t crazy at all.

2. Count the Days (Plus One)

Add up your ski days and travel days. Plan to reuse certain layers—but pack for one extra day in case of airport delays or unexpected weather. Being comfortable in uncomfortable situations makes a huge difference.

3. Bring Cash (Yes, Really)

You can tap your phone almost anywhere—but cash is still king. Toss a few bills in your wallet for those “middle-of-nowhere” moments when you need snacks and there’s no service.

4. Organize Before You Pack

Don’t just throw everything into one giant suitcase. Packing cubes are a game changer. Even if you don’t fold perfectly, grouping similar items makes life so much easier when you’re digging for socks at 6 a.m.