But all of that packing logic goes out the window when it comes to packing for a ski trip. Yes, I said "logic". My husband would use the words "packing insanity". Whatever! Ski clothes and gear (and not to mention your apres-ski wear) is just so bulky. It doesn't take but 4 things to fill a suitcase and couple that with packing with a family in tow or, even worse, FLYING and you've got a real problem on your hands!
With President's Day Weekend and Spring Break just around the corner, there will be a lot of folks heading up to the mountains. And with airlines charging for the air you breath, you need to know how to pack wisely but not spend your whole budget just on checking your bags! So, packing to match the needs of your transportation is the first step in packing for your trip.
I prefer to drive to the mountains because it is soooo hard to "delete" items from my packing list. So here is my list of packing suggestions if you are driving to the mountains:
Maps (the old fashion kind...once you get in some mountain ranges, cell service may or may not be available so you may not be able to depend on your cell phone or iPad to guide you)
Water Bottles and Snacks (believe it or not, there may be more than just a few miles between your favorite Dairy Queens plus you need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate as you climb altitude)
Printouts of your Lodging Reservations
Printouts of Pre-purchased Lift Tickets, Ski Lesson Reservations, Ski Rentals
Plenty of gas before you get up into the mountains (once again, there may be a road delay of some sort and there are not a lot of gas stations in the more remote areas)
Once you are heading into areas on your trip where you will experience snow and ice, put on your after-ski boots (flip flops don't do well even if you're just running into McDonalds...you'll thank me later)
Skis, Ski Boots, Poles, Snowboards (if not renting)
(see below for ski clothes)
Ice Scraper (for your windshield)
Download "Road Conditions" app and "The Weather Channel" app (both are free and great resources while on the road)
However, flying gets you to the mountains faster which means more mountain fun! So, here is my list if you are flying:
Printouts of your Airline Reservations and/or Tickets
Printouts of your Lodging Reservations
Printouts of your Shuttle Service/Car Service/Rental Reservations
Printouts of Pre-purchased Lift Tickets, Ski Lesson Reservations, Ski Rentals
Photo ID
Plastic bag with your liquids
Wear your after-ski boots to the airport (you need that extra room in your suitcase)
Wear your ski jacket to the airport (once again, you need that extra room in your suitcase)
Wear a at least 5 things on the airplane that you will wear again in addition to the two above (example: long john shirt, jeans, sport bra, sweater, and socks)
Fed Ex Receipt (see below*)
Most airlines count skis, snowboards, and other equipment as baggage which means extra fees. Plus, they require the equipment to be packed in rigid, hard shell containers designed for shipping.
And here is my general list of packing for your days on the slopes. If you have access to a washing machine, pack less ski socks, sport bras, long johns and turtle necks. No one is going to see these things so why waste space?
Parka (for colder days)
Shell (for warmer days)
Ski/snowboard pants
Turtle Neck Cotton Shirts (one for every 2 days)
Water-proof Gloves or Mittens(basically, ski gloves is what I'm getting at here)
Helmet (remember, trees are on that mountain along with snow)
Long John Tops and Bottoms
Face Mask (for cold days or skiing incognito)
Neck gater (you can't imagine how handy that thing is when your chin is trying to fall off your face while riding that ski lift)
After-ski Boots
Ski Socks (believe me, your regular socks will not be your friend if your feet get cold and/or wet!)
Sports Bras
Hat or Headband that will cover your ears
Ski Sunglasses (there is a difference in these from just regular sunglasses and you will know the difference if you try to wear those glasses you purchased at Target on that gleaming white snow)
Goggles (you will never make it down the mountain if it's snowing or cloudy in those sunglasses)
Wipes for Your Sunglasses and/or Goggles (between snow melting on them and fogging up, you'll be glad you keep this handy in your jacket)
Sunblock for pre-skiing and a travel-size one while you are on the mountain (believe me, I learned this the hard and oh so painful way)
Lip Balm with at least 30 SPF (same instructions as for the sunblock....another lesson I learned the hard and oh so painful way)
Medical Insurance Card (oh I so hope you don't need it!)
Heat Packs for your hands, toes and feet to carry in your jacket
A Small Duffle or Boot Bag (to carry your big sunblock, cute Target sunglasses, after-ski boots, hat to cover up your helmet hair, brush, camera batteries, keys, water bottle and whatever else you need to put in the locker while you ski)
Small Wallet or Credit Card Holder to Hold Your Money, Credit Card, Insurance Card to Keep In Your Jacket
Ski Boots*
Poles*
Skis*
Snowboard*
*If you are bringing your own equipment whether driving or flying consider having your gear arrive by Fed Ex to your the place you are staying to reduce the hassle. Especially if you are flying. This may also be considerably cheaper than paying the airline fees to check them.
Things you will need for Apres-Ski:
After-ski Boots
Jeans/Pants
Sweatshirt and/or Hoodie (for lounging)
Underwear
Fleece Jacket or Cover-Up (especially great for not so cold days)
Bathing suit (for the hot tub, sauna and heated pool...nothing feels better than that after a day of skiing)
Cover-up (if your walking past people on the way to the hot tub, sauna and heated pool)
Warm house shoes (it can get drafty inside on those cold days)
Sleepwear
Sweaters
Scarves
Hat
Gloves or Mittens
T-shirt
Workout Clothes and Shoes (if you have access to a workout facility or you jog on ice)
I Pod
I Pod/Cell Phone Charger
Camera
Camera Charger or Batteries
Deodorant
Make-Up
Make-Up Remover
Face Wash
Watch/Jewelry (remember you are bundled up the majority of the time so there's no need for a lot)
Hairbrush
Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion (unless your lodging provides it)
Toothbrush
Floss
Razor
Soap
Medicine
Socks
Glasses/Contact Lenses (and their cases)
Hair Dryer (call ahead to see if it's available at the place where you are staying)
IPad, Laptop (and their chargers)
Happy Ski Trails!
Travel M Girl
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