Ski trip packing list, from base layers to après

A ski trip is a lot of gear for a few days of sport, and the right clothes matter more than anything. Cold, wet and tired is a bad way to spend an expensive week, and most of that comes down to what is next to your skin and what is on your hands.

This list covers a week on the snow. It also shows what you can rent so your bag stays manageable.

Rent or bring?

Skis, boots, poles, helmets and snowboards can all be rented at most resorts, and many people do. Renting saves luggage space, airline fees for oversize bags and the worry of damage in transit. Bringing your own makes sense if you ski often, have boots that fit you well, or want to be sure of the gear.

A common middle path is to bring your boots and helmet, which affect comfort and safety most, and rent the rest. Check the resort's rental shop and book ahead for busy weeks. If you are new to skiing, rent everything and see what you want to own afterwards.

If you do fly with skis, the airline sets the rules and any charge for sports equipment. Look at its page before booking.

Base layers

This is the most important layer, because it sits against your skin and decides if you stay dry.

• Two or three long-sleeved tops in a wicking fabric, either wool or synthetic
• Two pairs of long thermal bottoms
• Avoid cotton. It holds moisture and makes you cold.
• Thermal socks, in a wool or synthetic mix, two or three pairs. One pair is on, one is drying.
• Underwear that doesn't hold sweat

Mid layers

One or two layers that trap heat. You adjust them through the day as you warm up on the way down and cool on the lift.

• A fleece or light insulated jacket
• A thicker jumper or down layer for cold days and for the evenings

Layers are better than one thick item, because you can take one off when the sun comes out.

Outer layers

These keep out wind, snow and water.

• A ski jacket that is waterproof and breathable, with a hood, a snow skirt and zipped pockets
• Ski trousers or salopettes, with the same properties
• Check the fit before you leave. You want to be able to move, bend and lift your arms, with layers underneath.

If you are borrowing or buying a first set, secondhand and sale shops are good places to look for the outer layers. The base layers deserve more of the money.

Hands, head and face

Cold hands end more ski days than anything else.

• Gloves or mittens that are waterproof and insulated. Mittens are warmer; gloves give more grip.
• A thin pair of liner gloves, for when you have to take the outer ones off
• A spare pair, since wet gloves are miserable
• A helmet, rented or your own
• Goggles, with a lens suited to bright and flat light. Bring two if your trip is long or the weather changes. Sunglasses for the lifts and the café.
• A neck gaiter or buff, which beats a scarf because it can't come loose
• A warm hat for evenings, since a helmet is for the slope
• Lip balm and high-protection sunscreen. At altitude, the sun is strong and snow reflects it.

Après and the evenings

After the lifts close, you want to be warm and dry, not in your ski gear.

• A warm jumper and a pair of trousers or jeans
• Waterproof boots with grip, since paths are icy
• Warm socks for the hotel room
• Swimwear, in case your stay has a hot tub, sauna or pool
• Thermal tops or leggings if you walk to dinner
• A smart-ish outfit, if you plan to eat out

Snow boots matter more than people expect. Your ski boots are for skiing, and walking in them is slow and sore.

Day bag

On the mountain, carry a small backpack with what you need until the end of the day.

• Water bottle
• Snacks for the lift and a long run
• Spare gloves and a spare neck gaiter
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Phone, a power bank and a card. Cold drains batteries quickly, so keep them in an inside pocket.
• Your lift pass in an easy-to-reach pocket
• A small first-aid kit with plasters, blister patches and pain relief

Health, documents and insurance

• Travel insurance that covers winter sports, and off-piste if you plan to ski it. Many standard policies exclude or limit it. See the policy's wording. Plan a ski trip goes through the other planning decisions.
• Your own medicines, in their original packaging
• A card for medical costs and the contact details for the resort's medical centre
• Passport or ID, and a copy kept separately

Altitude can affect sleep and appetite. Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol on the first day and rest if you feel unwell.

What to leave at home

• Cotton hoodies, jeans for the slope and fashion layers that don't breathe
• Too many outfits for the evenings. People wear the same jumper most nights.
• Valuables that don't need to come to the mountain
• Skis, if you are flying and renting is easy

Pack the boot bag

On a trip with a group, ski boots and helmets take a lot of space. A boot bag is useful if you travel with your own. In a shared stay, set up a drying area for gloves, boots and base layers, so you start each day with dry kit. Heated boot racks are common but not guaranteed, so ask your host.

When you travel with friends, agree who takes the shared items, like a first-aid kit, a speaker, snacks for the room and a few board games. What a group should share lays out a way to divide them.

Where to go next

Lay out the layers by order: base, mid, outer. If anything is missing, test it at home by wearing the full set for twenty minutes, and see if you are comfortable. If the trip is in the mountains of Switzerland, the cold and the sun will both be strong, and the checking is worth it.