The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List: What to Wear on the Slopes
Packing for a ski holiday feels strange compared to a beach break. Suddenly you’re dealing with base layers, insulated trousers, helmets and airline baggage limits, all while wondering if you’re about to freeze solid on the first chairlift. Add in the choice between renting and buying gear, and it’s very easy to spiral into a mild pre-trip panic. 🎿
This guide is here to calm that down. We’ll walk through layers in plain language, talk honestly about what you’ll actually wear on the slopes, and show you how to pack smart for a 5–7 day trip without dragging half your wardrobe to the mountains. You’ll also get rough price ranges for renting gear in Europe and North America, with comparisons in GBP, EUR and USD so you can budget properly.
The goal is simple: you stay warm, dry and comfortable, have fun on snow, and feel like a normal human instead of a walking pile of technical fabric. ❄️
Quick facts
| Thing | Details |
|---|---|
| Ideal layers on top for most days | 3 layers: base, mid, waterproof outer |
| Ideal layers on legs | 2 layers: base layer + insulated ski trousers |
| Trip length this list covers | 5–7 day ski or snowboard holiday |
| Climate assumed | Around -10°C to +2°C (14–36°F) in resort in mid-winter |
| What’s included | On-slope clothing, gear, après outfits, toiletries, tech & paperwork |
| Who it’s for | First and second-time skiers or boarders with a mid-range budget |
👉 Good to know: Most first-timers end up wearing fewer pieces than they pack, so focus on comfy layers you can re-wear rather than a different outfit for every single day.
Quick Q&As: Before we get started
What should I wear on the slopes for my first ski trip?
Aim for a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm mid layer and a waterproof jacket on top, plus a thermal leg layer and insulated ski trousers on the bottom.
How many layers do I need for skiing?
Most people are comfortable with three layers on top and two on their legs, adjusting mid layers if the day feels milder or very cold.
Can I use normal clothes instead of ski gear?
You can reuse some winter pieces, but you really need waterproof, breathable outerwear and proper boots to stay comfortable and safe in snow.
What should I pack for a one week ski trip?
Plan for 2–3 sets of base layers, 1–2 mid layers, a single good jacket and trousers, plus gloves, headwear, goggles, après outfits and essentials like sunscreen.
Do I need to buy skis or a board for a first ski holiday?
Most beginners are better off renting skis or a board, boots and a helmet in resort so they can test the sport before investing in their own kit.
💡 Fact: If you feel warm enough standing still in the lift queue, you’re usually dressed right for the slopes; any extra layers can live in your backpack instead of your suitcase.
Your ski trip packing list at a glance
Before diving into the details, it helps to see the big picture. A solid ski trip packing list is basically a set of simple categories: layers against your skin, warm layers in the middle, a protective shell on top, a few key pieces of ski or snowboard gear and some cosy off-slope outfits. Once you think in categories, it all feels less chaotic.
For a typical 5–7 day ski or snowboard holiday, you’re looking at around 2–3 sets of base layers, a couple of mid layers, one good jacket and pair of trousers, plus extras like gloves, protective eye-wear and headwear. Add in toiletries, tech, documents and a few comforting extras like lip balm and hand warmers and you’re set. It sounds like a lot, but it fits surprisingly well if you pack with intent. 🧳
Here’s the high-level view of what you’ll bring. We’ll break it all down in the next sections.
- Base layers for top and bottom
- Mid layers (fleeces or light insulated jackets)
- Waterproof ski or snowboard jacket
- Insulated, waterproof ski or snowboard trousers
- Warm items for hands, feet, head and face
- Ski or snowboard gear (helmet, goggles, skis/board, boots)
- Off-slope and travel outfits
- Toiletries and mountain health bits
- Documents, money, insurance details
- Tech and small travel gadgets
- A final checklist to sanity-check your bag
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Lay everything out on your bed by category first. It’s much easier to spot duplicates and remove a couple of “just in case” items before they sneak into your suitcase.
🗺️ Winter Sun Guide: 10 Of The Best Winter Sun Destinations
Our Google Maps Legend
Save time pinning everything! Get lifetime access to our endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all our pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Layering basics: how to dress for the mountains
I always say this to anyone going skiing… The secret to staying comfortable on the mountain isn’t one enormous jacket. It’s a simple layering system that traps warm air, moves sweat away from your skin and keeps snow and wind out. In many Alpine resorts, daytime winter temperatures hover somewhere around 0°C to -6°C, with colder spots up high and chillier January days dropping closer to -10°C or below. In some North American resorts, you can see anything from around -18°C to just above freezing, especially with wind chill. 🧊
Think of your kit in three layers. The base layer sits against your skin and moves sweat away. The mid layer traps warmth but can be removed if you get toasty. The outer layer is your protective shell that blocks wind and snow. In Scandinavian resorts, average winter temperatures often sit a little below freezing, so that outer shell can really earn its keep, especially on exposed chairlifts.
Here’s a simple way to think about each layer:
| Layer type | What it does | Typical items |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Wicks sweat, keeps skin dry | Synthetic or merino tops and bottoms |
| Mid layer | Adds insulation | Fleece, light puffy jacket, thick jumper |
| Outer layer | Protects from wind and snow | Waterproof jacket and trousers |
💡 Fact: It’s the sweat that makes you cold! Cotton holds moisture and will leave you damp and cold. Save cotton pieces for lounging in the apartment and keep technical fabrics for the slopes.
🗺️ Tips for Packing (condescending, I know): 12 Best Tips for How to Pack a Suitcase Easily
What to wear on the slopes: tops and bottoms
On a normal mid-winter ski day, you’ll dress very similarly each morning. The only real changes tend to be how heavy your mid layer is, or if you add an extra thin layer when the wind bites harder than expected. Once you create a simple “uniform” for your ski days, you can stop overthinking outfits and focus on catching first lift. ⛷️
For your upper body, most skiers feel comfortable in a wicking base layer, a mid layer and a waterproof jacket. On sunny, spring-like days you might ditch the mid layer. On cold January mornings, you might add a thin extra layer between base and mid, or pick a thicker fleece. For the lower body, a wicking thermal layer plus insulated, waterproof trousers usually does the trick, even on pretty nippy days.
A typical on-slope outfit per day:
- Base layer top
- Light or mid-weight fleece / thin insulated jacket
- Waterproof, breathable ski or snowboard jacket
- Thermal leg layer
- Insulated, waterproof ski or snowboard trousers
You’ll also add accessories like gloves, goggles and headwear, but this is the core clothing set you’ll repeat most days.
💡 Fact: You don’t need a fresh mid layer every day. Most people rotate 1–2 mid layers and 2–3 sets of base layers across a week-long trip, letting things air-dry overnight.
🗺️ Recommended Read: 10 Best Places To Go On A Skiing Holiday
Recommended Tours from GetYourGuide
Powered by GetYourGuide
Keeping hands, feet, head and face warm
If you feel cold on a ski holiday, it’s usually your hands, feet, ears or nose complaining first. The good news is that you can keep these parts toasty without filling half a suitcase. Strategic accessories make a huge difference, especially on those minus double-digit mornings when the chairlift breeze hits. ❄️
For hands, waterproof insulated gloves or mittens are non-negotiable. Mittens tend to be warmer, gloves give more dexterity; some people bring one of each. For feet, pair well-fitted ski boots with thin, warm layers designed for ski use rather than chunky everyday foot layers. For your head, a helmet keeps you safe and warm, and you can add a thin beanie or liner underneath if it fits. A stretchy neck warmer or buff protects your neck and can pull up over your nose when the air feels icy.
Accessories checklist for extremities:
- Waterproof insulated gloves or mittens (ideally 2 pairs in case one stays damp)
- Thin, warm foot layers designed for ski boots
- Helmet (or plan to rent)
- Thin liner hat that fits under a helmet (optional)
- Neck warmer / buff
- Lightweight face covering or balaclava for very cold or windy days
🔹Tinker’s Tip: Try on your thin foot layers with your ski boots at home or at the rental shop. If you cram your boots too full, you restrict blood flow and your feet will feel colder, not warmer.
Essential ski and snowboard gear
Now onto the “hard” gear. For most beginners and early intermediates, renting skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet in resort makes the most sense. It lets you test the sport, change sizes easily and avoid airline oversize baggage fees. In many European resorts, adult beginner packages with skis, boots and poles often start somewhere around €15–€35 per day, or roughly €80–€150 for a week. That’s about £70–£130 or around $90–$165 for a seven-day package.
In North American resorts, typical prices are higher. Standard ski equipment at big-name resorts might run around $30–$50 per day (roughly £25–£40 or about €28–€47). In some Canadian resorts, full packages can be in the range of about 70–110 CAD per day, which is roughly £40–£65, around €48–€75 and about $55–$85. Multi-day bookings and early online deals can bring those averages down.
Essential gear list:
- Skis and poles or snowboard (often rented)
- Ski or snowboard boots (rented for beginners, or own boots if you’ve already invested)
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Protective shorts or back protector (optional but popular for boarders and nervous beginners)
👉 Good to know: Prices correct as of November 2025, and they vary a lot by resort and season. Booking your rental kit online before you travel often works out cheaper than a walk-in booking in the resort.
The Travel Tinker Shop
Ready to spark your next adventure with unique travel gadgets and essentials? Head over to The Travel Tinker Shop now and discover your perfect companion!
Off slope and après-ski outfits
Life on a ski holiday isn’t only chairlifts and groomers. There are supermarket runs, pizza nights, wanderings through snowy villages and evenings in cosy bars. The trick is to bring a handful of mix-and-match outfits that work with sturdy winter shoes, so you feel comfortable walking on slushy pavements and sitting in warm restaurants. 🍕
Most people find they re-wear the same few relaxed outfits all week. Think comfortable jeans or thick leggings, jumpers, casual tops and maybe one slightly nicer outfit if you plan a special dinner. In many European resorts, the vibe is laid-back; you’ll see plenty of people in knitwear and winter boots rather than glittery party clothes.
A simple off-slope capsule might include:
- 2 pairs of jeans or warm trousers
- 2–3 casual tops or t-shirts
- 2 jumpers or cardigans
- 1 slightly smarter outfit for dinners (if you like)
- Warm winter footwear with grip
- Slippers or slides for the apartment or chalet
💡 Fact: Resort towns are often very warm inside, with strong heating. You might be peeling off layers in restaurants even after a sub-zero walk back from the lift station.
Toiletries, skincare and mountain health
I will start by saying that SPF is a must! High mountains are dry, bright and often pretty brutal on skin. You’ll usually be dealing with cold air, strong UV reflection from snow, wind and heated indoor spaces. That combination can leave your face tight, lips cracked and your nose feeling like sandpaper. A tiny, well-planned wash bag can spare you a lot of discomfort. 💄
Pack a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sun cream suitable for winter sports, plus a UV-protective lip balm you can keep in your jacket pocket. Add a thick, fragrance-free moisturiser for evenings and a lighter one (or the same product if it works under sun cream) for mornings. Toss in your usual toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and any daily medicines. A basic mini first-aid pouch is handy for blisters or headaches after a long day on the mountain.
Toiletries and health ideas:
- High SPF face sun cream (30–50)
- SPF lip balm
- Daily moisturiser plus a thicker night cream or balm
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair care
- Painkillers you know work for you
- Plasters and blister plasters
- Rehydration sachets and a refillable water bottle
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: The air at altitude is dry, and you lose more fluid through breathing in cold conditions. Drink water regularly during the day, even if you don’t feel hot and thirsty.
🗺️ Useful Guide: 5 Reasons Why Croatia Is One Of Europe’s Most Desirable Destinations Right Now
Documents, money and insurance essentials
This is the less glamorous part of your ski trip packing list, but it is absolutely the most important. Misplacing goggles is annoying. Misplacing your passport or showing up without winter sports insurance is a full-on stress event. Sorting this side of things before you go will make the whole week feel calmer.
You’ll need valid ID for travel and for picking up rentals and lift passes. You’ll also want proof of your winter sports insurance handy, plus confirmation of your accommodation, transfers and any ski lessons or childcare bookings. For money, a mix of cards and a bit of local cash usually works well, especially for smaller mountain cafés or self-service lockers. 💳
Document checklist:
- Passport or national ID card (plus photocopies or cloud backups)
- Winter sports travel insurance confirmation
- Lift pass confirmation or voucher
- Ski school or lesson confirmation emails
- Accommodation address and check-in details
- Payment cards and a small amount of local cash
🔹 Good to know: Some resorts ask for ID to release rental gear or lift passes, so keep a photo of your passport stored securely on your phone as a backup.
🗺️ More guides: Treat Yourself: Why Luxury Travel is Worth the Investment
Tech and travel gadgets that actually help
You don’t need to lug a full camera bag and half your home office into the mountains. A few small, smart gadgets go a long way. Think more about power and safety than about shooting the next big ski film. A phone with a decent camera, a power bank and maybe a small action camera are more than enough for most ski holidays. 📸
One genuinely handy addition is a set of bluetooth trackers for your luggage or for your ski bag if you’re checking in your own gear. A compact travel adaptor and multi-USB plug is gold in older apartments where plug sockets are in short supply. Noise-cancelling headphones or simple earplugs can turn a noisy transfer or thin chalet walls into a much more restful experience.
Useful tech to consider:
- Phone with offline maps and resort app loaded
- Power bank and charging cables
- Universal travel adaptor / multi-USB plug
- Small camera or action cam (optional)
- Bluetooth trackers for bags
- Headphones or earplugs
🗺️ Smarter Travel: Travel Smarter, Not Harder: Tech Trends
What to rent and what to buy for your ski trip
The rent-or-buy question comes up a lot, especially for new skiers. In simple terms, if you’ve only done one or two trips, it nearly always makes more sense to rent skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet. European rental shops commonly offer week-long packages including skis or snowboard, boots and poles from around €80–€150, which is roughly £70–£130 and about $90–$165.
Buying can make sense if you plan to ski regularly. A mid-range adult ski boot might cost roughly £200–£400, which is around €230–€460 or about $250–$500. Skis with bindings can easily sit in a wide range too, from around £300 up to £700 or more, roughly €350–€810 and about $380–$900. A decent helmet typically lands somewhere between about £50 and £150, or roughly €60–€175 and around $65–$190. 🥾
A simple way to decide:
| Item | Rent for now | Buy now |
|---|---|---|
| Skis / snowboard | Best for first few trips; cheaper short-term; can swap models easily | Makes sense if you ski often and know what you like |
| Boots | Fine to rent early on | Worth buying once you know you’ll keep skiing; comfort improves a lot |
| Helmet | Easy to rent; cheap add-on | Some people prefer owning for hygiene and perfect fit |
| Outerwear (jacket & trousers) | Limited choice at rental shops | Usually worth owning from the start for comfort and style |
Here are 5 good places to buy ski gear that work well for UK / Europe folk and beyond:
Decathlon 🇪🇺
Huge European chain with stores across Europe and plenty worldwide, plus a solid online shop. Great for budget-friendly jackets, trousers, helmets and beginner skis/boards without spending silly money. DecathlonREI Co-op 🇺🇸
US outdoor giant with a big focus on quality gear and decent advice for beginners. Ideal for mid-range to premium brands, plus they often have good seasonal sales on ski clothing and helmets. REIBackcountry 🌍
Online retailer with a huge range of skis, snowboards, avalanche safety kit and clothing. Good if you want big-name brands, lots of choice and regular discounts, and you’re happy to order online. BackcountryBlue Tomato 🇦🇹🇩🇪🇪🇺
Europe-based snow and board sports specialist with stores across Austria, Germany and beyond plus a big online shop. Great for snowboard-focused outfits, freestyle-style gear and freeski bits with international shipping. “Blue Tomato”SnowInn (part of TradeInn) 🌐
Online-only store that ships ski and snowboard gear to loads of countries worldwide. Good for hunting deals on skis, boots, helmets and clothing if you’re shopping on a budget. Tradeinn
You’ll find decent beginner-friendly gear at big chains like Decathlon, REI or online stores such as Backcountry, Blue Tomato and SnowInn, so there’s no need to panic-buy in resort. 🎿
🗺️ Stay Safe Abroad: Don’t Get Done! 20 Crafty Travel Scams and How to Dodge Them
Hand luggage vs hold luggage packing
Airline rules can be a bit of a puzzle for ski trips. You’ve got bulky outerwear, maybe your own helmet, possibly your own skis or board, and still need space for normal clothes and toiletries. The trick is to split smartly between cabin bag and checked bag, and to wear some of your bulkiest items to travel. ✈️
Keep anything expensive, fragile or essential in your hand luggage. That includes your ski jacket, helmet, goggles, one set of base layers, any daily medicines and your documents. If your checked bag goes missing for a day or two, you’ll still be able to ski once you pick up rentals in resort. Your checked bag can carry the heavier things like ski trousers, extra base layers, casual clothes and spare footwear.
Ideas for your cabin bag:
- Ski jacket (you can wear it on the plane or carry it)
- Helmet, goggles, gloves
- One full base layer set and underwear
- Travel outfit and a spare top
- Toiletries in airport-friendly sizes
- Documents, tech, chargers and daily medicines
Sample ski holiday checklist for 5–7 days
Let’s pull everything together into a simple checklist you can screenshot / print and tick off while you pack. Adjust the quantities for longer trips, very cold destinations or spring skiing, but this gives you a reliable starting point.
On-slope clothing
2–3 base layer tops
2–3 thermal leg layers
1–2 mid layers (fleece or light insulated jackets)
1 waterproof, breathable ski jacket
1 insulated, waterproof pair of ski trousers
Accessories & warmth
2 pairs of waterproof gloves or mittens
Thin, technical foot layers for inside ski boots
1–2 neck warmers or buffs
Thin hat or liner for under helmet (if it fits)
Gear
Helmet (or plan to rent)
Goggles
Skis and poles or snowboard (usually rented)
Ski or snowboard boots (rented or your own)
Off-slope
2 pairs of jeans or warm trousers
2–3 casual tops
2 jumpers or cardigans
1 slightly dressier outfit
Winter footwear with good grip
Toiletries & health
Sun cream for face (SPF 30–50)
SPF lip balm
Moisturiser
Basic medicines and blister plasters
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
Docs & tech
Passport / ID and insurance details
Lift pass / lesson confirmations
Payment cards & local cash
Phone, chargers, power bank
Travel adaptor
FAQs
What should I wear on the slopes if I feel the cold easily?
If you run cold, prioritise a slightly thicker base layer, a warm but breathable mid layer and a good-quality insulated jacket. Add a thin extra layer under your mid layer on very cold days, and pay special attention to hands, feet and face with good gloves, warm foot layers and a neck warmer that can pull up over your nose.
Do I need specialist base layers for a ski trip?
You don’t need the most expensive gear in the shop, but you’ll feel a big difference in comfort if you choose wicking base layers made from synthetic fabric or merino instead of everyday cotton. These materials move sweat away from your skin so you stay warm and dry, even on long, sweaty runs or in changeable conditions.
How many outfits do I need for a one week ski holiday?
For a 5–7 day trip, most people are fine with 2–3 sets of base layers, 1–2 mid layers, one ski jacket, one pair of ski trousers and 2–3 casual outfits for evenings. You can re-wear most items several times, especially if you let them air-dry each night.
Can I rent everything for a ski trip or do I need to own some items?
In theory you could rent almost everything, but most travellers prefer to bring their own base layers, mid layers and outerwear so they know things fit and feel comfortable. Skis or a board, boots and a helmet are easy to rent in resort, which is usually the best option for beginners.
What should I pack for a budget ski trip with only hand luggage?
Focus on the essentials: 2 base layer sets, 1 mid layer, your ski jacket, ski trousers, thin technical foot layers, gloves, a neck warmer and lightweight casual clothes for evenings. Wear your bulkiest pieces to travel, pack miniature toiletries, and plan to rent skis or a board, boots and a helmet in resort to avoid checked bag fees.
Now, over to you…
Planning your first ski holiday doesn’t have to feel like prepping for an Arctic expedition. Save or screenshot this ski trip packing list, tweak the quantities to match your own “always cold” or “always warm” tendencies, and use it as your go-to checklist every time snow season rolls around. 🏔️
If you’ve got a hilarious packing fail to confess or a genius little item you never travel without, share it in the comments so other travellers can steal your ideas. And when you’re ready to pick your next winter adventure, have a wander through the winter guides and itineraries over on TheTravelTinker.com for more cosy mountain inspiration.👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
Similar Articles:
- New Year, No Guilt: Your Guide to Affordable Adventures
- The 5 Most Popular Winter Destinations According To TripAdvisor
- February City Breaks: Europe’s Hidden Winter Gems
Recommended Websites and Resources:
What to know How to Plan or Save for a Trip? Here are our best:
Travel Planning Resources
Ready to book your next trip? These trusted resources have been personally vetted to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
Car Rentals: For affordable car rentals, check out RentalCars.com. They offer the best cars, mostly brand new.
Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
- Use AirHelp for compensation claims against flight delays etc.
Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
Need More Help Planning Your Trip? Visit our Resources Page to see all the companies we trust and use for our travels.
You May Also Like
Save this post (pin it)
Share this post
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Author
Michelle Wright
Hi, I'm Michelle, a middle-aged adventurer rediscovering the world one trip at a time. After years of balancing career and family, I’m now embracing my love for travel with a fresh perspective. From exploring ancient ruins in Greece to savoring wine in Tuscany’s rolling hills, I seek destinations that blend culture, history, and relaxation. My blog posts share practical advice, heartfelt stories, and inspiration for fellow travelers proving it’s never too late to chase wanderlust. Join me as I navigate new horizons and find joy in life’s next chapter!
Shop
Get Social
Entry Requirement Checker
Popular Posts
Join the Community
Shop Our Google Maps
Travel Itinerary Generator
Other Resources
Destinations
Get Your Free Travel Starter Kit!
Sign up with your email to receive step-by-step planning checklists, free guides, and a wealth of money-saving tips to help you plan your trip like an expert!
