What to Pack for a Ski Trip: Cute Ski Gear & Winter Outfits
I’ve been skiing for almost as long as I’ve been walking. I grew up taking ski trips to destinations such as Canada, Utah, Colorado, and Switzerland and continue to take ski vacations every year.
One of the hardest parts of planning is deciding what to pack for a ski trip. With bulky winter clothes, extra gear, and limited space, it can be hard to decide what to bring.
This guide to what to pack for a ski trip includes packing tips, outfit ideas for the slopes and the village, and shoppable collages of the top ski trip essentials you cannot forget.
Keep reading for a breakdown of what to pack and what to wear for a snowy, cold winter vacation.
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Cute Ski Suits
Ski outfits can easily be bulky and unflattering, if you don’t know what to look for. The above collage shows my top choices for cute ski outfits.
In the top right is a bib and matching jacket option. I love bib pants because they stay up all day and help keep snow out if you fall.
On the top right is a super cute snow jumpsuit. While this is very fashionable, it can make bathroom breaks a little tricky so proceed with caution.
On the bottom left is a simple jacket and pants combo, but in a super cute and trendy green color. In addition, Helly Hansen is a great brand that will last you years.
Finally, the bottom right is a light jacket that is affordable. Since it’s light weight, this jacket is good for spring skiing.
Skiing Under Layers
The first part of this guide focuses on what to wear when you are skiing. I just replaced all of my ski gear, and it is so nice to have new stuff.
If you are new to skiing or looking to replace your gear, the above collage shows my top picks for base layers and the next section shares my favorite ski outerwear.
While not a garment per say, this ski bag is revolutionary when packing for a ski trip. It’s easy checked baggage that will fit all of your bulky gear.
The bottom section is isolated for your ski boots so they don’t get anything else dirty. The upper section has plenty of room for a helmet, jacket, pants, under layers, and everything else you need.
Now, for the best base layers for skiing. I recommend packing a few different layers so you can dress for the weather each day.
For the bottom layer, I recommend a basic wool shirt and leggings, shown in the top left of the collage. On hot days, I will only wear this under my jacket and pants.
For colder days, pack a quarter zip jacket and insulated pants to wear over your base layer for added warmth. Be sure to remember a neck gaiter and good socks as well.
Casual Winter Outfits
The rest of this guide talks about what to pack for a ski trip to wear off the slopes. Around the village or resort, the best winter outfit is a simple sweater and pant combo. It’s cute, comfortable, and easy to mix and match.
My number one tip for packing for a winter trip is to utilize a capsule wardrobe to reduce bulk. A capsule wardrobe is a set of simple items that can be worn in different combinations to create a variety of outfits.
You will see in this collage and the nightlife collage, I stuck to a neutral and black color pallet with a few pops of color.
For the daytime, I recommend neutral knit sweaters and 2-3 pairs of versatile pants. You cannot go wrong with a dark wash jean or faux leather legging/jogger.
These staple pieces can also easily be worn into night, as show below.
Shop these casual ski vacation outfits
Winter Nightlife Outfit Ideas
These outfit ideas for winter nightlife follow the same capsule wardrobe concept as above. These black and neutral items can easily be worn together for a variety of fashionable outfits.
It can be hard dressing up in the winter because many nighttime outfits aren’t exactly warm. By wearing materials such as leather and bodycon sweater dresses, it is possible to be both warm and trendy.
The above outfit ideas could easily be worn to a nice dinner or bar.
Shop these night time ski trip outfits
The Best Winter Boots
I am obsessed with shoes. If I had the space I’d pack a different pair of boots for each day of a ski trip. However, boots are one of the bulkiest items so you need to be strategic.
When packing for a ski trip, I typically wear a pair of flat boots and pack a pair of booties. If I pack efficiently, I can usually even squeeze a cute pair of boots into my ski gear bag.
In the above collage, I put together my top three boots in three categories: functional, casual, and heels. The functional boots are waterproof and good for activities such as playing in the snow or snowmobiling.
The casual boots are weather-resistant but better suited for walking around the ski village. Finally, the heels category is self explanatory and good for dinner or going out.
Shop this cute winter boot collage
Warm Winter Coats
Obviously, one of the items you need to pack for a ski trip is a good winter coat. Although you will have your ski coat, I suggest packing a more fashionable one to wear off the slopes.
In the above collage, I put some great choices for down, wool, and leather jackets. A down coat will be the warmest and is good for very cold ski destinations.
If you are heading somewhere with milder temperatures, you can probably get away with a wool or leather coat layered over a sweater.
One of the most challenging aspects of packing for a ski trip is fitting all of the bulky winter clothing into a suitcase. One of the bulkiest items is a jacket, so you will likely only be able to bring one or two on your trip.
The best way to work around this issue is by wearing or packing a versatile jacket that can be worn with a variety of outfits.
The above collage shows an example of three ways to wear this super cute green leather jacket. It can be worn on the plane with joggers and a sweatshirt, during the day with jeans, or even at night with a sweater dress.
By planning multiple outfits around one jacket, you will be able to maximize your fashion while optimizing suitcase space.
Other Essentials to Pack for a Ski Trip
In addition to clothes, the above collage is a good reminder of the other essentials to pack for a ski trip. To help stay warm, be sure to bring 1-2 hats and 1-2 pairs of casual gloves.
These reusable hand warmers are great to keep in your pockets or purse to warm your hand throughout the day. They are more expensive than the disposable version, but will last much longer.
On the theme of staying warm, if you ski often, I highly recommend investing in these chargeable boot warmers to keep your toes warm in your ski boots.
The final item to pack is this convenient ski and pole holder. If you are staying in a ski-in/ski-out, this probably isn’t necessary.
However, if you have a walk to the ski resort, this simple contraption will make your life much easier.
Shop this list of ski trip essentials
Summary of What to Pack for a Ski Trip
Hopefully this guide to what to pack for a ski trip has helped narrow down what to pack and what to leave at home. The two biggest takeaways are to invest in your ski gear, and simplify your resort wear.
Good ski base layers and outerwear will allow you to be comfortable and functional on the mountain, while looking cute.
For hanging out in the village, bring a few basic pieces to build a vacation capsule wardrobe to save space in your luggage and still be able to put together great outfits.
