A Ski Trip Checklist for Women: Outfits, Gear & Essentials for Winter Travel

An Outfit for Skiing
This includes all the layers and equipment needed for a ski day.

An Outfit for Apres Ski
Pack a few apres-staples to change into after a day of skiing, like a cute sweater, hat, sunglasses, and waterproof booties.

An Outfit for a Non-Ski Day
Whether you’re going into town for dinner or taking a rest day, pack an outfit to wear while exploring the town that can be used day or night.

An Outfit for the Hot Tub
My mom always said that no matter where you go, always pack a swimsuit, you never know if you’ll need it! The hot tub is great for relaxing after a long ski day, so check if there’s one where you’re staying or maybe take a short road trip to explore some local hot springs.

An Outfit to Lounge In & Pajamas to Sleep in
Pack a comfy outfit for a night in and cozy pajamas.

Ski Jacket: When it comes to ski jackets, you have the option between an insulated or shell jacket. Insulated jackets will keep you warm without requiring extra layers, while a shell jacket is more versatile for different layering options when the conditions change. With either option, it's important to choose a waterproof jacket, at least a 10K waterproof rating, to keep you dry and warm while on the slopes. For a super warm and popular jacket, check out the Alphelia LifaLoft Jacket from Helly Hansen. 

Ski Pants: You also have the option of snow pants vs snow bibs. Pants are more convenient, while bibs will provide more warmth and protect you so snow doesn’t go down your back if you fall. My favorite pants are the Nils Betty Stretch Pants and Obermeyer's Bliss Pant. 

Base Layers: A baselayer top and bottom should fit snug against your skin and made of a material like merino wool, polyester, or bamboo to wick away moisture to keep you dry. Materials like merino wool and bamboo are odor-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about re-wearing them. I love the Kari Traa baselayers. They have 100% merino wool sets, synthetic sets, and merino/synthetic blends, and come in cute designs. 

Midlayer: Midlayers are good for super cold days or if you’re packing a shell jacket. A fleece layer, lightweight down jacket, or sweater makes for a good midlayer. They also double as a solid layering piece while out to dinner and exploring the town.

Ski Socks: You want your ski socks to be thin so they fit comfortably in your boots without bunching. Think of ski socks as an extension of your base layers, so look for moisture-wicking materials like these merino wool socks from Darn Tough and Smartwool. Avoid cotton, since cotton gets really cold when wet and takes a while to dry.

Neckwarmer/Balaclava: Neck ups and balaclavas make a big difference on super cold days. They keep wind and cold off your neck, cheek, and ears. You can find cute neck warmers with matching hats and quarter zips from Krimson Klover, go for a classic fleece neck up from Winter’s Edge, or try my most comfortable balaclava that’s thin enough to fit under my helmet from BlackStrap.

Ski Gloves or Mittens: Gloves provide you with more dexterity, but mittens are much warmer. If you’re really wanting to treat yourself, grab a pair of heated mittens. For super cute and soft gloves and mittens, try the Swany LaPosh Gloves or Swany LaDown Mitts. For some of the best all-around ski gloves and mittens, check out Hestra. And if you get super cold hands, go for a glove liner to wear under your gloves or mittens. They give you extra warmth and some protection if you have to take off your gloves or mittens to check your phone.

Helmet: Safety is the most important thing while skiing. Be sure to have a properly fitting helmet. Popular choices include the Smith Liberty or the Giro Avera for their sleek look, adjustable vents, and plush interior.

Goggles: A good pair of goggles will block out the sun, help with visibility and warmth while it’s snowing, and come in cute options to complete your outfit. Goggles have different lens options for different conditions. For a solid all-conditions option, opt for Oakley’s Flight Deck Goggles with a sapphire lens. For the most peripheral vision, try the Smith 4D Mag S that comes with two lenses. For a super-easy lens swap, go with the Anon M4S Goggles that have two magnetic quick-change lenses. Not all mountains rent goggles, so it’s a good idea to pick up your own pair, and don’t forget to try them on with your helmet. Your goggles and helmet should fit seamlessly together without pushing on each other and without any gaps.

Ski Boots: Your ski boots are everything when it comes to skiing. Even if I decide to rent skis at the mountain, I always bring my own boots. Boots that are fitted to your feet are going to be a lot more comfortable and perform better than any rental boots.

Skis and Ski Poles: I like to bring my own skis and ski poles, since they’re what I feel most confident on. But, if I’m traveling somewhere where my skis don’t really match the conditions, like deep powder, I’ll opt for renting or even demoing a few different skis. Renting or demoing also means less hassle while traveling.

Extras: Don't forget to pack extra hand warmers to stash in your pocket while skiing or walking around. And remember your lift pass, some snacks, and a water bottle to refuel while at the mountain. 

A Cute Hat: Swap your helmet for a cute hat like these from Turtle Fur. I usually pack a small hairbrush to tame my helmet hair.

Winter Boots and Fluffy Socks: Nothing’s better than the feeling of taking off your ski boots and socks for comfy and cute winter boots and socks.

Non-Ski Mittens: Pack away your ski gloves and mittens for a cute pair of mittens that you can also wear walking around town.

Sunglasses: Don’t let the cold trick you, the sun is still bright, so a cute pair of sunglasses is a must.

Sweater or Casual Top: It depends on what we have planned, but usually, a cute sweater will do the trick. It’s casual enough to wear around town or dress up for a dinner out. Check out these cute options from Krimson Klover, Nils, and Fera.

Jeans or Long Pants: Pack something that’s comfortable and matches a few different tops. I try to choose pants that I can layer a thin baselayer underneath if it’s super cold out and we’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Winter Jacket: If I have the room, I like to pack a cozy winter jacket. Sometimes it’s a lightweight insulated jacket or a heavyweight sherpa for walking around town. If you’re looking to save on space, your ski jacket will be more than sufficient.

Snow Boots: These are usually the same boots I’ll wear with my après ski outfit, but again, it’s a good idea to pack a pair of snow boots that are waterproof and comfy for walking around town. Some of my favorite winter boots are from Sorel. They have a ton of styles that are waterproof and insulated, so you're bound to find one that matches your style. 

Scarf, Hat, Gloves: If the nights get cold, I like to pack a scarf, a cute hat, and gloves for walking around town after dinner.

Swimsuit: If the place you're staying has a pool, hot tub, or sauna, don't forget your swimsuit so you can unwind after a long day of skiing.

Pool shoes: Pool shoes aren’t super necessary, but you’ll want something that’s easy to slip on and off, and that you don’t care about getting a little wet.

Warm loungewear: Again, not a necessity, but you’ll definitely want something warm that you don’t mind getting wet for going to and from the hot tub.

Lounge set: I like to pack a comfy and cute lounge set for hanging out at the house or hotel. If I’ve got the room, sometimes I’ll go all out with an extra pair of fluffy socks and slippers.

Pajamas: Nothing compares to a good night’s sleep after skiing all day, pack pajamas that are comfy and cozy for a good night's rest. 

Sunscreen: I wear sunscreen on my face all year round, but did you know that it’s especially important while you're skiing since you can get sunburned even in the winter? Depending on where you are, the sun is still strong and reflects off the snow, so I always wear sunscreen on my face.

Moisturizer: The cold and dry air will dry out your skin, so I make sure to bring a good daytime and nighttime moisturizer for some extra hydration.

Chapstick: Don’t forget to pack something for your lips. I usually bring some sort of chapstick to take on the go with me or stash in a jacket pocket, and something for after skiing.

Hair Mask or Hair Oil: The cold can make your hair more brittle, so a good hair mask or hair oil will keep your hair hydrated and prevent breakage.