What to Pack for a Ski Trip, According to People Who Ski a Lot

If you don’t like the feel of wool, synthetic materials (like the moisture-wicking blends used inactivewear) will also keep you warm and dry on the slopes. Business consultant and bloggerKelli Markshas been skiing since she was 2-years-old, and says she’s been wearing this Under Armour top for the last few ski seasons. She tells us, “it has a high neck which I like to help avoid any gaps for cold air to sneak in.”

Made from the same material as the Under Armour top, this bottom base layer is Marks’ top pick for staying warm on the mountain. When she’s done on the slopes, she’ll shed her ski pants but keep these on for an après ski drink since they’re thick enough to wear on their own.

“With so many skiers out on the mountain, you want an outfit that will stand out so your ski buddies can spot you easily,” says Marks. She has a bright pink jacket from Orage, which makes durable jackets (hers is actually a hand-me-down from her sister that’s still going strong) in unique color combinations.

Some skiers may prefer overall-style “bib” pants that don’t leave a gap between your pants and jacket where snow can get in. Morrison especially likes these Dakine pants because they have “a drop waist [the bottom half unzips] so you don’t have to take them all the way off to use the restroom.”

One of the most important pieces of skiing gear is a well-fittinghelmet(it should feel comfortably snug and not bounce around when you move) to protect your head. “You want to like the look of your helmet because you have to put it on every time,” says Plaskitt. “You don’t want it to be something so hideously ugly that you cringe every time you put it on.” She likes the fit and feel of Pret helmets, and this one has adjustable vents and removable ear covers so you won’t overheat on warmer days.

“The most important part about a helmet is that it fits,” says Marks. She finds that Giro helmets work especially well for her smaller head. “Even if you’re a safe skier you never know about the others on the mountain,” she says, stressing that it’s crucial to always wear a helmet and replace yours every 3–5 years (or after a crash, when it may have sustained damage).

Fredriksson often skis in the backcountry, off well-marked and patrolled runs, so he likes this helmet that’s extra protective and features a scannable medical ID chip for rescuers to access his health information quickly.

“Being able to see is important, so investing in a good pair ofgogglesis pretty crucial,” says Plaskitt. Goggles also protect your eyes from wind, snow, and sunlight on the slopes. While some skiers will use different pairs in different weather conditions, Plaskitt likes that this Oakley pair offers excellent visibility whether it’s bright and sunny or dark and gloomy. Kovacevic agrees that Oakley makes reliable goggles.

According to Keating, “being a ‘gaper’ [with a gap between your goggles and helmet] screams beginner,” so you’ll want to make sure your goggles fit well, too. Marks says this pair, with its smaller women’s-specific fit, works with her small face and might be a good option if most goggles feel too big.

Marks always has a few pairs of Smartwoolsocksin her rotation, and Schroer says the brand’s socks “blend merino wool with synthetic fibers for that perfect combination of comfort and durability, all with the ability to wick moisture away from your skin.” He advises going with the lightest weight pair that still keep your feet warm. While beginners often think a thick sock is the best option for cold days, thinner ones allow for better circulation, which is actually key to staying warm.

“The best socks I have ever used, and the only ones I buy now, are Darn Tough,” says Morrison. “They are a Vermont-based company that makes warm, durable socks that last for years. Seriously, I still have a pair from high school.” Marks is also a big Darn Tough fan and likes that they’re “thin enough to fit comfortably in my boot.” They’re alsoa favorite of Strategist writer David Notis, who says “they’re warm, come in a bunch of different cushioning options, and they hold up really well.”

Founded by a skier who was fed up with socks that got wet and soggy and started to stink, Dissent is Fredriksson’s go-to brand for ski socks. “They’re stretchy and you can use them for days and they won’t get so sweaty like other socks,” he says. “I also use them when Itravelbecause they’recompressive.”

Plaskitt admits that she’s “really particular” about her ski socks, and themerino woolpairs from French brand Le Bent are one of the few that meet her high standards. “They’re really smooth and soft but they also have a good compression on them so they’re good for your muscles,” she says. Other compression socks can become painful once you’re tightly buckled in your ski boots, but she finds that these feel comfortable all day.

Fredriksson, along with several other skiers we spoke with, recommends wearing mittens instead ofgloves, because mittens have less surface area where body heat can escape. Kovacevic says to look for mittens made with Gore-Tex — like this pair, recommended by Fredriksson — because the material is both insulating and waterproof.

Plaskitt opts for 3-finger Hestra gloves because they offer the warmth of mittens but allow for more dexterity. With the index finger separated from the rest of the hand, it’s easier to buckle up ski boots or unzip jacket pockets. Schroer adds that the leather palms on Hestra gloves “offer superb grip on your poles.”

Morrison told us these are some of her favorite mittens because they’re nice-looking enough to wear straight from the slopes into town at night. “They are warm, stylish, and do a great job of keeping the snow out,” she says, thanks to the extra-long cuffs that cover your wrists.

To avoid fumbling with your phone while wearing bulky mittens, or freezing your fingers to take a selfie, Marks recommends wearing touchscreen-friendly liner gloves like these as a base layer for your hands. “They’re affordable, warm, stretchy, and I can use my phone’stouchscreenthrough them,” she says. “Additionally, I can easily throw them in the washing machine to clean them.”

Anconitano says disposable hand warmers that heat up when they’re exposed to air are the trick to avoiding freezing hands and feet at the end of a long day skiing. “They are small and light, so they fit in every bag,” she says. Writer Melanie Musson, who lives in the Rocky Mountains and does plenty of skiing, agrees that a pair of HotHands can be a “lifesaver” on the coldest days. She says, “they’re pretty inexpensive and keep my hands warm especially when I’m on the lifts.”

Nearly all the skiers we spoke with recommended packing a neck warmer, and Morrison pointed us toward the colorful, moisture-wicking options from Skida. “They come in a lot of fun prints and are great quality,” she says.

For more protection from the cold air, Tamara Sneider (an assistant account executive atCovet Public Relationswho’s been skiing nearly her whole life), wears this balaclava underneath her helmet. She says “it keeps me warm but it also allows for breathability.”

Plaskitt says most people underestimate how strong the sun is on the mountain. Even if it seems overcast, UV rays reflect off of white snow and can cause serious sunburns. Adaily sunscreenthat’s waterproof and has a high level of SPF protection will work, but if you want something ski-specific, Simon Hansen, the founder of the blogBest Sports Lounge, recommends this cream. “It has a really strong defense against the cold, and keeps my skin moisturized,” he says.

“Lips get really dry while you’re skiing,” says Plaskitt, who recommends packing a hydratinglip balm(preferably with sun protection) to keep your lips from getting painfully chapped. Sneider says Carmex is her “go-to,” and it also made our list of dermatologist-recommendedlip balms with SPF.

To prevent dry and cracking hands, Sneider relies on Eucerinhand creamto keep her skin hydrated in the cold. She tells us it’s “very strong and helps moisturize my dry hands very quickly.” Put a small tube in your jacket pocket to reapply at lunchtime.

Skiing works different muscles than you’re probably used to using in your everyday workouts, so it’s likely you’ll experience a little soreness after your first day. “Biofreeze helps relieve my sore muscles,” says Musson of this roll-on pain relieving gel that contains cooling menthol for a soothing sensation. In a tiny 3-ounce package, it’s also TSA-friendly.

If you’re skiing for the first time, or you don’t plan on going more than a few days per year, you’ll likely want to rent skis at your destination so you don’t have to lug them around. If you choose to buy your own, though, Plaskitt likes this ski bag from Db that has wheels, can attach to a backpack, and is “quite stylish” for skiing luggage.

Kovacevic says Dakine is his “number one choice” for ski bags because the brand’s options have plenty of room for transporting skis, poles, boots, and other gear. “You can put your ski boots in one compartment, they have an additional small compartment for your helmet, and then another big one for clothes,” he says.

One of the best-rated (and relatively inexpensive) snowboard bags on Amazon, this reviewer-favorite holds a snowboard, jacket, pants, and other clothing, and comes with a bag for boots. “The over the shoulder strap also made carrying the bag super easy,” writes one reviewer, and others also noted that the shoulder strap is padded for comfortable carrying.

As Marks says, a cozy hat is a good to have since it provides “warmth on the way to the mountain and covers helmet hair on the way home.” She recently splurged on a similar handknit wool beanie from Sh*t That I Knit that she says is as stylish as it is practical. “I happily wear it to and from the mountains, and also for après.”

When a Strategist reader asked our columnist and Resident Cool Guy Chris Black to recommendbeanies, he suggested this very classic-looking chunky cable-knit beanie. From the Scottish brand Inverllan, the lambswool cap has a foldable brim in case you need extra warmth around your ears.

“Ski condos are often chilly,” according to Marks, so she always packs her Qwaruba sheepskin slippers to keep her feet warm when hanging out at the lodge. She says they’re “high quality, soft, and cozy — perfect to slip on after a long day of skiing.” For more comfy slipper options, we revieweda handful of wool styles here.

A similar style for men,these slippershave been Strategist writer Notis’ favorite for more than 15 years. “The shearling collar flips up for when it’s really cold,” he says. “The memory foam cushioning is comfortable and supportive.” They’re not the cheapest option out there, but he thinks the Acorns are “worth the premium” because they a rubber sole so you can wear them for quick trips outside, and they have a very plush lining.