Packing List for a week of Skiing
I cannot lie. It has been a while since I have been on skis. I was never a great skier to begin with but I made a few decisions this New Year’s and if you make a few crazy-out-of-the-box resolutions, you might as well stick to them. I have embraced the snow, ice and cold this winter! I’m planning another trip to Vermont and I had to put together a packing list for skiing.
It started with an epic road trip to Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa for the Carnaval de Quebec and then headed to Ottawa’s Winterlude. It was mighty cold but I loved it – I’m Canadian after all. “It’s not about bad weather, it’s about good clothing.” a friend told me years ago when I asked how she withstood the fridge Quebec winters. So I invested in a good pair of ski pants, a ski jacket and a toque.
As I prepare for my week in Vermont, I thought I would provide a list of what I am bring to make my ski vacation comfortable and fun.
Packing List
- Warm Ski jacket
- Comfy Ski Pants
- Warm Ski Socks
- Snow boots
- Hat or toque
- neck warmer or scarf
- Ski Mittens (gloves can be too cold)
- Ski Goggles
Equipment
- Snowboard or
- Skis
- Poles
- Helmut
- Ski boot bag or knapsack
Day and Evening
- sleepwear
- undergarments for 7 days
- workout outfit (shorts/leggings + t-shirt)
- Running Shoes
- 2-3 pairs of jeans
- 3 – 4 casual tops
- 3 fleece tops
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 shawls or scarves
- 3 – 4 regular socks for day and evening
- thermal underwear (top and bottom)
- 3 long sleeve tops
- 3 undershirts
- 1 pair of casual shoes or walking shoes
- 3 pairs of ski or hiking socks
- bathing suit (if the resort has a pool or hot tub)
Toiletries
- pain medication (headaches, back pains, sore muscles)
- heartburn or antacids
- Imodium
- gravol if you have problems flying or getting to sleep
- sunscreen (the sun is very intense when reflecting the snow)
- make-up
- toothpaste and toothbrush, floss
- nail clippers/nail file
- deodorant
- moisturizer
- shampoo & conditioner (if staying in cabin or lodge)
- ear plugs
- hairbrush (hair ties)
- flip-flops
- heating pads for your mittens or boots
Snacks
- protein bars
- almonds
- granola bars
- chocolate (o.k. that might not be the best but its delish).
Whenever I provide a packing list, I always consider what season or temperature is expected for the days that I am there. Always check the weather and pack accordingly. Although today is the first day of spring (and therefore Spring Ski Season), one of my good friends and her family were in Vermont a few days ago and she said it was cold at the top of the mountain.
Since these are real mountains and not bunny hills, you will be out for longer. Layering is the best option when you are skiing. You can take off layers but you cannot add them once you are on the hill and ski lift. This is why it’s a good idea to bring a knapsack that you can store any items you might not need.
Packing list for skiing
As I am going by myself for a week, I opted to get ski rentals at the resort instead of bringing (my rather out-dated skis). The skis that are used today are much shorter and wider than the ones I learned to ski on years ago. The other benefit is the skis will be well waxed and the boot and bindings will be adapted to your size and weight. It’s important to have the right safety gear and up-to-date boots and bindings. It is mandatory to wear a helmet so bring that on a flight can be cumbersome. Best to have one supplied with the ski rentals.
If you are skiing with your family for the season, you might want to take the advice from the All Mountain Mamas (Ski Vermont Family Ski Ambassadors) they have some great advice on how to travel to Vermont and ski as a family. One great tip was to lease skis from your local ski shop. Why? Because your children may grow out of their own equipment quickly. You don’t have to worry about a packing list for skiing, having to include bulky equipment.
By leasing, you can trade up a size without additional cost. If you’re wondering whether that helmet you bought last year still fits, whether the ski boots you picked up at the ski swap are a good size, or if your skis need sharpening, your best bet is to swing by your local ski shop for a consultation. Getting your equipment sized and checked means you’ll know for sure that it works well and is safe.
I am looking forward to re-introducing myself to skiing. I learned how to ski as a child and have the basics down but now its time to take a few lessons and enjoy some spring skiing in Vermont. Stay tuned for other blog posts about my adventures at Mount Snow, Stratton Mountain and Killington!
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Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.
Useful tips for first time skiers, will be sure to pin this for future skiers. Thanks for sharing. Love your snowboard goggles.