The Ultimate Ski Vacation Packing List

Must have ski vacation packing list items. We’re a family of snow lovers; the second the weather starts to turn cold, our thoughts turn to planning our ski vacations for the season. The key to a fun day skiing is keeping the kids warm, and with variable on-mountain weather conditions, it’s all about layers. And since packing for a ski vacation takes more clothing – and planning – than a beach vacation, a good list is essential. ski vacation packing list*** Updated 2024 ***

Cool Ski Packing Tip

I print out a copy of this list for everyone in my family and have them each pack their own bag, which really saves me some time and teaches packing skills. I do a quick check through everyone’s bags to make sure that we’ve remembered everything – and add what’s been forgotten.

6 Must-Haves on my Ski Vacation Packing list

1. Little Hotties Hand and Feet Warmers

We get the big box every year. They keep little fingers and toes warm – and the kids love holding them in their mittens.

2. SmartWool Socks or Tights

I’m a huge fan of SmartWool socks, they really keep feet warm and aren’t itchy. V has a pair of SmartWool tights that she wears under her base layer. Gotta keep those little legs warm – and they’re cute!

3. Lip protection

Like Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Balm or Sun Bum Lip Balm (V likes the coconut one!) with sunscreen because cold, dry air makes everyone’s lips chapped. My personal fave is Baby Lips Dr. Rescue. They make my lips feel and look good, with a hint of color.

4. Snacks I can stash in my pockets

For a quick pick me up, or bribery. KIND Gluten-Free Healthy Grains Granola Bars, Individual Trail Mix Snack packets, Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese, and Fruit Snacks are some of our faves. We always have Energy Chews on hand for my daughter with Type 1 Diabetes for a quick carb bump on the mountain. I’m a chocolate freak, so I always have a stash of dark chocolate in my pocket. Like chocolate covered almonds, or individually wrapped dark chocolate bites.

5. Motrin!

For next-day aches, travel day headaches, fighting kids, and warding off early signs of altitude sickness (along with lots and lots of water). I’m not a doctor or anything, but I swear if I take Motrin with some diet Coke (caffeine) then drink lots of water right when I start feeling the headaches and nausea coming on from the altitude, it goes away. So far it’s worked for me…

convertible bag vacation packing list — it’s a tote!

backpack - bag packing list — it’s also a backpack!

6. Patagonia Ultralight Convertible Bag / Backpack

I got this bag on a trip to Vail and it’s been on every trip since. It’s a packable tote bag that packs up into a tiny bag you can stuff into your suitcase or use as a carry on for personal items (I do this a lot – holds my laptop, purse and many extras for a flight). It’s super functional for miscellaneous gear and snacks for the mountain or to round up all of the extras that you need for a day out. The backpack straps are a bonus for an impromptu hike, long walk or when you need your hands free. It also straps nicely onto a wheelchair or stroller.

bear paw gloves - ultimate ski vacation packing list — Bear Paw gloves

Everyone always asks where I got V’s Bear Paw gloves. Amazon, of course!