How to Pack for a Ski Trip

Packing for a ski trip can be an adventure in itself — after all, you're preparing for some serious fun on the slopes! But packing ski equipment and winter clothing isn’t always as exciting as hitting the snow. Bulky ski jackets, pants, and boots can make your luggage weigh a ton and look like it’s been hit by an avalanche. 

We’ll walk you through how to pack for a ski trip, what to put on your ski essentials list, how to keep your luggage ordered and organized, and some tips to make your plane journey as easy as possible.

Common Challenges of Packing for a Ski Trip

Anyone who's ever packed for a ski trip knows it’s no easy feat. Ski essentials can be large, heavy, and cumbersome. From your bulky ski jacket to the skis themselves, it can feel like you're bringing half your wardrobe (and then some.) Plus, you need to find room in your suitcase for all the extra accessories like goggles, helmets, gloves, and boots. These things take up valuable space!

Not to mention, traveling with ski gear often involves additional challenges like managing overweight or oversized baggage fees or forgetting something important like your gloves or ski socks. The key to overcoming these challenges is organization. Packing smart helps you fit everything into your luggage and ensures you’re not caught scrambling for items at the last minute or forking out extra money at the check-in desk.

What to Pack for a Ski Trip

The trick to getting everything you need without going overboard is all about smart packing. You’ll want to focus on your ski clothing, which means layering up with moisture-wicking base layers, warm mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear.

Don’t forget accessories like hats, gloves and scarves! Then, there’s the ski gear and equipment like skis, boots, helmets, and goggles. These can be bulky, but we’ve got tips to help keep them protected and well-organized.

Finally, there are a few other ski essentials that might not immediately come to mind, but trust us, you don’t want to overlook them.

It may sound like a lot, but with the right bags and packing tips, you’ll be ready for your trip.

Ski Clothing Essentials

When you’re deciding how to pack for a ski trip, layering is your best friend. Layering helps you adjust your outfit to the weather conditions on the slopes, ensuring you stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the day. A good ski outfit usually includes three key layers:

1. Base Layers: Choose moisture-wicking fabrics that keep sweat off your skin. Avoid cotton, which traps moisture and can leave you feeling cold and damp. Instead, go for merino wool or synthetic materials, which are breathable and dry quickly, keeping you warm and comfortable.
2. Mid-Layers: These are your insulation layers, like fleece or down jackets, that keep you warm without adding too much bulk.
3. Outerwear: The final layer is your ski jacket and pants. These should be waterproof and insulated to protect you from the elements. Make sure they are breathable, too, so you don’t overheat after an intense run down the mountain.

Don’t forget accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats. A good pair of waterproof gloves is a must, as your hands will be exposed to the cold for hours.

It may sound like a lot to fit into your suitcase, but CALPAK’s range of backpacks has you covered. These roomy designs can help you store all the ski clothing you’ll need.

Ski Gear and Equipment

The core of any ski trip is, of course, the ski gear itself. You’ll need to pack things like:

• Skis or Snowboard: If you’re renting gear, you can skip this, but if you’re bringing your own, make sure to carefully pack your skis or snowboard for protection.
• Ski Boots: These can be bulky, but packing them efficiently (and stuffing your socks inside) can save some space.
• Helmet: Safety first! Helmets are a non-negotiable, and a well-padded bag will help keep it in good condition during travel.
• Goggles: Protect your eyes from glare from the snow and chilly winds. If you’re packing goggles, be sure to put them in a soft pouch to avoid scratches.

Packing these things doesn’t have to be a headache. Many of these items are easy to Tetris together to save space. Try tucking your goggles into your helmet and packing your helmet on top of your ski boots to create a compact, well-organized bag.

Additional Ski Essentials

While clothing and gear are the main event, there are some other smaller but necessary items you’ll want to pack to ensure a smooth trip.

• Sunscreen: Yes, even in the winter! The sun can be harsh when reflecting off the white snow, so make sure to pack a travel-sized sunscreen and lip balm with sunscreen (SPF 50 is best!) to protect your skin.
• Small First Aid Kit: Better safe than sorry. Think about making a small kit with things like band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, safety pins, and any personal medications you may need.
• Hand and Toe Warmers: Skiing can (obviously) get pretty chilly. Having some hand warmers or toe warmers can make all the difference, keeping your extremities toasty so you can enjoy the slopes for hours.

Storing all your extra essentials is a breeze with CALPAK’s Crossbody Bags, keeping everything safe, organized, and within easy reach.

How to Pack a Ski Bag for Air Travel

Ski gear is notorious for taking up a lot of space, so packing efficiently is key. This might not be too difficult if you’re loading up the trunk for a winter road trip, but if you’re flying, you’ll need to consider airline luggage allowances.  

Start by packing your skis or snowboard at the bottom of your ski bag and securing them tightly. To save space, stuff your boots with socks and gloves. Next, cushion your items with your outerwear—you can wrap your ski jacket and pants around skis and boots to create a protective layer. Then, add smaller things like your helmet, goggles, and gloves around the rest of your gear or in other pockets. Don’t forget to pack extras like sunscreen and a first aid kit in your carry-on.

Be mindful of airline weight limits and consider a bag with multiple compartments for better organization. With a little strategy, you’ll have everything packed safely.

Use Packing Cubes for Organization

Packing cubes are a game-changer for organizing clothes. They allow you to separate your base layers from your outerwear and compress bulky items to maximize space. It’s like having a mini dresser inside your luggage!

Check out CALPAK’s Packing Cubes, which are perfect for enviably organized luggage.

Protect Your Ski Gear During Travel

Safety is a priority when it comes to your skis or snowboard. To cushion your gear from bumps and prevent scratches during transit, consider using a padded ski bag or wrapping it in soft items like your ski jacket or pants. For extra protection, you can also place your boots inside the ski bag—just make sure they’re well-padded to prevent any damage.

If you're traveling with ski poles or other delicate gear, consider using a ski bag with extra compartments or adding bubble wrap for added security.

Pro Tip: Try one of CALPAK’s Duffel Bags, which are ideal for carrying your bulkier belongings. They’re spacious and often offer extra compartments to organize everything.

Maximize Luggage Space

Once you've taken care of your ski equipment, it's time to focus on your clothing and accessories. A great way to save space is by stuffing things like your gloves or neck warmer inside your ski boots. You can also layer clothes inside your jacket to help compress it.

If you’re bringing a carry-on bag, pack your small items (like goggles or sunscreen) in there so you have easy access once you arrive at your destination.

CALPAK has the right luggage options to suit your trip, whether you prefer a sturdy duffel or a rolling suitcase for easy maneuvering.

Creating a Ski Packing List

The easiest way to ensure you’re not forgetting anything important is to create a detailed ski packing list. Here's an example to get you started:

By breaking it down, you’ll ensure you’ve covered all bases before your skiing adventure!

Hit the Slopes with CALPAK

Now you know how to pack for a ski trip! Though it seems daunting at first, with the right equipment and a little planning, you’ll be lining up for the chairlift in no time. 

Whether you need a sturdy duffel, packing cubes, or a sleek suitcase to fit all your gear, CALPAK has the travel essentials you need. Our range of stylish, durable bags will make getting everything together feel like a fun part of the adventure, not a chore.

Shop All CALPAK’s luggage and get ready for your next adventure!