Everything you need for a ski vacation, from technical base layers and goggles to après-ski outfits, altitude skin protection, and boot warmers for cold mountain days.
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Base & Mid Layers
Merino wool base layer tops (2-3)
Merino at 200-250 gsm (midweight) wicks sweat during hard runs and insulates during lift rides. Synthetic base layers dry 20% faster but start smelling after one day — merino stays fresh for 3-4 days.
Base layer bottoms (2-3 pairs)
Wear a snug-fitting 200 gsm base layer under ski pants to wick moisture away from your skin. Cotton leggings trap sweat and cause dangerous chilling — avoid them entirely for skiing.
Insulating mid layer (fleece or down vest/jacket)
A 200-weight fleece or lightweight down jacket layers under your ski jacket on days below -10°C and works as a standalone in the lodge. Zip-in compatibility with your ski jacket keeps it from bunching up during turns.
Ski socks (3-4 pairs, thin merino or synthetic)
Thin, knee-high ski socks outperform thick ones because they allow a tighter boot fit and better circulation. Thick socks compress inside boots and actually make your feet colder. One pair per day with overnight drying keeps you comfortable.
Neck gaiter or balaclava
A merino neck gaiter covering your nose and chin prevents frostbite on exposed skin at speeds of 40-60 km/h on the slopes. At -15°C with wind chill, exposed skin can develop frostbite in under 10 minutes.
Ski Outerwear & Protection
Ski jacket (waterproof 15,000mm+, breathable)
A jacket rated at 15,000mm waterproofing and 15,000g breathability handles all-day skiing in snow without soaking through or trapping sweat. Pit zips dump heat fast during hard runs and steep mogul sessions.
Ski pants (waterproof, insulated or shell)
Insulated ski pants work for resort skiing in temperatures above -10°C. Below that, shell pants over a base layer give you more flexibility to adjust warmth. Boot gaiters at the cuffs keep snow out during falls.
Ski gloves or mittens (waterproof, insulated)
Gore-Tex or equivalent waterproof gloves with 100-200g of insulation keep hands warm and dry in temperatures down to -20°C. Mittens are 15% warmer than gloves but reduce dexterity for adjusting bindings and zippers.
Pack thin liner gloves for layering on the coldest days
Ski goggles (anti-fog, UV protection)
Goggles with a variable light transmission (VLT) of 15-25% handle bright sunny days, while 40-60% VLT works for overcast and flat-light conditions. Interchangeable lens systems let you swap in 30 seconds as weather changes.
Ski helmet
Helmets reduce head injury risk by 35-60% on the slopes. If renting, arrive at the shop early — popular sizes (M and L) run out by mid-morning on busy weekends. Your own helmet guarantees fit and hygiene.
Hand warmers and toe warmers (5-10 pairs)
Adhesive toe warmers stick to the top of your socks and generate heat for 5-8 hours inside ski boots. Hand warmers in your gloves add 5-10°C of warmth — pack them for every ski day plus one spare set.
Skin Protection & Health
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (face and lips)
UV intensity increases 10-12% per 1,000 meters of altitude. At 2,500 meters — a typical ski resort elevation — you're getting 25-30% more UV than at sea level, and snow reflects 80% of rays back at your face.
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Lips lack melanin and burn faster than any other skin. Apply SPF lip balm every 90 minutes on the mountain — wind and cold strip it off faster than at the beach. Pack 2 sticks: one in your jacket and one in your base layer pocket.
Heavy moisturizer for face and hands
Mountain air at altitude holds 30-40% less moisture than air at sea level. A cream-based moisturizer (not lotion) with ceramides applied morning and evening prevents the painful cracking that hits after day 2-3 of a ski trip.
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication
Ibuprofen reduces muscle soreness and joint inflammation from skiing. Take 400mg with food after your last run of the day — starting on day 1 prevents the severe stiffness that typically peaks on day 3.
Blister kit (moleskin, athletic tape)
Ski boot pressure points cause blisters within 2-3 hours if untreated. Apply moleskin or athletic tape to hotspots on your shins, heels, and toes before your first run — prevention is 10x more effective than treatment.
Electrolyte packets for altitude hydration
You lose 1-2 liters of water per hour skiing at altitude through sweat and breathing dry mountain air. Electrolyte packets in your water bottle replace sodium and potassium that plain water misses.
Après-Ski & Casual Clothing
Warm sweater or hoodie (2)
Après-ski bars and lodge restaurants range from cozy fireside to standing-room-only crowded. A chunky wool sweater works for relaxed lodge dinners, while a hoodie handles casual bar crawls at the village base.
Jeans or casual pants (2 pairs)
After 6-8 hours in ski gear, switching into dry jeans feels incredible. Two pairs cover a week-long trip — one for daytime village walks and one kept clean for evening dinners.
Warm boots or insulated shoes for village walking
Ski resort villages have icy sidewalks and packed snow paths. Insulated boots with rubber soles and at least 200g of insulation keep feet warm during the 10-15 minute walk from cabin to restaurant at -10°C.
Beanie, warm socks, and casual scarf
Your head radiates significant heat — a wool beanie weighing 60g is the simplest way to stay warm walking between venues at night. Thick wool socks inside your village boots prevent the cold-foot discomfort that ruins post-ski relaxation.
Swimsuit for hot tub or spa
Most ski resorts have outdoor hot tubs, heated pools, or spa facilities. A soak in 38-40°C water after a day of skiing reduces muscle recovery time by 20-30%. Pack your suit in your day bag so you don't need to go back to your room first.
Equipment & Accessories
Ski boot bag
Ski boots weigh 3-5 kg per pair and crush everything in a regular suitcase. A padded boot bag with ventilation panels lets boots air out during travel and protects buckles from breaking in transit.
Boot dryers or newspaper for overnight drying
Wet ski boots take 12+ hours to dry naturally. Portable electric boot dryers cost $20-30 and dry boots in 4-6 hours. Stuffing crumpled newspaper inside each boot is a free alternative that absorbs moisture by morning.
Ski lock for lunch breaks
Ski theft at resort lodges spikes during lunch hours — an estimated 3,000-5,000 pairs are stolen each season in North America alone. A retractable cable lock weighing 100g wraps around both skis and a rack post in 10 seconds.
Backpack for carrying layers on the mountain
A 15-20L ski backpack with a hydration sleeve holds extra layers, snacks, and water for all-day skiing. Chest and waist straps keep it from swinging during turns, and a helmet carry system frees your hands during lift rides.
Lens cloth and goggle case
Snow and fog coat goggle lenses every few runs. A microfiber lens cloth cleans without scratching anti-fog coatings — paper towels and glove fingers destroy these coatings in a single wipe. Keep the cloth in a chest pocket for quick access.
Electronics & Documents
Phone with ski tracking app installed
Ski tracking apps log your runs, vertical meters, top speed, and total distance. A full day of GPS tracking drains 40-50% of battery, so start the day at 100% and carry your power bank in an inside pocket.
Portable charger (keep warm in inside pocket)
Lithium batteries lose 20-40% of their capacity below -10°C. Keep your power bank in an inside jacket pocket against your body heat — a cold power bank in an outer pocket delivers half the expected charge.
Action camera with chest or helmet mount
A helmet mount captures your point of view at 60fps for smooth footage at high speed. Chest mounts are steadier and show more of your skis and the terrain ahead. Carry a spare battery in your pocket — cold kills camera batteries in 2-3 hours.
Lift pass and resort confirmation
Pre-purchased lift passes online save $10-30 per day versus window prices at most resorts. Print or screenshot your confirmation — cell service at mountain resorts is often spotty or nonexistent at the ticket office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many layers do I need for winter travel?
Three layers form the standard system: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid layer (fleece or down), and a waterproof/windproof outer shell. Merino wool base layers outperform synthetic for odor control across multi-day trips. Avoid cotton as a base layer since it holds moisture and accelerates heat loss when wet.
Do I need to pack snow boots or can I buy them there?
Bring broken-in waterproof boots from home since new boots cause blisters within hours of walking on snow and ice. Look for boots rated to -20F/-29C with insulation of at least 200g Thinsulate for European winter cities. Vibram or similar rubber soles with deep lugs prevent slipping on icy sidewalks and cobblestones.
How do I keep my phone battery alive in cold weather?
Lithium-ion batteries lose 20-40% capacity below 0C/32F. Keep your phone in an inner pocket close to body heat rather than an outer jacket pocket. A 10,000 mAh power bank provides 2-3 full charges and should also be kept warm. Cold-weather phone shutdowns are temporary and the phone recovers once warmed up.
What is the best fabric for cold weather travel?
Merino wool regulates temperature in both cold and mild conditions and resists odor for 3-5 days of wear. Down jackets offer the highest warmth-to-weight ratio and pack into a tiny stuff sack for flights. Gore-Tex or equivalent membranes in your outer shell keep rain and wet snow out while allowing sweat vapor to escape.
Should I bring hand warmers?
Disposable hand warmers cost $1-2 per pair, generate heat for 8-10 hours, and fit inside gloves, boots, or pockets. They are indispensable for outdoor activities below -5C/23F. Rechargeable hand warmers ($15-25) double as emergency phone chargers and are more cost-effective for trips longer than 3-4 days.