After more than 26 years of taking my kids and extended family on ski trips, I’ve become a seasoned expert in packing for every possible need. Whether it’s the lodge-dweller, the one who skis until the lifts close, or the artist who’s more interested in sketching the scenery than skiing it, I’ve learned how to pack for them all—and even the dog. Here’s a family-focused packing list that will save you from meltdowns and mishaps, ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable ski trip for everyone.
Prepping for the Journey (if you drive)- Snow Tires & Chains!
First things first: safety. Before heading to the resort, double-check that your vehicle has the correct size chains. One size does NOT fit all, and it’s a racket that can take a while, so consider this early if you are driving to the mountains. or get your rental car company to include them and ensure the car you are renting is allowed to have chains. Make sure at least one person in your group knows how to put them on—I mean REALLY knows how to. My father-in-law and I learned this lesson the hard way on a snowy highway in Yosemite, stranded with no cell signal, instructions, or clue. It’s been our rule since then to master the "chain game" beforehand. Yes, you might find roadside assistance, but there’s nothing worse than being unprepared and stranded in the cold.
Download the Mountain’s App
Many resorts now have their own apps. Some apps allow you to add your pass, buy tickets, track your shred and even see your stats as they compare to other skiers. I like to add my friends and family to our sessions and I can see where they are skiing. If you are heading to Mammoth Mountain in California, you can download their app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mammoth-mountain/id575766087
To Rent or Not to Rent?
The decision to rent or buy skis often depends on your family’s stage of life. We have noticed that if you ski more than five days a year for more than one year, buying your gear is almost always cheaper. It can be less expensive to buy the skis and just swap out the boots, especially when they are still on short skis. It saved us from schlepping gear, especially when we were already juggling strollers and car seats. But as the kids got older and our trips became more frequent, we invested in our gear. Either way, ski straps are a lifesaver! After clunking myself in the face with my skis too many times, I learned my lesson. A good ski strap keeps your skis and poles together neatly and makes carrying them much more accessible. So bring those along even if you intend to rent. I am talking night and day easier. It frees up your hand to grab a child’s hand. Or a glass of wine. Maybe both. This particular strap has been a game-changer for me: Ski Strap.
If you're flying to your ski destination and don’t want to rent there, consider shipping your skis beforehand. It’s a great way to save your sanity and keeps your little ones from treating you like a pack mule.
Combat the Cold
Between the dry air, face plants in the snow, and windy chairlifts, kids’ noses tend to run non-stop. Instead of wiping snot trails off every sleeve and glove, I stock up on pocket-sized tissue packs from Costco or Target. I stash them in every jacket and coat, ensuring we’re always ready for the next sniffle attack.
I also buy a bulk pack of hand warmers before every trip. Chairlifts can be brutally cold, especially for little ones. And if you’ve ever taken off your gloves to snap a photo or adjust your goggles, you know how quickly your hands can go from cozy to frozen. A quick blast of warmth from a hand warmer is all it takes to revive them.
Don’t Forget the Socks!
Ski socks are another must-have. I always pack a few extra pairs because someone inevitably loses a sock (or two). This is a crucial lesson learned from my family’s overstuffed “orphan sock” bin at home. In the mountains, a missing sock isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a disaster. I buy the thickest, warmest socks I can find, and I’ve saved many cold feet with this strategy.
Helmets: Bring Your Own
We always bring our helmets. Not only because of hygiene (once, my daughter rented a helmet and ended up with a rash—ewe!) but also because the kids enjoy personalizing their gear. Stickers, doodles, whatever it takes to ensure they’re excited to wear their helmets, whether skiing, sledding, or tubing.
Gloves on Lock
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to buy overpriced gloves from gift shops after losing mine on the mountain. Now, I swear by gloves with clips that attach to jackets. No more free-range gloves in this household. I invested in an excellent glove-attachment system. Whether it’s magnets, Velcro, or the geekiest strap you can find, it’s better than shelling out for mountain concession stand prices. The gloves you buy at ten thousand feet are priced as high as their altitude.
Warmth isn’t just about Jackets and Noggins
Helmets make hats bulky, so I’ve found that balaclavas or ninja hoods are the best way to keep warm without the bulk. They cover everything from your ears to your chest while still fitting under a jacket—without making you look like Ralphie from A Christmas Story. If you have a gap between your helmet and the collar of your coat you will get the frosty winds in your neck and down your shirt. Brrr……..
Entertainment for Off-Slope Fun
When you’re staying in an Airbnb or cabin, downtime is inevitable. I always pack a mix of games for everyone to enjoy. Fast-paced games like Spot It! are great for keeping kids occupied between activities. We also bring classics like Scrabble, Uno, and Monopoly, perfect for longer evenings around the fireplace.
For creative downtime, watercolor pencils are a favorite. They’re easy to pack, require minimal supplies, and allow fun, relaxing art sessions. And for a sweet treat, cocoa bombs are a huge hit! You can find fun kits at Trader Joe’s, World Market, or Williams-Sonoma, and they’re perfect for apres-ski family bonding.
Bring a Touch of Home
I always pack a few of my favorite baking mixes—scones, almond pancakes, and other goodies. By pre-measuring the dry ingredients and packing them in my carry-on, I can whip up delicious, comforting treats without buying bags of flour or sugar at the resort. Nothing beats warm chocolate chip cookies on a snowy afternoon.
The Magic of a Travel Candle
Lastly, I always leave home with a travel candle. A small, beautifully scented candle (like the ones from Anthropologie) can make any hotel room or Airbnb feel cozier. Plus, it’s a great way to freshen up a space if you’re dealing with that inevitable “stale room” smell. Just be sure to follow any rules about open flames where you’re staying, and never leave a candle unattended.
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