After hauling my kids and extended family on ski trips every year for about 26 years, I have learned what to bring that I can't live without and what just makes life better. I need to pack for the lodge rat, the kid who is always out until the lifts close, the one who isn’t tired after a long day on the slopes, the little artist, the old folks, and the dog. From gear to treats and activities, this is a family-focused list – by preventing disaster and meltdowns, we all have a better trip.
Here’s my list of must-haves (beyond the regular ski gear). Add these to your basic ski gear packing list to make your trip easier.
First things first, ensure you get there safely. Before setting off on a road trip to a resort, we double-check that we have the correct size chains for our car and ensure that at least one person in our group knows how to put them on. It's possible that we may find a roadside service to install them for us, but we prefer to be prepared to do it ourselves, just in case. My father-in-law and I learned this lesson the hard way when we found ourselves stranded on a snowy highway in Yosemite, struggling to put on chains without a clue as to how to do it, with no instructions and no cell signal. This experience led me to this "know-your-chains" rule.
To rent skis or not rent skis. For us, it was a matter of family stage as to whether gear was bought or rented. When we used to go to the mountains once a year for three or four days at a time, when the kids were growing fast and weren’t sure if they’d truly love it, we rented gear, especially when we had strollers and car seats to schlep. When the kids slowed their growth spurts, we bought our own ski gear when we had more storage space and disposable income.
Either way, ski straps were super helpful! I have scissored my face with my skis enough to know I need to reel them in, like this: https://a.co/d/4vEZo2X. A ski strap is a game-changer - it keeps skis and poles securely attached with a simple bit of webbing. The strap I use in conjunction with my bag. The bag is for travel protection, the strap I use when I'm in the mountain. They fit easily into a backpack or locker at the lodge. It's light, cheap and easy. And if you are also carrying your kiddo's skis (and your kiddo), you will appreciate the straps. Two straps flung over a shoulder vs. four skis, four poles, and a flailing, burned-out toddler. Your call.
like this one: https://a.co/d/fKO9QEz
A side note: if you're taking a plane to your favorite ski destination and have purchased your gear, you can ship your skis ahead of time using a special service. It's a godsend, especially if you have small children who like to ride on the pack mule that is mom or dad. Skis can be packed easily, and they will be picked up and dropped off at your chosen location by a number of services.
I have used Ship Sticks and it was great, use my code for 10% off: http://share.shipsticks.com/6tv28Z
Between the dry air, face planting in the snow, and windy chairlifts I have learned that I either live with my kid’s snot trails up every sleeve and gloveback – OR - I get a gross of little tissue packs at Costco or Target before I go and stash them in every pocket/coat/mucous-prone kid.
We also buy a big pack of hand warmers at Costco for the slopes. Chairlifts are notoriously cold, especially for young ones. If you have used an ungloved hand to take a pic, fix your goggles, or blow your nose, you know how quickly you can go from comfortable to frozen. Once your hands are out of the freezing cold air, putting them into a toasting, warm glove will revive them.
As for ski socks, I always bring two or three extra pairs of varying sizes. My family has taken their one sock game to all-pro levels. Our orphaned sock bin is a large and deep collection of shame. The sock neglect endures when we travel, but in the mountains, the consequences for this are dire. So, I buy the warmest, thickest socks I can and get a few pairs. I have rescued many grateful feet with this strategy.
We bring our own helmets. Partly because of other people’s head germs, and that one time when we rented, my daughter got a rash. Ewe. And partly because it’s just better when the kids pick out and decorate their own protection. Whatever it takes to make sure they always have them on when sledding, skiing, or riding the tube park.
I am a big believer in the clips at the end of straps/gloves that attach to jackets. Because it's so easy to lose gloves, and after buying too many gift-shop gloves after losing mine, I've learned to stop buying free-range gloves and get the ones that are attached with the most secure and geeky strap available. My digits need their gloves. Get magnets, Velcro, whatever it takes. Keep your money for mountain concessions.
Speaking of geekery, I recommend a ninja hood. Because with a helmet, a hat has too much material. A balaclava or similar head and neck covering is one of our skier’s go-to hat/scarf substitutes that can be worn under jackets and helmets as it's think but warm. The main purpose is to block out wind from the ears down to the chest while avoiding the appearance of Ralphie from A Christmas Story.
When packing for an Airbnb stay, I always make sure to include games. Card and Board. Spot It is a family favorite. It's fast-paced and great for keeping restless kids occupied while waiting or giving parents something fun to do during downtime. It's become a go-to option for us in those moments when someone isn't up for watching a movie, and it's good for all ages.
Scrabble, headbands, and Monopoly are our favorites, but we also bring Uno and a regular deck of cards as they are easy to play and lead to the least battles and arguing. I mean, they are the most fun.
I also like a variety of creative activities for downtime. Watercolor pencils are great for my creative kids because they travel well, and you only need a paintbrush and a pad of paper, and then you can actually create pretty cool artwork while you're away. Cocoa bombs are a fun way to get creative and have a treat, too. I recommend buying one of the readily available and reasonably priced kits available from Trader Joe's, World Market, and Williams-Sonoma. Have the whole group make cocoa bombs apres-ski or make-ahead with those that don't want to ski. Folding paper crafts like these adorable gondolas are simple print-and-cut-ahead-of-time projects that can make an entire rainy day or last afternoon more fun.
To add a touch of homespun creativity to my trip, I bring my go-to mixes for scones, almond pancakes, flavored cocoas, or special desserts. I stick to essential dry-good items that can fit in my carry-on or duffel, so I don't have to worry about buying flour and other ingredients at the ski resort. Most larger resorts have grocery stores where wet ingredients can be picked up, but if you have a favorite baked item, it’s less convenient to buy a sack of flour and 5 pounds of sugar while you are there. I measure my favorite recipes, write them down, and bring the kit with me. Mom’s beloved chocolate chip cookies pair perfectly with falling snow.
Lastly, I always take a travel candle. These beautiful little ones from Anthropologie come with lids, so I can put them in my bag in case the hotel/Airbnb/room stinks. Which it almost always does. (Never leave a candle unattended, and know your Airbnb/hotel rules for whether you can have flames.)
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