Ski trip packing list: what to bring for a week on snow

A ski week needs fewer clothes than it looks like. You wear the same outer layers every day. You only swap what touches your skin.

This ski trip packing list is for a week on snow. It covers what to wear on the mountain, what to wear after, and what to leave at home. Check the forecast and the resort's own advice for your dates.

The formula for a week on snow

3 layers on the mountain. 2 base layers. 1 sock pair per day.

Worked example for 6 days of skiing (round numbers):

• Base layers: 2 tops and 2 bottoms. Wear one, dry the other.
• Middle layer: 1 or 2 fleeces or light down tops.
• Outer layer: 1 jacket and 1 pair of snow trousers, both waterproof.
• Socks: 6 pairs, one per day. Socks are the one thing worth not repeating.
• Underwear: 6 sets, or 3 if you wash once.

Ruling: you will not feel clean by day six. You will feel fine.

What goes on your body

On the way there, wear the bulky stuff. This is the "wear on the plane" rule, and it matters most here.

• Ski boots, if the airline allows them as carry-on or you are happy walking in them. Otherwise carry them in a boot bag.
• Your snow jacket
• Your thickest trousers
• Your helmet clipped to your bag, or hung off it

If you are flying, airlines and airports have their own size and weight rules for sports gear. Check the airline before you go.

The mountain layers, in order

1. Base layer. Thin, close-fitting, warm when damp. Wool or synthetic. Cotton holds sweat and gets cold, so skip it.
2. Middle layer. A fleece or light puffy top. This is the layer you add or remove.
3. Shell. Waterproof jacket and trousers with a hood and zips for vents.
4. Hands and head. Waterproof gloves or mittens. A thin hat that fits under the helmet. A neck gaiter.
5. Eyes. Goggles for the main days, sunglasses for easy ones.

Ruling: spend your attention on gloves, socks and the shell. Those three decide whether the day is fun.

What to wear after skiing

You need one casual outfit per evening, but they can repeat.

• 1 pair of warm trousers or jeans
• 2 or 3 jumpers or flannel tops
• Comfortable shoes with grip
• A change of warm socks

Leave the good clothes at home unless you have a dinner planned.

Leave at home

• A second pair of ski trousers "in case"
• Cotton hoodies as a middle layer
• Three pairs of gloves
• A hairdryer (most lodges have one, and you can ask)
• Heavy books

If it goes wrong

• Gloves are soaked by lunch. Keep a spare thin pair in your jacket pocket, or buy a dry pair in the resort.
• Boots rub. Ask the rental shop to adjust them on day one, not day three.
• A bag goes missing. Wear your boots and carry your goggles and gloves. Rental covers the rest.

If you are still deciding between layers, our guide to what to wear on a trip, by temperature shows how the same three layers work in any cold. For the rest of your bag, the cold weather trip packing list covers coats, hats and what to do about bulk.