Essentials You Need To Pack For Your Ski Trip
Packing for a ski trip can seem like a daunting task especially if you are a beginner. You certainly don’t want to forget anything important back home. Because let's face it. Skiing requires you to be comfortable and warm in your gear.
Whether you’re skiing in Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb Colorado’s Aspen Snowman or a mountain close to your home- you must come well prepared.
Whatever you need to pack for your Ski or snowboarding trip to the mountains you can find at Moosejaw. From Ski Jackets to extra layers hats and socks to other accessories.
If you tend to forget things we've made a packing list that will make sure you have everything you need. So take your time and read our helpful guide to the basics of snow sports to make sure you have every ski accessories you need.
1 The Base Layer

One of the must-have ski accessories is the base layer of your clothing. So bring at least two sets of base layers for skiing since they tend to get pretty sweaty after a couple of days. You'll need a long-sleeved shirt and long-john pants to stay warm. The ones made of man-made fibers will keep you drier but they will smell worse. The ones made of wool won't smell as bad but they won't keep you as dry.
No matter what you choose remember that you only need one pair for a weekend on the slopes and at least three for a 5-to-7-day trip.
2 Ski Backpack

When you are out there skiing or snowboarding you would not like making stops for snacks or other essentials. This is exactly why you need to get your hands on a good ski backpack for your trip.
In a ski handbag you can pack everything you may need without having to worry about stopping at a shop on the mountain or returning to the lodge. While shopping for a ski bag it has ample space to store not only snacks and drinks but also your extra warm clothes.
3 Jacket for Skiing

A ski jacket is an essential part of your skiing attire. While a skiing jacket is comparable to a hiking or other outdoor garment a good skiing jacket will have additional characteristics that are specifically developed for use on the slopes.
These will typically feature a snow skirt which is essentially an elasticated waistband that attaches independently to the jacket and prevents snow from getting inside the jacket if you fall or are in deeper snow.
A snow skirt prevents snow from melting and turning to water inside your jacket potentially leaving you wet and chilly. Some coats include removable snow skirts while others have them built in.
When looking for a ski jacket there are a few more things to consider. A separate pocket for your smart ski pass might be really useful. These are often located on the lower left arm allowing you to easily scan your pass without having to dig around for your lift pass.
Other useful features include ventilation zips beneath the sleeves which keep you cool as skiing warms you up. Because you'll be wearing a helmet for safety you'll need a jacket with a hood large enough to go over the helmet if the weather is bad.
4 Ski goggles

Ski goggles are a must-have ski equipment. At high altitudes they protect your eyes from UV rays and keep the wind away from the area around your eyes. On a sunny day they might cut down on the glare from the snow and you can take out the goggles that help you see better when skiing in less-than-ideal conditions.
There are different types of ski goggles to choose from depending on the usage and features. Some even have lenses that can be switched out so you can wear whatever looks best for the situation. UV protection and a coating or other feature that keeps fog from forming are important things to look for. You can also get lenses with a certain prescription if you wear glasses.
You can ski with sunglasses on if you want to but this is usually best on warmer days with clear skies. If you want to wear sunglasses on the slopes a strap will keep them from flying off.
5 Gloves

In the next few points we'll talk about how important it is to keep your extremities warm while skiing. A nice pair of ski gloves to keep your hands warm should be the first thing on your list.
When it's cold we feel it first in our fingers and toes. This won't happen if you have good ski gloves which will let you enjoy your time on the slopes more. For skiing and snowboarding we recommend gloves like these that can block the wind and keep your hands dry. You might also like the pair of gloves that lets you control a device with a touchscreen without taking them off.
6 Socks

After taking care of your fingers it's time to pay attention to your toes. When you go skiing you need to have a good pair of thick socks with you. Thick socks will keep your feet warm and will also give your feet more cushioning inside your boots. This is especially important with ski boots which are stiff and don't bend.
A good pair of ski socks should get rid of sweat so your feet stay dry while you work out. They are also usually pretty high coming up to just below the knee. This keeps your lower leg warm and safe (ski boots come quite high up your leg too).
Socks come in a variety of materials like merino wool and synthetics. Choose the pair that makes you feel the most comfortable.
7 Ski Helmet

Last but not least Ski helmet usage has dramatically grown rising from 30% in 2003 to 83% in 2016. Contrary to popular belief ski helmets are more of a »life-saving accessory. Modern ski helmets have incredibly cutting-edge designs with a variety of colors and styles.
Regardless of head size they are made to look nice on all skiers. Both younger and older skiers now consider it a necessary accessory. Children under a specific age cannot ski without a helmet in some countries due to regulations. The proportion of children wearing head protection has dramatically grown as a result.
Conclusion
Making a list of what to bring on a ski trip doesn't have to be hard. This article went over the basics and added some extras based on what you need for skiing winter travel. If you found any item missing in your pack then Moosejaw can be your one-stop destination to rent or buy that product.
When skiing and boarding, we've also thought of everything that will keep you cool without making you feel cool. Ski trips should be on everyone's list of things to do, and nothing tastes better than that first cider (or maybe just the one on top of the mountain) after a day of skiing.