What to Pack for Skiing: Essential Gear, Clothing + Extras

Going skiing for the first time? I got your back with a packing list of all the essentials you’ll need to hit the slopes prepped and ready to ski.

When I got back into skiing after a long time away, I was astonished at the DEALS! Back when I used to ski there weren’t any big box stores like Decathlon, Amazon, or MEC that sold ski equipment, and SportChek was just coming on the scene.

It was specialty discount shops or resort and ski hill stores mostly so the selection was limited and prices were high.

So naturally coming back to the sport, with the wonderful invention of online shopping, it was so easy to find reasonably priced gear nearby or online.

Now these items listed are the bare-bones essentials and some comforts recommended to take with you on an average day at a ski hill, or ski resort.

For out-of-bounds and backcountry skiing, additional safety equipment is required that is not included in this post.

This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you that helps me maintain this blog. Thank you for reading!

Helmet

If you are a new skier, I HIGHLY recommend you wear a helmet. A beanie or tuque will not protect your head if you take a tumble. And be reasonable with yourself, you will eventually fall.

Head injuries from skiing accidents are quite common, new skiers should take precautions when on the hill for the first time. Take 5 minutes and search Google News for “ski accidents” and you’ll quickly learn that the majority of accidents and collisions can end in concussions, severe physical injuries, and sometimes death.

Also, some health insurance companies will not insure or cover injuries for skiers who don’t wear helmets.

Double-check your health insurance policy and please wear a helmet!

Helmets can help reduce the risk and severity of injuries in many situations, but cannot prevent injuries when skiers and boarders ski excessively fast or out of control. Skiers and boarders who ignore the Alpine Responsibility Code put themselves, and others, at greater risk.

Always follow and respect the Alpine Responsibility Code while skiing. Read more about the code here.

Goggles

In my opinion, wearing goggles depends on personal preference. If the weather conditions are fair and there are no obstructions then goggles aren’t necessary and can feel quite bothersome especially if you wear glasses/contacts.

But if there’s considerable snowfall and wind, goggles are a must. Look for goggles with a removable sun lens. They provide better protection against the sun and can be adjusted for cloudy and whiteout conditions.

Skis

Whether you’re bringing your own skis or renting at the hill, make sure your set is undamaged, in good working condition, fitted to your boots, and waxed up. If you’re a first-timer, consider renting all your gear. If you’re looking to invest in a pair of skis, you should begin to consider what type of skiing you want to pursue.

Check out Craigslist, Kijiji, Facebook marketplace, and end-of-the-season sales at ski hills for second-hand ski sales.

Different types of skis are available for specific disciplines, such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, freestyle skiing, and backcountry skiing.

READ NEXT: A Quick Guide to the Different Types of Skiing

Ski Boots

The boots you pick are dependent on the type of skiing you’ll be doing. Most boots have 3-4 buckles (2 on the foot and 1-2 on the calves/ankles), and a strap at the the top of the boot.

Ski boots are usually not too comfy, but they are stabilizing. They are meant to fix your foot in place.

It’s important to note that ski boots come in various models and designs to cater to different skiing disciplines, such as alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, backcountry skiing, and more.

Ski boots need to be compatible with the bindings on the skis. The most common types of bindings are Alpine (downhill) bindings, which require corresponding Alpine ski boots. Other specialized bindings, such as those used for cross-country skiing or touring, have specific boot requirements.

Ski boots are often assigned a flex rating, which indicates the boot’s stiffness and responsiveness. Flex ratings typically range from soft (lower number) to stiff (higher number) and are matched to the skier’s ability, weight, and skiing style.

Try to get fitted for your boots by a reputable shop. You can bring your boots, and skis so they can fit them.

Poles

For skiers, poles help stabilize your upper body as you take a turn. To measure yourself, flip a pole upside down and grip it between the tip and the mediator (circle piece at the end of the pole).

Once your elbow and arm form a 90-degree angle you have your correct height.

*Remember to add about 5cm-10cm to account for the added height from your ski boots and skis.

Neck warmer/Hot Hood

You may not think you need a neck warmer to go skiing. However, once you start flying down hills in different types of weather you will quickly discover that a neck warmer or hot hood nicely protects your face from oncoming wind and snow, as well as keeps it toasty warm.

Gloves/Mitts

If you’re prone to cold hands, get some mittens. If you need to have more grip, get some gloves.

If you need to be able to use your phone or camera while on the slopes, I suggest you get a pair of mittens with removable inner gloves!

Base Layers

Base layers are a layer of clothing that is meant to stay close to your skin and keep your temperature regulated.

Look for top and bottom base layers that are a close fit and are made out of moisture-wicking material. Good base layers are made from synthetic, wool, silk, or bamboo fibres.

Avoid wearing clothes made out of cotton. Cotton takes too long to dry and pulls heat away from the body, which will leave you cold and uncomfortable.

Mid Layers

The mid layer is the insulating layer. This layer helps you retain the heat that’s radiated by your body. The more efficiently this layer traps that heat, the warmer you’ll be.

Sometimes you need more than one mid-layer depending on the weather conditions and your personal preference.

Ski Socks

Don’t skimp on your socks, your toes will suffer. Ski socks have more padding on the shin to protect your shin from your boot, aid your forward lean and prevent bunching while riding.

Wear Merino blend socks or ski socks which have high-tech insulation properties such as Primaloft or Thermolite. Never cotton and only wear one pair of ski socks.

If your toes are still cold, choose a mid-weight sock and put some toe warmers in your boots for extra warmth.

Jacket

Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy most

As your main line of defence against snow and wind, a quality ski jacket is a key piece of your kit. Most ski jackets fall into three categories: Light Shells, Insulated Jackets, and Jackets that include a zip-out mid-layer.

Prices vary depending on quality, where it was made and the materials it is made from. Jackets can range from $50 CAD to more than $750 CAD.

Snow Pants

Ski pants are a critical barrier between you and the elements, and there’s a pair to fit every type of skier and budget.

Resort-goers typically opt for a classic hardshell design with some light insulation to stay warm on the lift rides up. Backcountry skiers have plenty of softshell and stretch-infused options for improved range of motion and breathability. Of course, some of our recommended ski pants toe the line for those who like to do a little of both.

Rain Poncho

Consider bringing a rain poncho on your ski trip, if the weather is forecasting warmer temperatures and falling snow. Although ski/snowboard jackets and pants are usually quite waterproof, their main intention is to protect against wind, and snow and to insulate the mid and base layers. Heavy wet snowfall can seep through ski jackets.

These ponchos can be packed very small, and light so they are convenient to store in your backpack or luggage.

Small Backpack

Having a small backpack on you while on the slopes will allow you to carry all your essentials and more. A small backpack or drawstring bag will do, or if you want to invest in a bag, I recommend purchasing one you attach your skis as well.

A backpack with chest and waist clips is really handy, as you can secure it to your chest and not have to worry about it moving around while your ski.

Hand/Toe Warmers

Hand and toe warmers are amazing little devices that can help warm you up in the chilliest weather. All they need is a quick shake to activate the charcoal in the packet, and they will keep warm for up to 8hrs.

They come in many sizes for different parts of your body. You can pick up a bulk pack from Costco or Decathlon.

First Aid Kit

Small injuries such as blisters, scrapes, and bruises may occur on the hill. You never know when you’re going to need a patch! Better safe than sorry, a small first aid kit never hurt anyone to carry along.

If it’s your first time consider taking some acetaminophen or ibuprofen before you go to bed on the first night of skiing. Your body will wake up a bit easier. Prepare to be sore for a while.

Lip Balm

Chapped lips can happen quickly on the hill, I’ve ended up splitting a lip a few times because of how chapped they got while skiing!

Keep the lip balm in your pocket so you can reapply it as you’re skiing.

Sunscreen

No matter the weather the sun is always shining through the clouds! You may come back from your ski trip with a bit of a tan on your face if you catch a bluebird day or two.

On the hill, the sun can seem even brighter because of its reflection on the snow. You may mistake a sunburn for a windburn if it’s a windy day.

Bring sunscreen for your face so you don’t get burned by the sun!

Facial Tissues

Keep a travel-sized tissue pack in your pocket at all times on the hill. Trust me on this!

Your nose WILL run. Your snot will quickly turn to ice on your gloves if you wipe your nose on your sleeve or gloves.

$$$, Credit Card, ID, and Health Insurance Card

Cash, credit card, ID, and health insurance card are all things you should have on you while you’re skiing. Cash or a credit card is good to carry if you want to purchase some food at the chalet or grab some gear from the shop.

Having your ID and health insurance card on you will help if you’re in a sudden emergency and you need medical attention. In BC, this would be your BC Services Card and Driver’s License, which counts as two pieces of ID. If you have the combined Services Card and Driver’s License, it only counts as one piece of ID.

If you don’t want to carry a small backpack, consider using a small wallet where you can store all your cards and money easily.

Remember to always follow and respect the Alpine Responsibility Code while skiing. 
Read more about the code here.

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