Here is a handy packing list for a family ski trip with helpful packing tips. Packing for a family ski trip needs a little more planning and preparation. Without the proper skiing clothes and gear, you’ll slip on ice. Therefore, I’ve created this printable family ski trip packing list to help you organise and prepare for your next family ski vacation.
Table of Contents
Ski Trip Packing List
Travel Documents
- Passports – Valid for at least 6 months.
- Transportation Tickets – Flight tickets, train tickets, shuttle bus booking number, etc.
- Travel Itinerary
- Health Insurance Cards
- Travel Insurance Documents
- Driver License / International Driver License – If you plan to drive by yourself
- Hotel Booking Documents – Memo hotel contact number and address on your phone
- Ski Passes / Life tickets – Make sure to purchase in advance
- Ski Rental Documents – If you rent ski equipment
Many countries have a 6 months passport validity for foreigners, and this means you need to have at least 6 months left on an adult or child passport to travel to most countries.
Don’t forget to check the passport expiration date before applying for the visa. I have ever taken an experience on it. At that time, I noticed my passport would expire during my trip, so I renewed my passport after applying for a tourist visa. I had to carry both my new passport and the expired passport containing my valid visa. Imagine that if you renew your and your family’s passports after gaining visas.
I know! It’s a lot of travel documents to carry when travelling with family. I always use my mobile to organise the documents as much as I can. That way, I won’t be cut off without an internet connection because I have files actually saved on my mobile. Also, download some movies and TV shows if kids get bored on planes, trains, or buses. (For sure, I keep them busy with workbooks and toys first.)
Travel Essential
- Wallet/ Cash/ Credit Card – Check the live currency rates here. [Click Here]
- Phone
- Camera / GoPro
- Charger / Cables – Don’t forget cables.
- Portable Charger – Useful
- Masks / Face Coverings – COVID-19
- Medicine/ First-aid Kit
- Pain Relief Cream
- Bag – To bring water, camera, I.D., dippers, etc. Recommend camera bags.
While credit cards are more prevalent, some places only take cash. Depending on where you’re travelling, it may be inconvenient to cash out from an ATM. Therefore, keep some cash with you.
Many people pack a charger but forget the cable. Must pack chargers and cables at the same time. Also, if you’re out all day and using your phone to take photos and videos, bringing a portable charger will avoid your phone running out of juice.
Moreover, if you’re taking medication and travelling overseas, check the immigration/customs policy of the country to avoid crime.
Prepare a diaper bag for travel, keep your daily diaper bag at home. In my friend’s case, she uses Balmain’s tote as a diaper bag (Another one uses a Givenchy changing bag.). Both work well for daily use. However, it would help if you had a bag that is stylish and comfortable and keeps your hand free. They found out that using a camera backpack as a travelling diaper bag is so good! Because the camera backpack is designed to carry heavyweight for a long time. And it has plenty of room to organise all the baby stuff, convenient to take out and put in.
To see the best travelling bag for family—Click Here>>
Skiing/ Snowboarding Clothes
Please don’t wear jeans to ski! It’s not fun. You need to wear proper ski clothes, usually waterproof or water-resistant, and insulated, with convenient pockets and other snow-specific features.
- Ski / Snowboard Jacket
- Ski / Snowboard Pants
- Light Fleece
- Thermal Underwear
- Beanie
- Face Warmer
- Skiing or snowboarding socks
- Neck Gaiter / Balaclava
- Hydration Pack (Camelbak)
- Pocket Candy / Treats
Off-mountain Clothes/ Après-Ski Clothes
Layering your clothing is the key to comfort. You can easily remove it when the temperature warms up and add it on when it’s colder.
What to wear in the snow in Colorado>>
What to wear in Hokkaido winter>>
- Warm Pants and Shirts
- Sweaters
- Snow boots—Buying Tips>>, Men’s>>, Women’s >>
- Thermal Socks / Wool Socks
- Sunglasses – Protect your eyes
- Down / Insulated jacket
- Thermal Vest – If need
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Beanie / Cap / Hat
- Dinner/ Evening Clothing
- Underwear
- Base Layers
- Sleepwear
- Exercise Clothing
- Swimsuit
- Anti-static Wrist Strap—Local Tips
Bring an extra change of clothes as parents are usually hit with little accidents or mess.
Also, if you’re taking a hot spring after skiing or swimming at an indoor swim pool, remember to bring your swimsuits.
Most importantly, bring sunglasses and anti-static wrist straps with you.
Sunglasses are an essential item when you head to the snow. They comfort you in the snow. With snow reflecting and UV radiation increasing, you’ll want some quality sunglasses on hand for your next ski trip. Also, in the sharp wind, the evaporation of your eyes’ tears is quick. Quality sunglasses can protect and comfort your eyes.
In the winter, static electricity is higher because of the drier air. My friends always ask me why they need anti-static wrist straps to visit snowy land. The cold air has more moisture in the snow season. But there’s heat in the buildings and transportation such as departments, convenient stores, cars, trains, and buses. The heat makes air drier, and the electric charges will build up and stick to us. You may imagine the static electricity is like what you create by rubbing your feet on a rug and then touching a person or metal. It’s very temperamental, makes you feel fun, and sometimes can hurt you.
Back to my first snow winter in Hokkaido, I had a lovely espresso cup when static electricity shocked me. It’s not Ooh, or Oops. It’s OUCH!
Ski Equipment
If you’re renting ski equipment from your destination, skip this section. (Don’t forget to bring your ski rental document)
Ski Rentals at Copper Mountain>>
Not sure whether to rent or buy ski equipment? [Click Here]
- Skis / Snowboards
- Ski Boots / Snowboard Boots
- Ski Bindings / Snowboard Bindings
- Helmets—Adult ski/snowboard helmet>>, with Bluetooth and speakers>>
- Ski Goggles—Prescription Ski Goggles>>, OTG goggles for small heads>>
- Skiing Gloves / Mittens – Both skier and snowboarder need.
- Ski Poles – If ski
Toiletries
- Body Wash/ Shampoo/Conditioner/ Face Wash
- Skincare/ Moisturizer/ Lotion
- Toothpaste / Toothbrush
- Shaving Gear – If need
- Makeup and Makeup Remover – If need
- Hairbrush and ties – If need
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Deodorant – If need
- Hand Sanitizer
- Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
If you prefer to use your favourite brand, pack them into travelling sizes. Remember to bring moisturiser as cold weather causes the skin to dry.
Some people ask me why I need to bring sunscreen to go skiing? The reason is UV radiation increases when you reach higher altitudes. A fun thing you can see in the snow is that people who don’t wear sunscreen get sunburn or suntans on their faces.
Baby and Kids Packing List
Tips for skiing with kids—Click Here>>
Ski Equipment
This section is for people whose kids are skiing or snowboarding. One-piece ski suits are great for your little one, easy to on and off, and save parents time. If they’re potty-trained children, two-piece ski suits will be a better choice. That way, they can easily take off and on while they need the toilet or temperature changes.
- Kid Skis / Kid Snowboards
- Ski Suit
- Ski Boots / Snowboard Boots
- Kid Ski Bindings / Kid Snowboard Bindings
- Skiing or snowboarding socks
- Face Warmer
- Neck Gaiter / Balaclava
- Helmets
- Goggles
- Skiing Gloves / Mittens – Both skier and snowboarder need.
- Ski Poles – If ski
Off-mountain Clothes/ Après-Ski Clothes
Same as ski equipment, one-piece snowsuits are great for your little one and two-piece snowsuits for potty-trained children.
- Snow Boots
- Snowsuit / Snow Pants and Shirts / Sweaters
- Thermal Sleeves
- Base Layers
- Thermal Vest – If need
- Thermal Blanket / Fleece Blanket – It’s useful when you’re carrying a baby or kid in a capsule or stroller.
- Baby / Kids Gloves or Mittens – Kids skiing gloves or mittens are great for babies if they’re old enough to play in the snow.
- Beanie / Cap / Hat
- Scarves
- Favorite Blanket – If need
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit
- Sunglasses
- Anti-static Wrist Strap – Local Tip
Bring extra clothes that can be mixed and matched while packing outfits for babies or kids. That way, you don’t have to change the entire outfit when a shirt, pants, or shorts get dirty.
Likewise, bring swimsuits for babies and kids if you’re taking a hot spring after skiing or swimming at an indoor swim pool.
Notably, you can use skiing gloves for kid’s outfits in the snowy weather. For people who live in snowy land like us, kid’s gloves are usually with a string long enough to tuck in the jacket and won’t get in the way. That way, it won’t lose.
Promise me that you’ll bring and guard your kid’s favourite stuffed animal or blanket if they have one. Otherwise, I salute you.
Tip: Have a backup hidden at home, just in case.
Toiletries
- Formula
- Diapers
- Plastic bag – For used diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Diaper Cream / Baby Powder
- Disposable Bottle
- Disposable Bibs
- Babies and Kids Body Wash / Shampoo
- Toothpaste / Toothbrush
- Baby Lotion
- Baby Lip Balm
- Sunscreen for Babies
I know it’s not so eco, but it brings disposable bottles, bibs can help you pack efficiently for a family ski trip.
Family Ski Trip Checklist: Printable Download
Get your FREE printable family ski trip packing list to ensure you won’t forget anything.
Ski Trip Packing Tips
Follow these basic tips to pack efficiently for your family ski vacation.
Print A Packing List
Before you pack everything for a family ski trip, a pack list can make you more organised.
Rather than putting random things in your luggage, print this family ski vacation checklist to figure out what you need and avoid bringing unnecessary things.
Pack Clothes by Day
From my travel experience, it’s efficient to pack clothes by day instead of by person or gender. It is an easy way to get everyone’s clothes without digging in the luggage. If you’re a big family, it’ll save you time every morning.
Organize with Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are organisational tools for your luggage that come in all shapes and sizes.
Use small cubes for small ski equipment, toiletries, and accessories. And pack medium-sized cubes with underwear and light clothing. Then, fill up larger cubes with pants, jackets. Moreover, use double-sided cubes for laundry storage to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes.
Ski Bags
If you bring ski equipment, you’ll need a duffel bag designed for skis, snowboards, or boots to protect them.
Don’t forget to check your flight checked baggage policies. Some allow you to bring two checked baggage for free. And some may charge you for second baggage.
Travel-size Toiletries
It’s a NO to bring entire bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, and all you need is to purchase a mini version of it.
If you can’t find miniature versions of your favourite brands, buy the reusable travel container set and transfer the toiletries into the bottles.
Tip: Store your travel set into a small cube to avoid leaks in your luggage.
Use Family Passport Holder
If you have several passports to look after at one time, it’s easy to lose one. Family passport holders keep everything organised and hold your passports when travelling.
Bring A Mini Wallet
When you travel with family, use a slim wallet to hold cash and credit cards. And keep your passports safely in the passport holder. So you don’t show your passport whenever you make payment.
As you can see, a family ski trip requires a lot of gear. Use our shortcut to packing for your next ski trip and cut down on headaches and wrinkles.
