Packing: Skiing

What to pack for skiing and snowboarding trips.

Note: This list is for typical ski trips where we stay in a hotel or other indoor lodging. For backcountry ski trips, we’ll provide a special packing list.

Also: Don’t forget sunscreen. Kids often get more burned in winter ’cause they don’t bother, yet conditions are worse, what with sunlight reflecting off all the snow.

The Ten Essentials

Even though we’re staying in a hotel, get in the habit of taking the 10 Essentials on every single trip.

Combustion (carry at least two: lighters, waterproof matches, flint-and-steel; also: tinder—twine or dryer lint)
Hydration (1–2 quart/liter-sized water bottles or Camelbak-style reservoir)
Nutrition (2–3 granola bars, energy bars, candy bars, GORP, whatever)
Navigation (compass, copy of map)
Illumination (headlamp or flashlight)
Insulation (extra clothing, fleece, warm hat, and rain jacket under “clothing” all count)
First-aid kit (the crew brings a kit, but carry a small one of your own, including personal medications—and you must advise adult leaders about any meds)
Tool and repair kit (pocket knife or multitool; needle and thread; dental floss; duct tape wrapped around hiking pole or pencil)
Emergency shelter (space blanket/poncho)
Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, UPF lip balm, hat with an all-around brim, long pants and long sleeves)

Other personal gear

Duffel bag or pack
Day pack (for taking on the slopes)
Pack cover (or contractor bag)
Sleeping bag (in a waterproof stuff sack or trash bag)
Sleeping pad (what, you think you’re getting a bed?)
Sleeping bag liner (optional)
Trash bag (large)
Ziplock bags (3)
Cup
Bowl/plate
Spoon or spork
Pencil and paper
Bandana (this can be cotton)
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Gold Bond (for feet and, well, useful if you choose not to wear underwear)
Camp soap (biodegradable liquid)
Whistle and mirror/CD (for signaling)

Clothing

Remember: COTTON KILLS! All clothing should be polyester or wool (that includes socks and underwear). No jeans. No cotton T-shirts. No cotton socks or undies.

Long pants (2 pair)
Short sleeve shirt (2)
Long sleeve shirt (2)
Underwear (2–3 pair; optional)
Socks (4–5 pair)
Long underwear (2 shirts, 2 pants)
Winter fleece or wool sweater (1–2)
Rain or snow pants (waterproof)
Ski or rain jacket (waterproof)
Warm winter cap
Glove liners (1–2 pair)
Over mittens or ski gloves
Scarf or face mask (optional)
Ski goggles or sunglasses
Helmet (required for all)
Wrist braces (required for snowboarders)
Waterproof boots (for walking around in the snow when you are not skiing)

Optional

Day pack (tiny)
Small camp towel
Skis or snowboard and boots (crew can rent; you may bring personal gear)
Book
Camera
Cellphone (but you cannot use it to call, text, play games, or use Internet; it is for emergencies only—or as a camera)
Camp shoes (flip-flops are great: lightweight, and they won’t rub blistered heels)
Deodorant