Whether you’re hitting the slopes with your family at Snowmass or taking in the breathtaking views of the French Alps at Courchevel, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed everything you need for a ski trip.

Growing up 20 miles away from Oregon’s largest ski resort, I spent every weekend training with the local alpine racing team my dad coached. It wasn’t until moving to the French Alps when I was 19 that I appreciated how much easier it is to pack ski gear when you use a thorough packing list to ensure smooth travels.

We chatted with several snowsports experts to get their advice on the best clothing, equipment, and luggage to bring on your next ski trip, so you’ll arrive prepared from head to toe. Many of the items included were personally tested by our expert skiers after countless hours of testing — here are our favorite ski jackets, pants, gloves, and more.

Packing Checklist for a Ski Trip

Here is everything you need to know about packing for a ski adventure in the mountains. From jackets to goggles, our experts weighed in on the best brands and provided helpful tips and travel hacks.

Ski Clothing

• Best Ski Jacket for Women: Helly Hansen Women's Alphelia Lifaloft Ski Jacket
• Best Ski Jacket for Men: Outdoor Research Carbide Jacket
• Best Ski Pants for Women: Stio Women's Figment Bib
• Best Ski Pants for Men: Helly Hansen Men's Legendary Insulated Pants
• Best Ski Gloves: Outdoor Research Women's and Men's Carbide Sensor Gloves
• Best Thermal Underwear: Smartwool Women's and Men's Classic Thermal Merino Wool Base Layer Crew
• Best Fleece-lined Leggings: 90 Degree High-waist Fleece-lined Leggings
• Best Vest: REI Co-op Women's and Men's 650 Down Vest
• Best Fleece Layer: Patagonia Women's and Men's Lightweight Synchilla Fleece Pullover
• Best Ski Socks: Bombas Full-cushion Merino Wool Blend Ski and Snowboard Socks

 Off-slope Clothing

• Best Winter Jacket for Women: Columbia Women's Carson Pass Interchange Jacket
• Best Winter Jacket for Men: Rab Men's Neutrino Pro Down Jacket
• Best Snow Boots for Women: The North Face Shellista IV Mid WP Boots
• Best Snow Boots for Men: Columbia Men’s Fairbanks Omni-heat Boots

Equipment and Accessories

• Best Helmet: Smith Method Mips Helmet
• Best Goggles: Smith 4D MAG Goggle
• Best Neck Gaiter: Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter
• Best Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen SPF 50
• Best Hat: Turtle Fur Lush Bucket Hat
• Best Water Bottle: Takeya Actives Insulated Water Bottle

T+L's Top Picks and Tips

Before you hit the slopes, you’ll want to make sure you have all of the gear you need to stay warm and dry while skiing. Ski jackets, snow pants or ski bibs, and gloves will ensure you stay warm, but the most important thing is that the materials are completely waterproof. Even if it’s a sunny spring day, the weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

President of the Denver-based ski club Ski Noir 5280 Quincy Shannon helped co-found the group with the mission to diversify the snow sports industry after recognizing the lack of BIPOC community members with access to snow sports. Shannon, who has visited most of the ski resorts in Colorado, shares that the first thing he thinks to pack when embarking on a ski trip is plenty of layers. “I would say layers, layers, layers are your friend when doing anything snow- or cold-related because you can always take things off. But if you go somewhere and you don't have the right layers on even from the beginning, your core will get cold and then everything else is downhill from there,” he says. After packing layers, travelers can begin to think about outerwear like waterproof jackets, snow pants, and ski suits.

Best Ski Jacket for Women

Helly Hansen Alphelia LifaLoft Ski Jacket

$550 at Amazon $550 at REI $550 at Backcountry

While our experts can’t stress enough the importance of layering for staying warm, your outer layer is the next most important piece of clothing for skiing. An insulated and waterproof jacket like this Helly Hansen coat is essential for skiing, and it's also the best ski jacket for women we've tried. The jacket is made with a LifaLoft puffer-insulated lining, so it's incredibly warm and there are underarm vents when you need to cool down.

When it comes to a shell versus a jacket with more insulation, Ian Levine, the wax technician for the U.S. Snowboard Cross Team, says: “I've [used] a lot of both and see the merit in both, but I like the insulated jacket just because I'm usually pretty cold. So that keeps me warm, and then if it's extra cold then I can also throw another down jacket on underneath.”

Best Ski Jacket for Men

Outdoor Research Men's Carbide Jacket

$181 at Amazon $329 at REI $329 at Backcountry

On the flip side, a shell can be just as warm as an insulated jacket, since the outerwear is designed to be worn with layers underneath. Our favorite men's ski jacket, this shell from Outdoor Research, is roomy enough to fit over plenty of layers, but it's also an ideal spring skiing jacket thanks to the lightweight material and underarm ventilation. The 40-denier nylon material has taped seams and a DWR finish, so rain and snow slide right off the jacket to prevent getting wet while skiing.

Best Ski Pants for Women

Stio Women's Figment Bib

View on Stio.com

Chair lifts can often be damp or icy, so you’ll want a pair of waterproof pants to protect the bottom half of your body from moisture. Stio's Figment Bib snow pants are made with a recycled polyester material that is fully waterproof and insulated. Earning a spot as the best ski pants we've tested, we love that the bibs are adjustable in multiple spots; the plethora of pockets are a bonus, too.

Best Ski Pants for Men

Helly Hansen Men's Legendary Insulated Ski Pants

$200 at Amazon $200 at Backcountry View on Hellyhansen.com

Helly Hansen repeatedly impresses us with high-quality ski gear, so we also recommend these men's snow pants. Insulated, waterproof, and stretchy, these ski pants offer superior warmth and range of motion, so you can ski, snowboard, or snowshoe comfortably without feeling cold or restricted. The pants also offer an adjustable waist, boot gaiters, and two zippered pockets.

Best Ski Gloves

Outdoor Research Women's Carbide Sensor Gloves

$130 at Amazon View on Outdoorresearch.com

I'm a huge fan of these Outdoor Research ski gloves (that also comes in men's sizes) for keeping my fingers warm on the coldest days on the mountain. The gloves boast various features for staying warm, like a fleece interior and Gore-tex waterproof lining. I've worn them in wet, cold conditions and they kept my fingers perfectly toasty and dry throughout the day.

Best Thermal Underwear

Smartwool Women's Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew

$115 at Amazon $115 at REI View on Smartwool.com

All of our experts couldn’t stress enough that layers like thermal underwear are key, so we recommend these Smartwool tops for men and women. The long-sleeve tops are made with a naturally moisture-wicking and thermal-regulating Merino wool, so when you break a sweat after a run, the layers will keep you nice and dry while staying warm, too. We also love that the matching bottoms and tops are cozy and stylish enough to wear off the slopes for superior versatility while traveling.

Best Fleece-lined Leggings

90 Degree By Reflex High Waist Fleece Lined Leggings

$26 at Amazon $25 at Nordstromrack.com

For a versatile pair of cozy leggings, you can’t go wrong with this pair of fleece-lined leggings we tested and love from Amazon. The interior is lined with soft fleece material and the exterior has the same stretchy and compressing fabric as a regular pair of leggings. Plus, there’s an option for a pair with pockets to hold your phone or keys after you take off your snow pants.

Best Vest

REI Men's Co-op 650 Down Vest

$100 at REI

Stifel U.S. Alpine Team member Tommy Ford recommends wearing multiple layers under your outer shell or jacket, like a thin vest that can be easily taken off if you get too warm. “You think it's cold, but when you're actually skiing and moving, you get pretty warm, so it's nice to have layer options,” he says. This men's and women's REI Co-op Vest is one of our favorite vests we've tested since it's warm, but thin, and easily layers underneath a jacket.

Best Fleece Layer

Patagonia Women's Lightweight Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover

$69 at REI $139 at Backcountry $139 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Once you’ve packed your base layers, you’ll want to throw in a cozy fleece for extra chilly days on the mountain. This T+L-tested and approved Patagonia Fleece for men and women is a solid option for a warm and breathable layer thanks to its 100 percent recycled polyester fleece material. And even though you may end up not needing it, it’s wise to keep one in your ski bag just in case.

Best Ski Socks

Bombas Full-cushion Merino Wool Blend Ski and Snowboard Socks

View on Bombas.com

A pair of high-quality ski socks that don’t bunch up and pinch your shins are crucial for a comfortable skiing experience. We love these thick, yet ultra-comfortable, Merino wool blend socks that provide great cushioning. Best of all, they're not itchy and they protect your feet from rubbing uncomfortably against your ski boots.

Whether you’re planning to end a day of skiing with an après at the bar or tailgate barbecue, you’ll be much more comfortable if you pack a few extra pieces of clothing and shoes. There truly is no better feeling than taking off a pair of ski boots and changing into a pair of comfy snow boots — and it’s much easier to walk around in the snow with them. Just in case your ski jacket gets damp, a cozy parka will feel nice after wearing a shell all day, and consider packing a pair of heated gloves to warm up your fingers when it gets extra cold.

Best Winter Jacket for Women

Columbia Women's Carson Pass Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket

$166 at Amazon $104 at Zappos $290 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Besides hitting the slopes, you'll likely partake in more leisurely activities on a ski trip, so be sure to have a winter jacket packed in your suitcase. This one from Columbia has a three-in-one design since it comes with an insulated puffer jacket and a waterproof shell to wear the layers separately or all together for extra warmth. It also comes with a detachable faux-fur hood for extra style versatility.

Best Winter Jacket for Men

Rab Men's Neutrino Pro Down Jacket

$400 at Amazon $400 at Backcountry View on Rab.equipment

Chances are the temperatures will be chilly in the mountain town you’re staying in during a ski trip, so this men's winter parka from Rab is a must-pack item. The 800-fill down jacket is designed to be worn on 13,000-foot peaks, so it's no surprise that the jacket is impressively warm. It also boasts an adjustable hem, hood, and wrist cuffs so you can get the most comfortable and warm fit for walking around town.

Best Snow Boots for Women

The North Face Shellista IV Mid Waterproof Boot

$159 $73 at Amazon $72 at Backcountry $102 at Zappos

These North Face snow boots are the best pair we tried for warding off the elements during winter travels. The tall boots have a cozy faux-fur lining and the waterproof leather exterior means your feet will stay completely dry even after trudging through the snow. Plus, the bottoms of the boots boast excellent traction to help with stability.

Best Snow Boots for Men

Columbia Men's Fairbanks Omni-Heat Ankle Boot

$135 $120 at Amazon $94 at Backcountry $66 at Dicks Sporting Goods

Again, there is no better feeling than taking off a pair of ski boots after a workout on the slopes. These T+L-tested and approved waterproof Columbia boots feel luxurious and cozy even without the sweet relief of taking off ski boots thanks to the 200 grams of insulation and high-traction rubber sole. The high-top snow boots are also versatile, so you can wear them from slope to street thanks to the sleek and functional design.

When it comes to skiing, safety should be your top priority. The best way to protect your noggin is by packing a sturdy helmet and a pair of goggles to avoid impaired eyesight from wind or snow. It’s surprising how painful snow or rain can be when you’re going down the hill at 10 or 20 miles per hour, so you might be thankful to have a neck gaiter tucked away in your pocket for such occasions.

Best Helmet

Smith Method Mips Helmet

$145 at Amazon $140 at REI $145 at Backcountry

The most important safety accessory you can purchase is a ski helmet. This Smith helmet is thoughtfully designed with all types of skiers in mind with a lightweight shell, breathable ventilation, and slides that will prevent your head from rotating in the event that you crash and hit it. Plus, if you have a pair of Smith goggles, you won’t have to worry about an awkward gap between the top of the goggles and the forehead of this sleek helmet, since they are designed to integrate seamlessly.

Best Goggles

Smith 4D MAG Snow Goggle

$340 $283 at Amazon View on Smithoptics.com

As someone who has tried tons of ski goggles for alpine racing over the years, I can confidently say these Smith 4D MAG Goggles are worth every penny. The ability to have clear vision is crucial for safety on a mountain for spotting other skiers, rocks, or obstacles that can cause injury. They come with incredibly clear fog-proof lenses that can be changed out for bright and low light conditions.

Best Neck Gaiter

Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Merino Neck Gaiter

$50 at Amazon View on Smartwool.com View on Sunandski.com

You can’t always predict the weather at high altitudes, so it’s best to come prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you. This Smartwool neck gaiter is knitted from temperature-regulating Merino wool designed to protect your neck and chin from cold and wet weather conditions. It also doubles as a barrier from the sun.

Best Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

$31 at Amazon $26 at Walmart $31 at Skinstore.com

Whether it’s cloudy or sunny, being outside at a higher elevation means stronger UV rays leading to a greater possibility of getting a sunburn while skiing. To prevent an unwanted goggle tan, the EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50 sunscreen is an excellent option for a travel-friendly sunscreen. It’s only 3 ounces, so it can easily fit in your pocket or backpack.

Best Winter Hat

Turtle Fur Stomp Bucket Hat

View on Turtlefur.com View on Christysports.com

Hats are a must-have accessory for keeping your head warm and hiding post-skiing helmet hair. This plush fleece bucket hat is far more stylish than a beanie and is the ultimate après accessory for warmth and style. The recycled polyester hat comes in several eye-popping colors, so you're sure to get tons of compliments on this hat both on and off the slopes.

Best Water Bottle

Takeya Actives Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle 24 Oz.

$33 at Amazon View on Target $43 at Walmart

A reusable water bottle like this option from Takeya can help prevent dehydration after a workout from skiing. We tested this bottle and found that the ice water actually got colder in temperature after we left it in the bottle for nearly six hours. On top of that, it’s easy to drink from and can fit in a daypack.

FAQ

How do I pack skis and other gear for a flight?

In terms of packing your ski clothes, travelers might find it easier to use compression or regular packing cubes to efficiently stow bulky gear. “I really like packing cubes for ski trip packing, I think it's really helpful. I put all of my base layers and my ski socks and stuff in a packing cube. And then that way it can all just kind of go back in there once you're done and it’s dirty,” Levine shared. Ford, who also travels internationally as a member of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Team, likes to use a duffel bag for apparel and a wheeled soft-sided bag for skis. To safely pack away your skis, Ford recommends “wrapping your tips and tails, especially in your clothes, or even get some cardboard or some extra protection [to] wrap them a little bit or [strap them] down…so it's like [a] compact unit.”

What should I wear while skiing?

When it comes to skiing, you should be prepared with extra layers to keep in the car or a backpack just in case the weather takes an unexpected turn. Shannon is a firm believer in packing multiple layers to wear under a ski jacket. “I think it really depends on where you are, what time of the year, and kind of what's going on. If it's spring skiing, and it's going to be a bluebird day, you may not need to pack as many as if it was a cold day in the middle of winter and maybe potentially will be a whiteout day. But I would say, generally, my rule of thumb is I start with three [layers],” he says.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Associate Editor Anna Popp grew up ski racing in Bend, Oregon, spending every winter skiing with her dad as her coach. Anna has lived in Grenoble, France, where she got to travel with her ski gear overseas (nothing was damaged!) and ski in the heart of the French Alps. To put together the best packing list for a ski trip, Anna drew from her travel experience and used insights from T+L-tested products. She also spoke with Tommy Ford, a member of the Stifel U.S. Alpine Team; Ian Levine, wax technician for the U.S. Snowboard Cross Team; and Quincy Shannon, president of the Denver-based ski club Ski Noir 5280.

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