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We are hyped to announce a new column with our Director of Supplier Relations – Cat Iwanchuk. With her globe-trotting life and a keen eye for discovering new ski vacation destinations, Cat is our go-to source for travel stories and insider tips. To top it off, she’s got the lowdown on the trendiest places to stay at bucket list destinations around the world. With that being said, it is no surprise she’s a seasoned pro at packing efficiently for ski vacations. Follow along and dive into her world of travel expertise, where fun adventures meets insider knowledge. Today, she teaches us how to pack like a pro for your next ski vacation. 

“Packing for a ski vacation can be a daunting task, especially if you’re aiming to travel like a pro. Balancing the need for heavy, bulky ski gear with luggage space and weight limitations requires strategic planning and some clever packing techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned snow traveler, or it’s your first time hitting the slopes, I’ve got you covered!” – Cat Iwanchuk 

Start with a Checklist

Creating a checklist is the first step to ensuring you don’t forget anything essential. Divide your list into categories: clothing, ski gear, accessories, personal items, and miscellaneous. I start this list a week before travel and save it to the notes section of my phone so I have a quick “Ski Trip Pack List” to reference. If I have gear/clothing I won’t use between then and travel, I’ll start laying out visual piles (this helps build excitement before departure too)

Clothing: Layer up

The key to staying comfortable on the slopes is layering. Don’t go overboard in this category. For a 5-7 day trip (3-5 days skiing) you may be able to get away with one good set of base layers (or maybe I’m just a seasoned ski bum). I like to pack extra neck gaiters/balaclavas since these tend to get wet on a good powder day. I only throw in one apres/town hat since this is usually the first thing I pick up for a souvenir.  Your clothing should include:

  • Base Layer: This is the moisture-wicking layer that keeps you dry. Think long underwear and thermal tops.
  • Mid Layer: This layer provides insulation. Fleece jackets and wool sweaters are great options.
  • Outer Layer: Your shield against the elements, including a waterproof and windproof ski jacket and pants.
  • Don’t forget socks (wool or a wool blend), gloves or mittens, a warm hat, and a neck gaiter or balaclava.

Our pick: Strafe Outerwear for all mid and baselayers. Don’t forget to check out their outerwear while you’re there.

Ski Gear and Equipment

I’m a big fan of bringing my boots and renting skis. With multi-destination trains and transfer travel, it’s nice to travel light. It’s also fun to demo skis and be able to swap gear depending on ski conditions. On a recent trip to Europe, I was able to play on some short slalom Swiss-owned Stockli’s in Zermatt and then rent some fatty powder black crows for deep days in Chamonix.  If you’re not renting equipment at your destination, you’ll need to pack:

  • Skis or snowboard
  • Boots
  • Poles (for skiers)
  • Helmet
  • Goggles

Invest in a good ski bag that can accommodate your skis or snowboard and poles. A separate boot bag is also a wise choice, as it makes carrying your boots and finding them easier once you arrive. I travel with the Dakine 70L Boot Locker which houses all of my ski gear (base layers, outer gear, accessories, helmet and boots) which I can throw on my back and have hands free for one small carry on roller. 

Our pick: Anything by Dakine. They have been in the game for a LONG time and continue to make some of the best travel gear on the market. 

Accessories and Must-Haves

  • Ski pass and ID: Keep these in an easily accessible pocket.
  • Sunscreen and lip balm: The sun reflects off the snow, increasing the risk of sunburn.
  • Hand and foot warmers: These are lifesavers on particularly cold days.
  • I stash a pocket water bottle in my coat to stay hydrated on the hill. This Hydrapak has been my trusted companion for chairlift sips. 
  • Boot dryers: Many lodging accommodations have lockers with dryers but when I’m on the move, I don’t always have the luxury of leaving my boots in one place to dry overnight. I use the Dryguy Travel Boot Dryer, but there are plenty of options out there for <$50. Always pull your liner out of your boot for the quickest dry. 

Personal Items and Miscellaneous

Don’t forget the everyday essentials:

  • Toiletries
  • Chargers for electronic devices (plus converters for international travel) 
  • A small first aid kit: When traveling internationally, I like to be armed with an arsenal of Ibuprofen/Tylenol/Advil (choose your own adventure),  cold and flu meds and the ever-trusty Tums or anti-diarrheal. Being on the road means new foods and eating routines and no one wants to spend a morning searching for a pharmacy when they could be skiing. I like to throw melatonin in my dob kit for that first night in a new hotel. 
  • Laundry Detergent Sheets: some hotels have laundry services or self-serve machines but I’m not usually in the hotel long enough to wait for a load to wash and dry. I LOVE these laundry sheets that allow me to do a quick sink or bathtub wash (see seasoned ski bum reference above). Many hotels in Europe have heated towel racks that expedite this process. Using wool-based undergarments makes this a faster drying cycle too. Once I rinse everything, I lay down a towel and roll everything into a tight laundry burrito before hanging them to dry. 
  • Snacks for energy boosts on the slopes: I’m not sponsored, but shout out if they want to hook it up. These little bits stash easily and are the perfect energy boost on the chair.
  • Tea and electrolytes: Comforts from home, like your favorite sleepy-time tea, can help adjust to new surroundings. I bring powdered electrolytes to ensure hydration on the run (and the trusted Gatorade/Powerade can be tough to find or haul around). 
  • Water bottle: hydration is key from the moment you step on the plane (ESPECIALLY on long-haul travel). Bringing your own reusable water bottle allows you to fill up on the fly and do your part in avoiding single-use plastic.

Pack Smart

  • I start packing a week before travel and lay out all of my “want” items. The night before the trip, I’m able to QC each category pile and remove redundant items or force myself to take one piece out of each stack.
  • Use every inch of space available. Stuff socks and underwear into your ski boots. Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles.
  • Packing cubes are key to staying organized on the road. Packing cubes allow you to categorize and manage your items while on the fly. They make some that are compression-enabled to squeeze every last bit of air out of the compartment and some that are purely for organization. The compression-enabled ones are great for long trips.
  • Wear your bulkiest items on the plane. If you’re flying, wearing your ski jacket and winter boots can save a lot of space in your luggage.

Get Out There

Packing for a ski vacation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning and smart packing strategies, you can ensure you have everything you need without overpacking. A ski vacation is about maximizing time on the mountain. Follow these tips, and you’ll be packing like a pro in no time, ready to enjoy your ski vacation to the fullest.

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