Family ski trip packing list
Ski trips are won or lost on warm hands and dry layers. These lists cover the gear kids actually need and the small things that keep everyone on the mountain.
Kristina's notes
- Pack a spare pair of mittens per child, because one pair will be soaked by noon.
- Merino base layers stay warm when damp and don't smell after day two.
- Rent skis and boots locally, but bring your own goggles and helmet liners.
The complete family ski trip packing list
A family ski trip is really two trips: the cold, wet hours on the mountain and the cozy evenings at the lodge. The goal is warm hands, dry layers, and nothing forgotten at the bottom of the gondola. Here is the full list we work from, then pick your resort below for weather and tips by month.
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On the mountain (per person)
- Waterproof ski jacket and ski pants or bibs, with taped seams
- Merino or synthetic base layers, top and bottom, two sets
- A fleece or light puffy mid-layer for cold days
- Ski socks: one thin pair per ski day, never cotton
- Waterproof mittens for kids (warmer than gloves), plus a spare pair
- Helmet and goggles that fit together without a gap at the forehead
- Neck gaiter or balaclava for wind and chairlift rides
Little kids and ski school
- Name labels on everything, especially mittens, goggles and helmets
- Hand and toe warmers for the youngest skiers
- A small snack in a zip pocket for the lift line
- Sunscreen stick and SPF lip balm; snow reflects a lot of sun
- A photo of each child's lift pass and ski school details on your phone
Rent there vs. bring from home
- Rent: skis, poles, snowboards and ski boots, which kids outgrow every season
- Bring: goggles, helmet liners, base layers and socks, which matter most for fit and hygiene
- Consider renting helmets only if you're flying and short on space
Après and the lodge
- Snow boots with real tread for icy walkways
- A warm hat that isn't the ski helmet
- Swimsuits for the hotel pool or hot tub
- Cozy pajamas and slippers or grippy socks
- One nicer outfit for a dinner out
Health and comfort
- Moisturizer and a small humidifier tip: mountain air is very dry
- Children's pain reliever and a small first aid kit for bumps
- Altitude: drink more water than usual the first two days at high resorts
Family basics
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss
- Shampoo, conditioner and body wash, or use the hotel's
- Leakproof travel-size bottles
- Deodorant, hairbrush and hair ties
- Glasses, contacts and solution
- Prescriptions in their original packaging
- Bandages, a thermometer and hand sanitizer
- Phones and chargers
- Driver's licenses or IDs and health insurance cards
- Credit cards and a little cash
- Flight, hotel and car confirmations saved offline
- A warm layer or light jacket for each person
- Mesh laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Before you go: hold the mail, set the thermostat, charge everything
Three mistakes we see families make
- Packing cotton socks or cotton base layers, which stay wet and cold
- Bringing only one pair of mittens per child
- Leaving goggle and helmet fit to chance until the first morning
Choose your destination
Mountains & SkiAspen & Vail
Ski school mornings and cozy après afternoons.
Mountains & SkiAspen in Summer
Wildflower hikes, Maroon Bells, and music under the tent.
Mountains & SkiBanff & Lake Louise
Turquoise glacier lakes, mountain gondolas, and easy summer hikes.
Mountains & SkiBig Sky Ski
Huge terrain, short lift lines, and Yellowstone nearby.
Mountains & SkiChamonix
Mont Blanc views, glacier trains, and a real mountain town.
Mountains & SkiCortina d'Ampezzo Ski
Dolomites peaks, Italian lunches, and a chic, walkable town.
Mountains & SkiCourchevel Ski
Ski-in, ski-out chalets in the vast Three Valleys of the French Alps.
Mountains & SkiKitzbühel Ski
A medieval Tyrolean town, cozy cafés, and the legendary Streif.
Mountains & SkiLake Tahoe
Big snow, blue water, and ski runs with lake views.
Mountains & SkiLech & Zürs Ski
Quiet Arlberg luxury, deep snow, and uncrowded slopes.
Mountains & SkiMegève Ski
A storybook French village with gentle slopes and Mont Blanc views.
Mountains & SkiMont-Tremblant Ski
A colorful pedestrian village and skiing with a French accent.
Mountains & SkiNiseko, Japan
Deep powder, steaming onsens, and ramen after ski school.
Mountains & SkiPark City & Deer Valley
Easy airport access, great ski school, and a cute Main Street.
Mountains & SkiSt. Anton Ski
Arlberg powder, a train-station village, and famous après-ski.
Mountains & SkiSt. Moritz Ski
Sunny Engadin slopes, a frozen lake, and classic alpine glamour.
Mountains & SkiStowe Ski
New England skiing, a classic village, and maple everything.
Mountains & SkiSun Valley Ski
Classic Idaho skiing, sunny days, and outdoor ice skating.
Mountains & SkiSwiss Alps in Summer
Lake swims, cogwheel trains, cowbells, and snow-capped summits.
Mountains & SkiTelluride Ski
A box canyon town, a free gondola, and uncrowded slopes.
Mountains & SkiThe Dolomites
Alpine meadows, cable cars, and pink peaks at sunset.
Mountains & SkiVal d'Isère Ski
High-altitude snow, a long season, and skiing linked to Tignes.
Mountains & SkiVerbier Ski
Big Swiss terrain, sunny terraces, and a lively alpine village.
Mountains & SkiWhistler
Two huge mountains and a walkable village made for ski families.
Mountains & SkiZermatt Ski
Car-free village, Matterhorn views, and skiing over to Italy.
Ski packing, answered
What should a family pack for a ski trip?
Per person: a waterproof jacket and pants, two sets of base layers, a mid-layer, one pair of ski socks per day, waterproof mittens with a spare, a helmet and goggles that fit together, and a neck gaiter. Add snow boots, a warm hat, swimsuits and comfortable evening clothes for the lodge.
Should we rent or bring ski gear?
Most families rent skis, poles and boots at the resort, since kids outgrow them quickly and flying with them adds cost. Bring your own goggles, helmet liners, base layers and socks for fit and comfort.
How many layers do kids need for skiing?
Three: a base layer that wicks sweat, a warm mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. On very cold days add a second mid-layer rather than one bulky sweater.
Are mittens or gloves better for kids?
Mittens. Fingers together stay warmer, and they're easier for small hands to get on and off. Pack a spare pair per child because the first pair is often wet by lunch.
How do I get a list for my exact resort?
Choose your resort below, then set your month and your kids' ages. The list adjusts to typical weather and what's happening that time of year.
Get our printable packing checklists free, plus new lists and seasonal tips.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.