Ski Trip Must Haves

No ski trip is the same.

Whether it’s a last-second change in the forecast, a lost piece of luggage or a delayed flight, no amount of planning you put into crafting the perfect trip will protect you from the general unpredictability of winter travel.

But that doesn't mean there aren't some universal essentials/ 

In fact, I believe there are a few things that should make their way to every ski trip, just to ensure you’re ready for whatever and to just make things a bit easier (and cheaper). 

And no, I’m not talking about gloves and neck gaiters. If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re past that step. 

Sunscreen

I still don’t understand how people leave their house to hit the mountain without this. If it’s sunny, your face will burn. Like a proper week-in-the-Caribbean burn. It takes two minutes to apply some face protection and keep yourself from coming home with a brutal goggle tan. Get the small travel-sized bottle and you’ll thank me later.

A Freaking Granola Bar (and some general snacks)

The number of times my flight out West was delayed is comical. There is nothing worse than leaving the Denver airport and preparing for the two-and-a-half-hour drive while every source of food around you is closed. Pack a granola bar and make that late-night drive a bit more bearable.

A badass mid-layer

I am a firm believer that the mid-layer is the most important part of your ski trip wardrobe. A good mid-layer can be dressed up or down, used on the slopes to keep warm, and on your flights to stay comfortable.

I’m a firm believer in quarter-zips being the best option for this level of versatility. If you’re anti–quarter-zip, a solid crewneck will work just as well. Just so happens that we just launched one...haha. 

Portable charger (or two)

There are so many scenarios in which your phone could die during a ski trip, and just as many where your access to an outlet will be limited. Portable chargers are easy to carry around and will literally save your life.

I’ve had my phone die on the shuttle out to Breck. It’s not worth it.

Chapstick

This is a given and yet every trip I go on I see some of my friends walking into the local food mart and making this shameful purchase. Save yourself the five dollars (yes, they’re five dollars at resorts) and bring like six of these with you. You’re going to need them, and you’re going to lose at least two of them. 

Booties

I bought a pair of North Face booties, and it’s the single greatest purchase I have made. They are water-resistant, so they work fine for getting around town. They’re warm and sturdy enough to act as your pseudo boots. They double as my shoe to hit the hot tub. Honestly, I think I could do an entire ski trip with these booties as my only shoe.

The best part is that they have no real shape, so you can stuff them anywhere. I’ve even skied with them in my jacket pocket without noticing. Is there anything better than slipping out of your boots and hitting après in actually comfortable shoes?

Should we just start making them at Diamant?

Packable Water Bottle

Sometimes you need to sacrifice some of that Yeti insulation for convenience. I am, personally, consistently thirsty when skiing. And spending seven dollars on a bottle of Aquafina seems like a bit of an overkill.

A packable water bottle will actually fold down to fit in your jacket pocket as soon as you’re done filling it up and chugging it. It also saves you a ton of room during transit time. Every inch counts, especially when you’re packing as light as possible. 

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There is a lot that goes into packing for a ski trip. You have to account for all your gear, clothing, toiletries, and so much more.

But it’s always the little things that you wish you had that really make a trip that much better.

Do yourself a favor and splurge a bit on the list above.

You’ll be happy that you did.

See you on the slopes.

—Shai