Ten Essential Things to Pack for Your Ski Trip

Carving your way down a groomed run, or slicing though fresh powder in a snowy alpine forest, skiing is an activity enjoyed by millions each year.

Though fun and relatively easy to learn, you’ve probably heard some ski trip horror stories. And most of them aren’t related to falling or breaking a bone. Many begin with an item you forgot to pack.

Many ski resorts are quite luxurious, but that doesn’t change the fact that skiing is an activity that takes place on snowy mountain slopes, often in bone-chilling cold. You need to be prepared properly for a day on the mountain. The following items can help with that.

Touchscreen-Compatible Glove Liners

Taking your gloves off to use your phone might result in frostbite. Unfortunately, the chunky insulation in gloves doesn’t work well on your phone screen.

Using glove liners is the perfect two-in-one solution. Using your phone with liners on ensures that you still have a layer of protection from the elements. The liners are thin, but trap enough heat to ensure you’re comfortable while you’re using your phone. Since they’re manufactured to be used with smartphones, you won’t have any trouble with your touchscreen.

Neck Gaiter

A common assumption is that your jacket and helmet are enough protection for your neck. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Very often, your neck is left exposed to both the sun and chilly winds. Remember to always wear a neck gaiter that also covers the lower half of your face. You can also use a scarf or face cover. Go for one that is quick-dry and keeps moisture away. Alternatively, you can use a balaclava for even better protection.

Weatherproof Phone Case

You need to bring your phone with you while on the mountain. How else can you take awesome videos? But did you know your phone can get damaged in extremely cold climates? There are even reports of screens shattering due to the intense cold. You surely don’t want that to happen to you.

The best solution for this is a weatherproof phone case. It provides insulation to your phone when not in use. These cases are also waterproof, so sweat and melted snow won’t cause any issues. Many cases come with extra pockets for cards, so they can double as an on-the-go wallet.

Traction Cleats

Ironically, ski boots aren’t ideal for walking on snow or ice. Since they’re meant to attach to skis, they don’t provide a non-slip grip. To walk safely in your boots, and protect them from extra wear, attachable cleats are essential.

Most cleats are quite inexpensive, and make walking on snow and ice much safer. The best part is that the cleats will work with any boots. So, if you live in a snowy area, you can put them to use at home.

Pain Relief Medicines

Skiing is an athletic activity. Even if you can avoid falling, a day on the slopes will likely lead to sore muscles and stiff joints.

The best remedy for this is a nice hot shower and some pain relief cream. Icy Hot is a popular brand, but there are many others. Keep in mind that most of these creams use menthol, which can have strong smell that some find unpleasant. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen work well also. 

Medical Insurance

Though we try our best to be careful, injuries can happen on the ski slopes. Minor bumps and bruises can usually be self-treated, but anything more serious could require medical attention.

A doctor’s visit when you’re in a foreign country can be a big financial burden. That is if you don’t have travel medical insurance. Your travel medical insurance plan is specifically designed to provide financial protection against unexpected medical expenses that occur while you’re traveling abroad. Before your next international ski trip, get travel insurance with coverage for skiing.

Microfiber Cloth

Your expensive ski goggles won’t do all that much good if they’re covered with ice and slush, leaving you unable to see. Don’t take your goggles off. Doing that can be harmful to your eyes. Instead, purchase a microfiber cloth. These small cloths are perfect for cleaning ski goggles, glasses, and even phone screens, without leaving streaks or marks.

Sun Protection

Do you think sunburns only happen at the beach? Think again. You may be more likely to suffer sun damage at a ski resort than in a tropical destination. Sun reflects off of snow, making the possibility of a nasty burn possible. Adequately apply sunscreen to any exposed areas of skin. Don’t forget the back of you neck, your nose, and lip balm for your lips. Reapply sunscreen regularly to stay protected.

The bright sun can also wreak havoc on your eyes. Ski in UV-tinted goggles, and always put on sunglasses when you take them off.

Wear the Right Layers

Your insulated ski jacket and pants might be ideal on the mountain, but what about afterwards at the restaurant or bar? You likely won’t be spending all day skiing, and you may not be able to go back to your room every time you want to come off the slopes.

To avoid sweating buckets while eating or drinking, wear comfortable layers that include t-shirts, jeans, and a sweatshirt or sweater. It’s a good idea to throw some causal boots in your ski locker as well. Ski boots are quite uncomfortable to walk in.

Layers are also important because conditions can change. On a warm, late-season day, you may want to shed some layers to avoid sweating – and subsequently becoming cold – on your next run. It’s always better to have more clothing options to suit a wider range of conditions.

Swimsuits

Yes, you heard right. One of the best parts of a ski resort room is the jacuzzi that comes attached to it. Sometimes, there are even natural hot springs. And there’s no better way to get rid of the body aches and sore muscles.

One set of swimwear will be enough for the trip. But remember to dry it out completely before using it again.

Packing Up

Everything on this list is lightweight and will not take up much space in your bag. You may think it’s all secondary, but trust us, you’ll thank yourself for taking it. And although some of these items will be available at the resort if you forget them, you can be assured you’ll have to pay resort prices for them. Your best bet is to save a little money and bring them from home.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

RELATED TOPICS

For visitors, travel, student and other international travel medical insurance.

Visit insubuy.com or call +1 (866) INSUBUY or +1 (972) 985-4400