Family Ski Trip Packing List: Family Edition

A great family ski trip is built on comfort, warmth, and safety. Nail your layering, protect hands and feet, and plan by age group. Use this complete, practical guide to pack smarter, avoid stress, and keep everyone smiling from day one.

Quick overview

• Prioritize layering and dry extremities; avoid cotton.
• Plan by age (infants/toddlers, school-age kids, teens, adults).
• Decide early: rent vs bring (kids often rent; adults may prefer their own boots/skis).
• Prepare for weather swings, delays, and wet gear: pack backups and drying solutions.

Pre-trip planning & paperwork

• Reservations & passes: print or download lift tickets, lessons, rental confirmations.
• IDs & insurance: driver’s license/passport, health insurance, travel insurance with emergency procedures.
• Emergency contacts: in phones and on a small card in each child’s jacket/helmet.
• Weather & mountain info: forecast, lift status, and avalanche bulletin if going off-piste; know parking, shuttles, lesson, and childcare logistics.
• Rentals & lessons: book ahead—shops are busiest on weekends/holidays.
• Fittings: schedule helmet and boot-fitting if available.

Clothing & layering strategy (the big win)

• Principle: no cotton; choose moisture-wicking base, insulating mid, and waterproof/breathable outer shell.
• Base layer: merino or synthetic. Pack 1–2 per person per day or plan to wash/dry.
• Mid layer: fleece or light insulated jacket (1–2).
• Extra insulation: down/synthetic jacket for cold evenings or long lift lines.
• Outer shell: waterproof, breathable jacket and pants with taped seams and good vents.
• Socks: technical ski socks (wool/synthetic) — 1 pair per ski day + 1 spare.
• Gloves/mittens: waterproof insulated pair + thin liners; bring 2 pairs if possible.
• Neck & head: neck gaiter/balaclava; helmets for all (mandatory for kids), thin beanie for breaks.
• Goggles & sunglasses: goggles for snow/flat light; sunnies for bright days/après; consider spare low-light lens.
• Avoid overdressing: open vents, shed layers—kids overheat fast.

Ski & snowboard equipment: rent or bring?

• Core items: skis/snowboard, boots, poles, bindings, helmet.

Who	Rent (good when)	Bring (good when)
Kids	They grow fast; up-to-date, fitted gear	Only if boots fit perfectly or you’re driving a short trip
Adults	Testing gear, avoiding airline fees	Own boots for comfort/control; bring skis if you prefer your setup

• Boot fit basics: snug, minimal heel lift; toes may brush the front when upright but no pain.
• Helmet fit: level, snug, straps secure; not tilting.
• Bindings: get DIN set by a pro to your weight/ability.
• Transport: ski/boot bags with padding; lock zippers when flying.

Kids & baby specifics

• Pack extras: more socks, gloves, base layers—kids get wet quickly.
• Snowsuits: one-piece for toddlers; older kids can go shell + insulated mid layer.
• Safety & ID: wristband with parent name/phone; laminated card with resort/meeting point in pocket.
• Lift tickets/lesson tags: visible on the outer layer.
• Car seats: confirm anchors in rentals or bring your own.
• Moving little legs: sled or pulk for short hauls; pack rope and a blanket.

Health & safety essentials

• Sunscreen & lip balm: SPF 30+ broad-spectrum; apply morning and reapply midday.
• Hydration: insulated bottle/thermos; add electrolytes.
• First aid: bandages, blister pads, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, tweezers, tape, dressings, antihistamine.
• Altitude & cold: easy first day, hydrate, go easy on alcohol, watch for headache/dizziness.
• Avalanche/backcountry: beacon, probe, shovel—and training/partner. Hire a local guide if unsure.
• Protective gear: helmets for all; snowboard wrist guards; consider padded shorts for kids/beginners.
• Family emergency plan: set a meeting point; teach kids to ask patrol/lift ops for help.

Travel & car safety

• Winter car kit: scraper, brush, small shovel, traction mats/chains (correct size), jumper cables, tow strap, flashlight/headlamp + batteries, warm blanket, gloves, hat, high-cal snacks, water, first-aid.
• Packing the car: heavy items low/forward; skis in roof box or trunk; keep route map and confirmations handy.
• Flying: check airline equipment rules/fees; pad poles/edges; allow extra time for winter delays.

Gear maintenance & repair

• Toolkit: multi-tool, screwdriver, zip ties, duct tape, safety pins.
• Quick tuning: edge file/stone, small wax, mini scraper; hand warmers.
• Clothing fixes: spare buttons, safety pins, needle/thread, mini seam sealer.
• Drying: portable boot dryer or room heater; stuff boots with newspaper overnight.

Electronics & comfort extras

• Chargers & power bank: cold saps batteries—keep the bank in an inner pocket.
• Camera/GoPro: helmet/chest mounts, spare cards and batteries (store warm in pockets).
• Entertainment: earbuds/headphones, tablet for travel/downtime.
• Après & nightwear: comfy clothes, waterproof slippers/shoes with grip.
• Small daypack: snacks, extra layer, water, sunscreen, mini first-aid, phone, map.

Lodging & convenience

• Boot tray & towel: protect floors and catch snow; quick-dry towels.
• Drying solutions: collapsible rack, clips/line; waterproof bag for wet layers.
• Laundry: travel detergent packets.
• Groceries/snacks: breakfast basics, protein snacks, instant coffee/tea.
• Nighttime: small nightlight, thermos, earplugs for shared rooms.

Packing strategies & organization

• Use packing cubes and label by person and day.
• Make a master checklist and a day-before list (tickets, wallets, phones, kid wristbands, sunscreen).
• Keep essentials accessible: a set of gloves, goggles, hat in carry-on/car bag.
• Label all kid gear with name/phone (marker on liners, tags on helmets).
• Wet-bag system: waterproof bag for used base layers/socks.

Sample checklists (4-day family trip)

• Adults (per person): 2 base layers, 1 mid layer, 1 insulated jacket, shell jacket/pants, 3 pairs ski socks, 2 glove pairs, helmet, goggles, sunglasses, boots, skis/poles or rental res, toiletries, meds.
• School-age kids: 3 base layers, extra socks & gloves (bring 3), snowsuit or shell+puffy, helmet, goggles, warm PJs, ID wristband, favorite bedtime toy.
• Toddler/infant: 2–3 snowsuits, warm hat, mittens with clips, stroller rain/snow cover, plenty of diapers/wipes, blankets, formula/food, portable nightlight.
• Shared/family: first-aid kit, sunscreen, boot dryer/newspaper, power bank, camera, repair kit, boot bag(s).
• Car emergency kit: shovel, scraper, tow rope, jumper cables, blanket, flashlight, snacks, water, traction mats/chains, first-aid.

Common mistakes & quick fixes

• Packing cotton? Swap for merino/synthetics.
• Only one thin glove pair? Bring a spare set.
• Counting on walk-in rentals? Reserve ahead.
• Boots untested? Get a pro fit while feet are warm.
• Unlabeled kid gear? Duct tape + marker for name/phone.

Safety do’s & don’ts

• Do wear helmets and proper eyewear.
• Do check weather, lift status, and avalanche bulletins.
• Do teach kids what to do if separated; pick a meeting point.
• Do carry water and snacks.
• Don’t go off-piste without training and avalanche gear.
• Don’t underestimate the sun—use and reapply SPF.
• Don’t ski under the influence.

FAQs

• How many layers? Base + 1–2 mid + shell; add insulated jacket on the coldest days.
• Should kids wear helmets? Yes—often required for lessons and proven to help.
• How to keep kids warm? Keep hands/feet dry, use hand warmers, take frequent indoor breaks, use a sled/pulk for tired toddlers.
• Rent boots or bring? Bring if they fit perfectly; otherwise rent to avoid airline hassle and try new gear.
• Altitude issues? Hydrate, rest, go easy on day one; seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Closing

Want a printable checklist by age, or a weekend vs week version? I can create one. Try this simple packing timeline: 48 hours (confirm rentals/lessons), 24 hours (pack bags, prep car), 2 hours pre-departure (tickets, SPF, chargers/power bank, kid wristbands).