Packing the ski essentials for a day or several days on the slopes is so important that I have a “note” saved on my phone to check before I leave home. Until I finally created and saved the list, I would inevitably end up on the mountain with all of my gear except one or two highly necessary items (say, gloves. . . ). To spare you that inconvenience, here is my list of 14 packing basics for a ski or snowboard trip, together with brands snowgrrl is psyched about:
- Skis: You can rent or buy (renting is less expensive in Denver, but easier at the base of whatever mountain you’re going to); we love the look of these Coalition Snow skis, made by women, for women.
- Goggles: At SIA, we demo’d the super cool Zeal Optics goggles with a display showing GPS and online functions including speed, distance, altitude, vert, temp, run count, and position. Personally, I snagged the Protect Our Winters goggles because the goggles themselves are great and I felt good helping protect the environment while getting an essential piece of gear for skiing.
- Helmet: I currently have a “matte black” Smith helmet. Please, get some helmet by some brand and Love Your Brain.
- Jacket & pants: NILS is snowgrrl’s favorite favorite brand, combining style and functionality, and I love the Mariska jacket and Betty pants in long (long ski pants are so hard to find for us tall girls!)
- Compression socks: My legs get a little tired after so many runs, I have found compression socks to be a ski essential. They help energize my legs for those 30,000 vertical feet days!
- Mittens or gloves: I love love love my Swany mittens on super cold days. They have a little zippered compartment where you can put a hand warmer! For more temperate days, the Gordini Venture gloves (reviewed by SG Spring 2017) are comfy, lightweight, and cozy.
- Hand warmers: If you’re going up for more than a day, get a 10-pack. You will be a hero amongst your frozen-fingered friends.
- Neck gator (or a turtleneck)! We love the Colorado-made Phunkshun designs!
- Lip Balm: One of our honorary “SnowMen” tried out AllGood’s lip balm and sunscreen, and loved them.
- Sunscreen: Having tested numerous sunscreens, the verdict is that Snowgrrl loves Supergoop! We still think it needs a sexier name, though. It provides natural SPF coverage with a bit of tint to cover up imperfections (not that you need it! You’re perfect!)
- Boots w/gripping soles for walking on icy surfaces: Check out these NAOT “Konini” boots! Or get some good old Sorrels. I’ve had mine since high school!
- Wicking base layers: Kari Traa and Babool make great ones!
- Epic Pass: Your best value for multiple days of skiing at the awesome mountains that make up Vail Resorts’ collection. Hope you got yours in time!
- Bikini & flip flops (for après ski!!): Must be hot tub ready after a challenging day on the slopes!