How to Pack for a Ski Vacation

Anyone who's tried packing for a vacation to Hawaii knows how challenging it is to fit everything into a suitcase. Now, try doubling that for a ski vacation. Ski vacations demand that you not only bring your everyday vacation clothes, but also your skis, boots and ski clothes as well. But, it may not be as difficult as you think. You just need to learn how to think ahead and you'll have everything you need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ski boot bag
• Something to read
• Ski bag (optional)

Before you go...

1. Determine how long you'll be gone and how many days you'll actually be skiing. Often times, you can re-use turtle necks, pants and long underwear and wear them into town for dinner.
2. Call your hotel or condo and ask if they have laundry and dry cleaning service available or washers and dryers in your room. If they do, you can take less with you, washing a small load one evening while you're out to dinner or sending your clothes out to be dry cleaned.
3. Bring clothes that you can wear in layers. Stay away from large, bulky coats that have only one function and are difficult to pack.
4. If you're bringing your skis along in a ski bag, pack the "non essential" items inside with your skis. These are the items you could do without if the airline lost your bags.

On the Road...

5. Buy or borrow a ski boot bag. Boot bags are usually small enough to be carried onboard airplanes and because they are soft sided, you can jam a lot into them before they're full.
6. Pack your essentials in the boot bag. Items that you absolutely cannot do without. Medications, glasses and toiletries should be carried onto the plane along with your ski boots.
7. Remember that even though it may be 80 degrees when you leave Miami, it will probably be in the single digits when you get to Aspen, so bring a coat with you while you travel. You can use it as a pillow on the plane.
8. Tuck a pair of lightweight slippers into your boot bag. You can wear them while on the plane and after a long day on the slopes.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're not bringing your skis with you, go online and reserve your ski equipment ahead of time.
• Rent skis and other equipment at a ski shop that is close to the mountain. If something breaks or goes wrong, it's easier to trade it in if it's steps away from the lift than if you rented equipment in town.
• Never check your ski boots. If the airline loses your ski clothes or skis you can always rent or buy replacements. If they lose your ski boots, you're toast!

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