The Ultimate 2025–26 Ski Trip Planning & Packing Guide
Colorado, Utah, Washington & Montana
Planning a ski trip should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But between shifting weather, travel logistics, packing lists, and gear decisions, it is easy to overthink what you actually need.
That’s where this guide comes in.
Whether you are headed to the high peaks of Colorado and Utah, chasing fresh snow in Montana, or driving into the Cascades from Seattle or Tacoma, this hub brings everything together in one place. You will find clear steps, practical advice, and simple checklists to help you plan your trip, pack smart, and feel ready for your first day on snow.
This guide covers ski trip planning, packing essentials, what to wear skiing and snowboarding, and rental tips for trips across Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Montana, including many of the most popular ski destinations in the West.
Inside, we break down what to bring, what to skip, when renting makes sense, and how to prepare for real mountain conditions. When you want to go deeper, we link out to detailed guides on layering systems, helmets and goggles, skis and snowboards, and rental basics.
All of this advice comes from teams who live and work in mountain towns across the West. We see every kind of ski trip, from first-timers to families to experienced skiers traveling light. The goal is simple: help you arrive prepared so you can enjoy the mountains once you are there.
When the details are handled, the rest comes naturally.
This guide is built for destination skiers and riders who want to pack lighter, plan smarter, and spend more time on snow.
Table of Contents
Popular Ski Destinations This Guide Covers
This guide is designed for ski trips to some of the most popular resort destinations across Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Montana.
Colorado
- Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon
- Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, and Dillon
- Aspen and Snowmass
- Steamboat
- Winter Park
- Crested Butte
- Telluride
Utah
Montana
Washington
- The Summit at Snoqualmie
- Crystal Mountain
- Stevens Pass
- Mt. Baker
These destinations share similar mountain conditions, travel considerations, and packing needs, which makes this guide useful whether you are visiting one resort or planning a multi-stop ski trip.
1. What to Pack for a Ski Trip (The Master Checklist)
Packing for a ski trip does not mean bringing everything you own. It means bringing the right things for cold mornings, changing conditions, and long days outside, without overpacking.
Use this master checklist as your starting point. It covers the essentials most skiers and riders need for destination trips to places like Breckenridge, Park City, Big Sky, Crystal Mountain, or Stevens Pass.
On-Mountain Essentials: These are the non-negotiables for time on snow.
- Ski or snowboard jacket and pants
- Base layers, tops and bottoms
- Midlayers for warmth such as fleece or insulated jackets
- Ski or snowboard socks
- Helmet
- Goggles with a lens that works in variable light
- Gloves or mittens, consider a backup pair
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
Travel & Off-Mountain Layers: Comfortable, warm options for before and after skiing.
- Insulated jacket or puffer
- Warm hat or beanie
- Casual layers for après or dinners out
- Waterproof or winter boots
- Comfortable travel-day clothing
Small Items People Forget: These often make the biggest difference.
- Sunscreen and lip balm, high-elevation sun is real
- Hand and toe warmers
- Goggles wipe or microfiber cloth
- Backpack or small on-mountain bag
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal medications
If You Are Bringing Your Own Gear
If you are renting, most of this gets simpler and you can travel lighter.
- Traveling with kids or first-timers? Our family-focused guide goes deeper on sizing, backups, and what actually gets used. Family Ski Trip Packing List: The Ultimate Guide
- Ski Trip Packing List & Essentials
2. What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding (By Region)
Dressing for a ski trip is not about packing more layers. It is about packing the right ones.
Colorado & Utah (The Rockies)
Skiing in destinations like Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Telluride, Steamboat, Park City, and Deer Valley usually means colder mornings, drier snow, and big temperature swings throughout the day. A smart Rockies setup focuses on versatile layering.
Washington & Montana (PNW and Northern Mountains)
Skiing at places like The Summit at Snoqualmie, Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, Mt. Baker, and Big Sky often brings wetter snow, colder temperatures, and fast-changing weather. Here, waterproofing and insulation matter more.
Bottom line: Stay warm, stay dry, and dress to adapt, not to overpack.
3. Understanding Layers, Apparel & Accessories
The right setup does not come from buying more gear. It comes from understanding how each piece works together.
Jackets & Pants
Look for waterproof or water-resistant fabrics, breathability, vents, and room to layer.
Base Layers
A good base layer should wick moisture, dry quickly, and stay warm without bulk. Merino wool and technical synthetics are the go-to choices.
Accessories That Actually Matter
Gloves, goggles, neck gaiters, and proper socks often determine whether a day feels great or gets cut short.
4. Helmets, Goggles & Staying Comfortable All Day
Helmets and goggles play a bigger role in comfort than many people realize.
6. If You’re Bringing Gear
Boots matter most. Conditions vary. Some skiers bring favorites. Others rent to match the day.
7. Final Prep: Arrival & First Day Tips
- Lay out gear
- Check weather
- Hydrate and rest
- Start with familiar terrain
- Family Ski Trip Survival Guide: 7 Tips for Hitting the Slopes with Kids
8. How Christy Sports and Sturtevant’s Help Make Ski Trips Easier
Christy Sports supports skiers across Colorado, Utah, and Montana, with Sturtevant’s locations serving Washington skiers headed to Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, and Mt. Baker.
- Ski & Snowboard Rentals - Daily & Season | Christy Sports
- Ski & Snowboard Stores - Christy Sports Locations
Wherever you are skiing, Christy Sports is here to help you get outside with confidence.
A great ski trip is not about having the newest gear. It is about being prepared, staying flexible, and enjoying the mountains once you arrive.
We will handle the gear, fittings, and details. You make the memories.
Last Update: January 7, 2026
The Ultimate 2025–26 Ski Trip Planning & Packing Guide
Colorado, Utah, Washington & Montana
Planning a ski trip should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But between shifting weather, travel logistics, packing lists, and gear decisions, it is easy to overthink what you actually need.
That’s where this guide comes in.
Whether you are headed to the high peaks of Colorado and Utah, chasing fresh snow in Montana, or driving into the Cascades from Seattle or Tacoma, this hub brings everything together in one place. You will find clear steps, practical advice, and simple checklists to help you plan your trip, pack smart, and feel ready for your first day on snow.
This guide covers ski trip planning, packing essentials, what to wear skiing and snowboarding, and rental tips for trips across Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Montana, including many of the most popular ski destinations in the West.
Inside, we break down what to bring, what to skip, when renting makes sense, and how to prepare for real mountain conditions. When you want to go deeper, we link out to detailed guides on layering systems, helmets and goggles, skis and snowboards, and rental basics.
All of this advice comes from teams who live and work in mountain towns across the West. We see every kind of ski trip, from first-timers to families to experienced skiers traveling light. The goal is simple: help you arrive prepared so you can enjoy the mountains once you are there.
When the details are handled, the rest comes naturally.
This guide is built for destination skiers and riders who want to pack lighter, plan smarter, and spend more time on snow.
Table of Contents
Popular Ski Destinations This Guide Covers
This guide is designed for ski trips to some of the most popular resort destinations across Colorado, Utah, Washington, and Montana.
Colorado
- Vail, Beaver Creek and Avon
- Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, and Dillon
- Aspen and Snowmass
- Steamboat
- Winter Park
- Crested Butte
- Telluride
Utah
Montana
Washington
- The Summit at Snoqualmie
- Crystal Mountain
- Stevens Pass
- Mt. Baker
These destinations share similar mountain conditions, travel considerations, and packing needs, which makes this guide useful whether you are visiting one resort or planning a multi-stop ski trip.
1. What to Pack for a Ski Trip (The Master Checklist)
Packing for a ski trip does not mean bringing everything you own. It means bringing the right things for cold mornings, changing conditions, and long days outside, without overpacking.
Use this master checklist as your starting point. It covers the essentials most skiers and riders need for destination trips to places like Breckenridge, Park City, Big Sky, Crystal Mountain, or Stevens Pass.
On-Mountain Essentials: These are the non-negotiables for time on snow.
- Ski or snowboard jacket and pants
- Base layers, tops and bottoms
- Midlayers for warmth such as fleece or insulated jackets
- Ski or snowboard socks
- Helmet
- Goggles with a lens that works in variable light
- Gloves or mittens, consider a backup pair
- Neck gaiter or balaclava
Travel & Off-Mountain Layers: Comfortable, warm options for before and after skiing.
- Insulated jacket or puffer
- Warm hat or beanie
- Casual layers for après or dinners out
- Waterproof or winter boots
- Comfortable travel-day clothing
Small Items People Forget: These often make the biggest difference.
- Sunscreen and lip balm, high-elevation sun is real
- Hand and toe warmers
- Goggles wipe or microfiber cloth
- Backpack or small on-mountain bag
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal medications
If You Are Bringing Your Own Gear
If you are renting, most of this gets simpler and you can travel lighter.
- Traveling with kids or first-timers? Our family-focused guide goes deeper on sizing, backups, and what actually gets used. Family Ski Trip Packing List: The Ultimate Guide
- Ski Trip Packing List & Essentials
2. What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding (By Region)
Dressing for a ski trip is not about packing more layers. It is about packing the right ones.
Colorado & Utah (The Rockies)
Skiing in destinations like Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen, Telluride, Steamboat, Park City, and Deer Valley usually means colder mornings, drier snow, and big temperature swings throughout the day. A smart Rockies setup focuses on versatile layering.
Washington & Montana (PNW and Northern Mountains)
Skiing at places like The Summit at Snoqualmie, Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, Mt. Baker, and Big Sky often brings wetter snow, colder temperatures, and fast-changing weather. Here, waterproofing and insulation matter more.
Bottom line: Stay warm, stay dry, and dress to adapt, not to overpack.
3. Understanding Layers, Apparel & Accessories
The right setup does not come from buying more gear. It comes from understanding how each piece works together.
Jackets & Pants
Look for waterproof or water-resistant fabrics, breathability, vents, and room to layer.
Base Layers
A good base layer should wick moisture, dry quickly, and stay warm without bulk. Merino wool and technical synthetics are the go-to choices.
Accessories That Actually Matter
Gloves, goggles, neck gaiters, and proper socks often determine whether a day feels great or gets cut short.
4. Helmets, Goggles & Staying Comfortable All Day
Helmets and goggles play a bigger role in comfort than many people realize.
6. If You’re Bringing Gear
Boots matter most. Conditions vary. Some skiers bring favorites. Others rent to match the day.
7. Final Prep: Arrival & First Day Tips
- Lay out gear
- Check weather
- Hydrate and rest
- Start with familiar terrain
- Family Ski Trip Survival Guide: 7 Tips for Hitting the Slopes with Kids
8. How Christy Sports and Sturtevant’s Help Make Ski Trips Easier
Christy Sports supports skiers across Colorado, Utah, and Montana, with Sturtevant’s locations serving Washington skiers headed to Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, and Mt. Baker.
- Ski & Snowboard Rentals - Daily & Season | Christy Sports
- Ski & Snowboard Stores - Christy Sports Locations
Wherever you are skiing, Christy Sports is here to help you get outside with confidence.
A great ski trip is not about having the newest gear. It is about being prepared, staying flexible, and enjoying the mountains once you arrive.
We will handle the gear, fittings, and details. You make the memories.
Last Update: January 7, 2026
