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What to Pack for a Ski Trip

The essentials you need for your next ski trip, from goggles and gloves to down jackets.
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Moncler Logo helmet
Salomon Driver Pro helmet

The cozy hat

The old wives' tales are true—you really do lose most heat through your head, so wrap up warm whether you’re on the town or stopping for a hot chocolate. The Alo Yoga Winterfun Zhivago hat offers comfort with a playful design, while the Alp n Rock Après II beanie brings a more timeless, chic look. When searching for a hat, combine warmth with flair. Whether you’re headed to post-slope DJ cocktail hour or just enjoying a snowy day, they add a fun touch to your winter wardrobe.

Alo Yoga Winterfun Zhivago hat
Alp N Rock Apres II beanie

The knit sweater

Embrace your surroundings and lean into the alpine lifestyle with a knit sweater. These fun, retro logos and designs are both warm and stylish. For warmth off the slopes, layer up with knit essentials like the Alp N Rock Rory cardigan or the Flint and Tinder wool sweater—it will complete your ensemble.

Alp N Rock Fallon mockneck
Alp N Rock Rory cardigan
Finisterre merino wool sweater
Flint and Tinder wool sweater

The warm layers

Be sure to pack a wardrobe of layering tops (vests, T-shirts, long-sleeve tops, fleece jackets)—but don’t forget to layer up your bottom half as well. Opt for base layers, like winter leggings, that can be worn under your ski suit—especially useful if you want to strip off your outer layers and jacket come lunchtime—as well as for lounging around aprés ski. From Alo to Arc'teryx, these brands offer matching base layers for the chicest alpine look.

Alo Yoga Airlift Winter Warm quarter-zip
Arc'teryx Kyanite baselayer bottoms
Alo Yoga Conquer Reform long-sleeve
Under Armour Heatgear leggings

The ski gloves

A solid pair of gloves is key to keeping your hands warm and dry on the slopes. Options like the Swany X-Change mitten, Burton Gore-Tex gloves, and Hestra Heli glove offer durability, waterproofing, and flexibility—ensuring comfort in any condition. These gloves blend performance and style, so you can focus on the mountain without worrying about your hands.

Hestra Heli glove
Athleta Downtown mitten

The ski socks

The right socks make a world of difference for comfort and warmth on a ski trip. Merino wool blends, like those from Bombas and Arc'teryx, provide excellent insulation while managing moisture, keeping your feet warm and dry. These socks are designed for durability and comfort, offering the perfect fit for long days on the slopes. Pro tip: For really icy conditions, put hand warmers in the tip of your boot to keep your toes warm.

Bombas mid-cushion socks
Arc'teryx merino wool socks

The snow boots

For snowy days, insulated and waterproof boots like the Hunter Maribel insulated snow boot and Sorel Caribou boots offer reliability and warmth. With sturdy construction and stylish designs, these winter boots ensure comfort from the first step to après-ski.

Hunter Meribel snow booties
Sorel Caribou boot

The backpack

A great ski backpack helps keep your gear organized and accessible. The Burton Gig Boot pack, Deuter Ski Tour backpack, and Osprey Farpoint travel pack are designed to carry everything you need, with specialized compartments and durable materials.

Deuter Freerider Pro backpack

    A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK.. It has been updated with new information since its original publish date.