Do you have a big skiing trip coming up? You’ve likely spent hours and hours prepping everything in advance, but really how prepared are you? And, if you think you are prepared, do you really have everything that you need? Just the slightest mishap or oversight could ruin your trip. Sure, you can always purchase additional items on the road or at the mountain, but who wants to spend unnecessary money that could be better allocated elsewhere. Not only this, but it can sometimes be a long trip back to the car once you get on the mountain. Whatever the situation is, you’ll always want to make sure that you bring these essentials along with you when hitting the slopes.

Base Layers

This one is probably pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised at the number of individuals that forget them. Base layers are essential for staying warm in colder climates. They should be right at the very top of your packing list. You’ll want something nice and warm like merino wool icebreakers or cotton tops and bottom. These items are so warm and comfy that you won’t want to take them off when you get back to the lodge or card. They can also be rolled and bundled into the tightest crevices in your bag so you don’t have to worry about compensating a lot of room for them. Depending on the length of your trip and the number of individuals attending, you should be able to suffice with just one or two base layer sets.

Ski Jacket

A good insulated ski jacket will not only make you look cool and stylish out there on the slopes, but it’ll provide a two-layer shell for the ultimate warmth and wind protection. The right jacket should be waterproof to keep you dry and wrap you in a shell or warmth because you never know what you are going to run into out there on the slope. Not only this, but you’ll always want to look for a jacket that still offers some mobility. You’re going to need to be able to twist, turn, and rotate when you are out there skiing. The right ski jacket should never make you feel weighed down. For other essentials, you can always print out this list and take it with you.

Not Gloves, But Mittens

Waterproof and warm mittens are a must for a skiing trip. Heck, they are a must for any trip in the snow. Your hands will be one of the first items to lose heat and the right mittens will help maximize your own body heat by keeping your fingers together. This isn’t the case with gloves, as they only offer protection against the elements.

Ski Pants

The right ski pants will not only be elegant and stylish, but they’ll offer the utmost in warmth and comfort. While you are on break or grabbing some lunch in the lodge, you can take off your ski jacket and fully display your ski gear. These pants come available in a variety of styles and colors, so be sure to choose ones that match up. You’ll want to limit yourself to the number of pants you bring along though because these items can be bulky and take up a lot of room. 1 or 2 pairs should be more than enough for 1 or 2 days on the slopes.