Printable Checklists
We've created a print-ready checklist you can save as PDF or print before your trip. Available for both car trips and flights.
🖨️Get Printable PDF ChecklistIN THIS GUIDE
1. The Layering System
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Layering isn't just about warmth—it's about adaptability. A good system lets you add or remove layers as conditions change throughout the day. Here's how it works:
BASE LAYER
Worn against your skin. Purpose: moisture management. Wicks sweat away from your body to keep you dry.
Materials:
- Merino wool: Natural, odor-resistant, warm when wet. Best overall choice.
- Synthetic: Cheaper, dries faster, but can get smelly after one day.
- Avoid cotton: Absorbs sweat, stays wet, makes you cold. "Cotton kills."
MID LAYER
Worn over your base layer. Purpose: insulation. Traps warm air to keep you cozy.
Options:
- Fleece: Breathable, affordable, dries quickly. Great for active skiing.
- Down: Maximum warmth-to-weight ratio. Best for cold days, but loses insulation when wet.
- Synthetic insulation: Warmer than fleece, works when damp. Good all-around choice.
OUTER LAYER (SHELL)
Your jacket and pants. Purpose: protection from wind, snow, and moisture.
Features to look for:
- Waterproof rating: 10,000mm+ for most conditions, 20,000mm+ for heavy snow
- Breathability: Higher is better—lets sweat vapor escape
- Pit zips: Ventilation for warm days or hard hiking
- Powder skirt: Keeps snow out when you inevitably crash
The Key Insight
It's better to be slightly cool at the start of a run than to overheat halfway down. Overheating leads to sweating, which leads to getting cold on the lift. Start a bit cool and let the skiing warm you up.
2. Temperature Guide
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What to wear based on the forecast. These are starting points—adjust based on your personal warmth and activity level.
SPRING CONDITIONS
32°F+ (0°C+)- • Light base layer (or skip it if you run hot)
- • Shell jacket only (no mid layer)
- • Lightweight ski pants or shell pants
- • Light gloves or spring gloves
- • Sunscreen is critical—spring sun is intense
TYPICAL CONDITIONS
15-32°F (-9 to 0°C)- • Midweight base layer top and bottom
- • Fleece or light puffy mid layer
- • Shell jacket and insulated or shell pants
- • Standard ski gloves
- • Neck gaiter (optional)
COLD CONDITIONS
0-15°F (-18 to -9°C)- • Heavyweight base layer top and bottom
- • Substantial mid layer (puffy or heavy fleece)
- • Insulated jacket or shell + mid layer
- • Insulated ski pants
- • Warm gloves or mittens + liner gloves
- • Balaclava or face protection
EXTREME COLD
Below 0°F (-18°C)- • Double up on everything
- • Two base layers if needed
- • Expedition-weight mid layer
- • Mittens (warmer than gloves) + hand warmers
- • Full face coverage—exposed skin gets frostbite
- • Toe warmers in boots
- • Consider shorter sessions with warming breaks
Wind Chill Matters
A 25°F day with 20mph wind feels like 11°F. High-speed chairlifts and open bowls amplify wind exposure. Check the "feels like" temperature, not just the actual temperature.
Learn to read weather forecasts with our Ski Weather Guide.
3. On-Mountain Essentials
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What to carry on your person while skiing. Keep it minimal—you'll be wearing it all day.
ALWAYS CARRY
- Ikon Pass — Obviously
- Phone — Keep warm in inside pocket
- ID — Required if pass is checked
- Cash/Card — For lunch, beer
- Lip balm with SPF — Cracked lips hurt
- Sunscreen — Reapply at lunch
- Spare goggle lens — Low light lens
- Snack — Bar, nuts, etc.
- Hand warmers — For cold days
- Trail map — If unfamiliar
OPTIONAL BUT NICE
- Hydration pack — Stay hydrated at altitude
- Tissues — Cold nose runs
- Goggle wipe cloth — For snow/fog
- Multi-tool — Binding adjustments
4. The Car Trip Kit
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Driving to the mountains? You have more flexibility but need more preparation. Here's the complete car trip checklist:
SKI GEAR
- Skis or snowboard
- Poles (skiers)
- Boots
- Helmet
- Goggles + spare lens
- Boot bag
CLOTHING
- Ski jacket
- Ski pants
- Base layers (2-3 sets)
- Mid layers (2)
- Ski socks (3+ pairs)
- Gloves + backup pair
- Neck gaiter / balaclava
- Beanie / helmet liner
ACCESSORIES
- Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Lip balm with SPF
- Hand/toe warmers
- Sunglasses
- Anti-fog spray
CAR EMERGENCY KIT
- Chains or cables (if required)
- Ice scraper / brush
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Water + snacks
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The Roof Rack Advantage
A roof box or ski rack keeps gear organized and frees interior space. Pro tip: lock your skis in the box at lunch—ski theft happens, especially at popular resorts.
Planning a multi-resort road trip? See our Epic Ikon Road Trips guide for more car-specific tips.
5. The Flight Trip Kit
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Flying adds constraints: weight limits, baggage fees, and the risk of lost luggage. Here's how to pack smart:
The Golden Rule
Never check anything you can't ski without. Boots go in your carry-on or personal item. If the airline loses your checked bag, you can rent skis—but rental boots are misery.
CARRY-ON BAG
Critical items that MUST be with you
- Ski boots (in boot bag that fits overhead)
- Goggles + spare lens
- Helmet (clip to bag exterior)
- Base layer (1 set)
- Gloves
- Ikon Pass + ID
SKI/SNOWBOARD BAG (Checked)
Usually counts as "sports equipment" — check airline policy
- Skis or snowboard
- Poles (skiers)
- Ski jacket (padding + saves suitcase space)
- Ski pants
CHECKED SUITCASE
Everything else
- Extra base layers
- Mid layers
- Ski socks
- Backup gloves
- Casual clothes for evenings
- Sunscreen, lip balm, toiletries
Rent or Bring?
Consider renting skis if:
- • You're flying and baggage fees are high
- • You want to try different skis (powder skis, demos)
- • You don't ski often enough to justify owning gear
Always bring your own boots. Rental boots are the #1 cause of foot pain and bad ski days.
6. The Overnight Bag
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Beyond ski gear, here's what you need for the lodge/hotel:
ESSENTIALS
- Comfortable après clothes
- Warm casual shoes or boots
- Sleep clothes
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Phone charger
RECOVERY GEAR
- Foam roller or massage ball
- Compression socks
- Ibuprofen / pain relief
- Muscle rub / arnica
- Electrolyte packets
- Water bottle
7. Pro Packing Tips
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Dry Your Gear Every Night
Wet boots and gloves are miserable the next morning. Remove boot liners if possible. Point a fan at your boots. Hang gloves near (not on) a heater. Many lodges have drying rooms—use them.
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Pack Dryer Sheets
Toss one in your boot bag and one in your suitcase. Your gear will smell better, and your car/hotel room will thank you.
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Wear Your Heaviest Items on the Plane
Ski jacket and boots on your feet (swap to shoes after boarding) saves significant bag weight. You'll look ridiculous. You'll also avoid baggage fees.
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Stuff Socks in Boots
Pack ski socks inside your ski boots for travel. They'll absorb any residual moisture and save suitcase space.
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Photo Your Gear Before You Leave
If luggage is lost or stolen, having photos with serial numbers helps insurance claims and recovery. Takes 30 seconds; can save hours of hassle.
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AirTag Everything
Put trackers in your ski bag, boot bag, and checked luggage. When the airline says your bag is "on the way," you'll know exactly where it is.
Related Guides
READY TO PACK?
Bookmark this guide and come back before your next trip. Now go plan where you're headed.