OK SO. This is a super niche post, but after years of traveling & packing for ski trips across the country, I felt I had to share what we’ve learned. If you are an avid skier and have your own equipment, these tips are for you!

Before we get to the packing, let’s briefly talk about ski trip essentials.

1. Invest in your base layer – since this is the layer that is closest to the skin, you want to invest in quality long johns. Brands that we discovered keep you the warmest are: Under Armour, Hot Chilis & Smart Wool.
2. Layer, layer, layer – if you are skiing in especially cold temperatures, you will want your long johns, as well as a mid-layer (ex. a half-zip turtleneck) before you bundle up with your ski coat. A cozy ski sweater also makes for a good mid-layer! Making sure that your upper body is warm will keep you MUCH happier on the slopes.
3. Goggles – Goggles will not only help you out when the fresh powder is flowing from the skies, but will also keep your face warm! Definitely a necessity.
4. Socks – SMART. WOOL. SOCKS. They’re expensive, but will keep your toesies warm in your boots and that’s what really matters.

OK~! Time for the packing tips ~

1. Utilize your ski bag – If you have your own skis and ski bag, utilize the space in your ski bag! During the year, I store all of my ski gear in my ski bag so that I know where it is. When it comes time to pack for the next trip, I always pack items like my snow boots, mid-layers and extra long john layers in the ski bag to make room in my suitcase for non-ski related clothes and shoes.  This trip, my dad packed almost all of his stuff in his ski bag, which meant one less bag to travel with!
2. Always carry-on your ski boots – Because travel during the winter can be unpredictable, {which we learned the hard way a few times with cancelled flights and lost bags}, it is best to carry-on your own ski boots.  If anything happens and your luggage doesn’t make it with you to your final destination, you want to have the essentials and ski boots are absolutely essential.  There is truly nothing worse than renting ski boots if you are used to skiing in your own. So, pack ’em up in your carry-on and don’t let them out of your sight. {This new Delsey luggage set had the perfect carry-on size for John’s boots!}
3. Pack a days worth of ski gear in your carry-on – This goes with the above! Your carry-on should not only have your boots, but also your ski coat and a full set of ski gear – long johns and all.  Again, in case your luggage doesn’t make it with you, you want to be sure you are able to ski even if your luggage doesn’t arrive on time.
4. Pack extras –  pack an extra pair of long johns, ski socks, neck gators and mid-layers if you have them! A winter ski trip is one of the times when I would endorse packing more than you need.  You never know when you are going to take a tumble and get soaked through your clothes with snow! You want to have extra pairs of essential items, justttt in case your things don’t dry overnight. Trust me, I know from experience {no wipe outs this past trip though! go me!}

Drop a comment below if you have upcoming ski trip plans! Where do you like to ski?

The post Reb’s Tips: Packing for A Ski Trip appeared first on the crystal press fashion blog.