Packing List for a Park City Ski Trip

So you’re on your way to Park City. Awesome! Make sure you pack everything you need. Our Park City ski trip list contains everything you need for an amazing stay. You don’t want to have to interrupt your bluebird day for a shopping trip, so make sure to stock up on first ski trip essentials and helpful extras.

The Gear

Ski trips require specialized gear. Most of it is large and expensive. If this is your first ski trip, you will probably want to rent most of the items below. You’ll still need everything on the list—but you’ll grab them after you arrive.

A Bluebird Day in Park City with Ski Gear Stuck into the Snow

Skis/Board – This is why you’re here. These lengths of laminated hardwood, fiberglass, epoxy, and carbon fiber will convey you down our world-famous runs in style. Selecting the proper skis/snowboard is a science unto itself. Do your research or trust an expert opinion before you gear up.

Boots – Your ride is useless without proper boots. Make sure to leave a little wiggle room in your sizing to accommodate the protective gear you’ll be wearing once you suit up. You’ll want a snug fit that locks securely into your bindings.

Helmet – Please, please, please wear a helmet. You’re going to be flying downhill at high speed. One wrong move and you could crack your head open. Do not, under any circumstances, go without proper protective headgear.

Goggles/Visor – In the same vein as the above, wear eye protection. Your eyes are crucial, vulnerable, sensitive equipment. Protect them against UV rays, snow, and debris.

Poles – These are optional, but they sure are handy. Don’t give them to kids just learning to ski, but you are free to use them. In fact, we suggest them for most skiers. The extra control is exceptionally beneficial for improving your runs.

The Clothing

Your ski trip wardrobe is like an onion (or an ogre). It has layers. No one garment can protect you in the winter weather. You’ll want to have a robust set of flexible clothes that you can put on or take off as required. Shoot for three layers as a solid base. You may strip down to two or pile on a fourth, as need be.

A Bluebird Day in Park City with Ski Gear Stuck into the Snow

Top Layers

Base Layer – A thin, non-cotton shirt is your inner protection against the elements. Invest in some quality thermal tops to really keep yourself comfortable, but other garments can function in a pinch.

Middle Layer –A warm, woolen shirt with long sleeves is a perfect middle layer. You may want to choose other fabrics, but make sure they’re warm, wick water, and long-sleeved. Avoid fabrics like cotton.

Optional Layer – This goes on above your middle layer if you need some extra protection. Wear a light jacket over your shirt but under your ski coat to keep things warm on the chilliest of days.

Outer Layer – Your first line of defense should be a warm, waterproof coat or jacket made to resist cold temperatures. Snow is still water, and keeping dry is crucial. Mountainsides are also pretty breezy, so windproof materials are useful for keeping in the body heat. This is the layer to shed if things get way too hot. 

A Woman Shredding Powder in Park City

Bottom Layers

Inner Layer – Get thermal underwear. You want full length, usually synthetic material to keep both snow and your own sweat away from your skin. Things can get really uncomfortable if you don’t start with a comfortable base layer in the right material.

Middle Layer – This is an optional layer. While you can wear your ski pants directly over your skivvies, many people prefer to wear some form of legging, jogging pants, or other non-cotton pants beneath their outer layer. That way, you can shimmy out of your heaviest layer and still hang around in public.

Outer Layer – Thick, waterproof ski pants or ski bibs are crucial. These large, insulated pants will keep moisture out of your boots, protect you from light impacts, and keep you warm. Whatever you do, don’t ski in jeans.

Profile view of a skier in a helmet and mask on snowy day in Park City

Everything Else

Socks – Wear a single layer of thin socks made from a suitable material. Don’t wear multiple layers of socks— it’ll just give you blisters. A solid pair of socks insulate your feet against wear, keep your tootsies warm, and wick away sweat.

Gloves – Opt for waterproof gloves or mittens to protect your hands. Your day on the slopes will be really short if you start freezing your fingers off. Make sure to tuck the bottoms into your jacket so you don’t have snow in both your sleeves and your gloves after a run.

Hats/Balaclavas/Gaiters/Masks – Wear something on your face for extra comfort. The goggles will protect your eyes, and the helmet will save your skull. But a hat and a mask will keep your whole cranium warm and comfortable. Don’t come home with both frostbite and windburn. Wear something to protect the flesh on your head.

Park City Mountain Lodging

Drawing visitors from all over the world, skiing at Park City Mountain is the crown jewel of the Park City experience.

Explore Park City Mountain Lodging

Toiletries

You’re going to want to bring your standard kit, as a minimum. No one wants to ski while dirty, stinky, and unshaven. So pack your soap, toothbrush, deodorant, and razors. But a day on the slopes also demands a couple of extra products that you’ll want to stuff into the pockets of your ski jacket. Don’t pass on these crucial toiletries.

Lip balm – High-altitude conditions are already hell on your mucous membranes. Cold conditions make it worse. Add high-speed wind while skiing, and you have a recipe for miserable lips. Get a really nice lip balm, apply if frequently, and thank us later.

Sunscreen – The sun still exists when there is snow on the ground. Even when you’re all bundled up, you should still slather on some sunscreen. You will be spending hours and hours under the sun during your ski trip. Make sure to protect your vulnerable skin while you ski. Otherwise, you could come home with some unexpected sunburns.

Moisturizer –  As we said, the dry air above 6,000 ft is hard on skin. All the extra wear and tear from skiing will have you feeling like old leather in no time. Stock up on a good moisturizer to save your face and hands between days on the lift.

Travel tissues – Cold weather gets your nose running. If you don’t want to be wiping your nose on the back of your glove all day, we suggest some travel tissues or a few good handkerchiefs. You’ll be a lot more comfortable without worrying about frequent snot-cicles.

Water – Invest in a nice bottle or a camel bag that will survive the slopes. You will want to keep hydrated, and packing your own will save you both time and money. Take frequent sips all day. You’ll need to drink more than you are used to just to compensate for the elevation. You’ll drink even more to keep up with the exertion.

Epsom Salts/Icy Hot/Muscle Soother/Anti-Inflammatories – Skiing is really, really hard on your body. You might not be prepared for the sort of strain you’ll endure. Don’t stay up all night tossing and turning with muscle pain. Bring something to help with the DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). You will hate yourself in the morning if you forget these.

Friends Pose for a Selfie on a Park City Chairlift

Other Stuff

Most of the items on this list are optional. You won’t die without them, but they may make your life easier. Think of these as your list of “vacation hacks”. When space and weight limits start to get tight, these might be a good place to start making cuts. Until then, stock up for comfort and convenience.

Hand warmers – It gets really, really cold while skiing. If you really just need to warm your hands, take along a couple of portable hand warmers.

Humidifier – The air is dry in Park City, due to the altitude. Add some water back into your atmosphere with a humidifier. It will help you sleep and keep you comfortable.

Bluetooth speaker or headphones – Bring some tunes with you. If you don’t want to listen to your jams on a phone speaker, bring something with a little more audio firepower. In the case of a speaker, white noise can also help cover the noise from loud neighbors or ski equipment. 

Extra Cables/Portable Battery – It never fails. Just when you really need your phone, you’ll run out of power. Bring some spare juice, either in the form of a portable vault or a suitable adapter for plugging in on the go.

Portable diversions – Bring along a deck of cards or a small game to keep you busy when you are waiting. We have a couple of easy suggestions. Otherwise, bring some other diversion or hobby to entertain you in the downtime.

Swimwear – There are a lot of excellent pools and hot tubs in Park City. You will definitely want to take advantage if your lodging offers such amenities. Don’t be caught without a bathing suit. And no, your birthday suit doesn’t count.

Most importantly, you’re going to want somewhere to put all this stuff (and yourself). Make sure to book the best lodging in town. Reserve your perfect accommodations with All Seasons Resort Lodging. Our selection of condos, townhomes, and vacation rentals is second to none. And you’ll always get the lowest rate available. We guarantee it!

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Sandhill Cranes in Park City, Utah

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