Heading out for a ski/snowboard vacation this winter? Packing up and going somewhere different to ski/board for a weekend or longer can be the ultimate winter getaway. Having fun exploring a new mountain and enjoying some winter sunshine is a great pick up for winter blahs.
If you have a trip like that in mind, you're probably already mentally planning your packing list. A winter vacation is a lot bulkier to pack for, especially when you add best gopro for skiing to the list as well. Sometimes you can buy what you need/forgot at your destination, but when you're staying at the mountain that can get pricey and wouldn't you rather spend your money on fun?
After years and years of helping destination travelers find what they wish they'd brought along from home, I've put together some items you may not have thought of when you're planning your packing and will be glad of when you arrive.
Boots. No, not your walking-around boots but your ski or snowboard boots. I know it sounds obvious, but stick with me on this one. Traveling with all your gear can be a hassle and if you're flying it can cost you more than its worth. A ski/board vacation can be a great time to try out some new boards by renting demos to try out the latest and greatest.
BUT, take your own boots. If you ski/ride and have your own boots it is worth the cost of shipping/transporting them. Once you are used to your own boots and have gotten them fitted to your own foot a rental boot is going to be awkward and uncomfortable. If your feet aren't happy, you're not going to have a good time.
Socks. Unless you plan on being able to do laundry take enough socks. Pack a pair of ski socks for every day you plan to be on the mountain and one extra pair. When I work long shifts and spend up to 15 hours in my boots putting on fresh socks is a lifesaver. If your feet are tired and cold, taking 5 minutes to change out of the sweaty socks you're wearing into a fresh pair sometimes will perk you up enough to allow you to finish enjoying the day on the mountain.
Slippers. Ski towns are pretty casual and you can plan on wearing your walking-around boots everywhere you go. Really no need to make room in your suitcase for pretty shoes. Do make room for some slippers though. You're not going to want to be wearing your heavy shoes indoors after a day on the mountain, you're going to want to slip into something warm and fuzzy to relax in. Here in snow country most people remove their outdoor shoes at the door so they don't track snow and ice and mud in. When visiting It's common practice to slip your boots off at the door and be in stocking feet. Note to self, bring warm fuzzy socks too!
Bathing Suit. Most of the hotels or condos come with a hot tub. If you're going to be using a public hot tub it's good manners to wear a bathing suit. Soaking in a tub under the stars after a long day on the slopes is the ultimate way to relax. The air outside is icy cold and there might be snow piled up around the tub, but you're toasty warm and oh so relaxed! If you didn't pack a suit, you're probably not going to run out and buy one just for the evening but you'll regret not being able to take advantage of the tub. Of course, if you have your own private tub, well then how you dress is up to you!
Goggles and Sunglasses Bring both. You may be planning to wear your goggles while you're playing on the mountain, but for hanging out at the base on the deck or walking around you're going to want your sunnies. Make sure both your goggles and your sunglasses have good UV protection. Remember the sun is going to be bouncing off the snow all around you and throwing more UVs at you than you might realize even on cloudy days. Also, you're going to be at altitude and yes the sun is brighter and more intense! Protect your eyes, they can get burned just like your skin.