One of the challenges of a ski vacation is packing. Especially if you’re traveling with a family, the amount of stuff you have to take can be overwhelming. If you’re traveling by car, its tempting to load it to the gills. If you’re traveling by airplane, you’re limited by how much you want to pay in baggage fees and how much you can handle as you trek through the airport. Either way you go, you need a strategy for limiting the stuff and maximizing the use of what you bring. Today, I cover the “soft stuff” — clothing. Tomorrow, the “hard stuff” — ski gear.
Carry-On Size Suitcases — The Perfect Size
For many years, even before the advent of baggage fees, our family has had a carry-on only policy. We started because our airport sometimes closes or has delays because of weather — not only in our town, but in connecting cities such as Denver or Salt Lake. If we’re carry-on only, we can easily switch flights, and carriers, and get to our destination. While you can’t carry on both your ski gear and all your clothes, it’s still a good idea to try to limit yourself to carry-on size bags. Packing takes time. The less you pack, the more time you have.
Double-Duty Baselayers
Some of my favorite ski clothes do double-duty and are perfectly serviceable for going out to dinner and rippin’ through powder (usually in that order). For years, I had boring black base layers. Then a couple of years ago, I discovered Neve Designs’ vintage print 1/2 zips. Well made from wool, silk and lycra, these tops are too cute to cover up and look great with jeans when you’re not skiing. If you’re not into vintage, Neve has more up-to-date baselayer designs as well.
I also have some new striped baselayers from Columbia Sportswear’s Omni-Heat collection and bright pink wool from Icebreaker (and while the Omni-Heat is great on cold days, ultimately wool baselayers will smell better day after day, which means you don’t have to pack as many).
While these are my favorites, lots of outdoor companies make baselayers that look like street clothes. Let your long undies peek out from under a cute sweater (or rock the bottoms with a skirt and boots). Speaking of boots, take one pair that’s good indoors or outdoors and travel in them. Boots take up tons of space, and while I agree that you can’t have too many pairs of boots, let one pair do it all on your ski vacation.
Warm the Core
Another double duty item to take is a vest. I’ve tried wool, soft shell, fleece and now down. And for compact packing, warmth and style, I’m going with down this season. While you probably wouldn’t want to go out to dinner in your ski pants (they make too much noise when you walk, if nothing else), a down vest easily moves from slope to condo to restaurant.
My husband has skied with a vest under his coat on the coldest days for year. Why? Because a vest will keep your core warm. And when your core is warm, so are your extremities, like your hands and feet. A warm core, helped out by a vest, will keep your fingers and toes warm much more effectively than any number of liners, handwarmers, or extra socks.
While I like the thin profile of softshell under a jacket, I think down vests are ultimately much warmer. Down squashes pretty well and fits under most coats, so adding a vest underneath will keep your body temp up without constraining your arms or shoulders.
Of course, if you’re going to wear the vest on the street and off the slopes, it needs to look good. While many companies make low profile, quite warm down vests, they often look too functional to go out to dinner. This season, I’m wearing Patagonia’s Down With It Vest. This Patagonia vest is not too puffy and has a detachable, furry lined hood, that is adjustable. The waterproof shell is made of recycled materials and filled with light goose down. There are two outside zipper pockets and one interior zipper pocket. The vest comes in four different plaids, from a creamy neutral that I wear to a more bold black, magenta or teal plaids. I wear mine all the time, indoors and outdoors — anytime I want to look good and feel extra warm.
Tomorrow: The “Hard Stuff” — Traveling With Your Ski Gear and The Brave Ski Mom Packing List
Patagonia Down With It Vest Giveaway
Win your own Patagonia Down With It Vest! To enter, please leave a comment sharing your tips for packing light and how you get double duty out of your ski clothes. One winner will be chosen from all comments in a random drawing on January 17, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. MST.
This giveaway is co-sponsored by St. Bernard Sports and Effective Spend, an internet marketing agency in Austin, TX, who manages St. Bernard Sports’ search engine optimization and online marketing efforts. To facilitate a product review, I received a Down With It vest. As always, all opinions expressed in this post are my own and are exactly what I would tell me family and friends.
This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Christy!
© 2012 – 2017, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
Bring The Kids says
To conserve space, we pretty much just wear baselayers everywhere. Our kids don’t know the difference between them and a regular shirt so it’s never an issue. As far as packing light goes, I’m bad. I always take TONS of extra clothes because I know the second that I don’t someone is going to pee their pants on the chairlift, and that’s a pretty quick way to ruin the day. I just try and fit it all in one bag so at least it feels like less (even if the bag weights a TON)
braveskimom says
I agree — one big bag can be easier for one parent to manage. When the kids get bigger and can pull their own bag (or where a backpack), it makes it so much easier!
Kellie Rose Wilson says
Layering is key so I will normally wear my heaviest coat and sweater and then pack lots of thin layers that don’t take up a lot of room! I also have a HUGE carry on bag for things that won’t fit in the suitcase!
braveskimom says
Great tip about wearing your heaviest sweater. Thanks!
carrie engle says
First, thank you for the stickers! Birmingham, AL moms now have them to sport on our vacation. I appreciate the packing advice as I am starting to gather everything for our trip. My best tip is travel space bags! It is amazing how much air my husband can roll out of our bags and it makes packing so much easier! Since, we fly it also helps with the amount bags we have to carry! I label each bag with the name of the person it is for so when we get to our destination it goes in their room and we are ready to go. The travel bags are a must as you do not need a vacuum cleaner! Thanks for the advice!
braveskimom says
You’re welcome Carrie! Glad you like the stickers. Tell me more about the travel space bags? Where do you get them? Thanks!
Steph says
Thankfully living in Salt Lake means we don’t have to worry about packing lots of bags to go skiing. But we do like to stop for a beer and/or dinner on the way down the canyon and I just make sure that I have cute base layers on so I can shed down to black legging type pants and some cute layered tops. The Patagonia vest would be a great look!
BTW, hoping to get more stickers out as we get more snow. Been to Snowbird a lot but only because the kids are in ski school there. Hoping you find lots of great powder this winter!
braveskimom says
You too Steph! I love your ideas about ski to dinner. Let me know if you need more stickers! Kristen
Kim Hull says
I always wear one pair of high-quality pull-on boots – easily off and on at the airport and no other shoes needed anytime off the slopes. The ones I still wear (Bogner) I actually purchased at St Bernards in Dallas & I still have people stop me and ask where I got them.
Cool vest – I wear a vest under my coat on any cold ski day and in town at night. Happy skiing!
braveskimom says
I want to see those boots! Which ones are they? Cheers!
Jenny says
Use my down coat as a pillow and baselayers as jammies:)
braveskimom says
You sound like a backcountry goddess to me! Hardy, practical soul. Good luck!
Vickie says
It’s not secret that extra air fare for bags is a hassle , so I roll all my tops and jackets in a roll, so it takes much less space and ready to hang on put in drawers when we arrive. I put undies in my boots, holds more than you think and also works well for make up to jewelry . Would love the the vest to mix and match so I would look oh so stylish on the slopes or off! Lol. Thanks for all the great newsletter information.
braveskimom says
You’re welcome!
Carrie Engle says
http://www.amazon.com/Travel-Space-Saver-Bags-Bags-Travel/sim/B003LTW992/2
Here is a website for the space bags. I buy mine at Bed, Bath, and Beyond with 20% coupon! Hope this helps.
braveskimom says
Thanks Carrie!
Christy Fry says
Cute vest. Love your article. I obviously need to go shopping!
braveskimom says
Better yet, win this vest! Good luck!
Kristen says
We own a tineshare out West, and even though we only own a “week”, they let us store our stuff out there. If you don’t live close to skiing, it helps just to keep your stuff there. I am also, like Carrie, a recent lover of Space Bags! I found a bulk pack at Costco or Sam’s Club. Most ski towns are jeans and boots, so we also wear our boots. And always book a condo with a washer/dryer!
braveskimom says
Such a good reminder about the washer/dryer! Thanks!
Jeana Clary says
I use the air space inside my ski tube to stuff rolled up Hot Chillys, extra thick socks, scarves, beanies, and whatever else fits! That, along with space bags and wearing many layers and my heaviest ski parka and pair of boots on the plane, helps me save space and weight on my other bag!
braveskimom says
Great idea! Lots of space bag loyalists out there. Glad to know about them. Thanks!
Joel Schaefer says
Wearing your underwear inside out double the life. My tip for saving space…..
braveskimom says
Hmmm…..sounds like a guy! :0) Good luck!
Amelia says
We definitely use baselayers and fleece pants for skiing AND everyday wear (does that make us weird?!?! ;)) And totally agree about the merino wool stuff – the no-stink factor is HUGE! Thanks for a great giveaway!
braveskimom says
You’re welcome…and no, you’re not weird!
Peggy Link says
Down is my all-time favorite! I grew up with Holubar down sleeping bags (made right here in Colorado), and my down ‘sweater’ from Mt. Hardwear is my current favorite.
Peggy
braveskimom says
Haven’t yet tried a down sleeping sweater, but love, love, love down sleeping bags! Good luck.
Trish Mahre says
I am going to have to check some of this out. I am a terrible packer for winter time, but a pretty decent packer for the rest of the seasons. Now I just need to find a winter destination and a cute down vest with baselayers to head out…
merino wool- no stink? Love it. May they need to make them into soccer shinguards for our stinky soccer bag, too.
braveskimom says
Wool shinguards would be a huge improvement, if not very practical. Leave the stinky soccer bag at home and go skiing!
Linda Williams says
If I’m flying, instead of paying baggage fees to transport my skis to and from my destination, I just rent/demo skis when I get there. Depending upon how many days you ski, sometimes the rental fees are just as much as paying airline baggage fees both ways. And you get the opportunity to try out some new skis!
Your packing tips are very timely and much appreciated! I’ll need them when I pack for my trip the weekend after next! 🙂
braveskimom says
Thanks Linda! Hope the packing goes well!
Amy says
We use base layers as clothes and jammies. I never leave out the camelbak…my kiddos are little enough that having snack and water ready at all times is priceless. I don’t pack many options. Lots of great baselayers can even be handwashed at night and ready to wear in the morning…gotta love the dry mountain air. Really, we live in base layers and swimsuits. All the extras are mittens, hats, etc…not too overwhelming.
braveskimom says
I agree with your camelbak assessment. And thanks for the reminder about wash and wear!
Gretchen Lee says
Cute! I’m sure you looked good during your fall too! quick recovery!
braveskimom says
Thanks! Still swollen – can’t run, but a ski boot is pretty much a walking cast anyway. Cheers!
Christina Hughes says
I like to travel with merino wool turtleneck sweaters because they pack small but still keep you warm. We pack the long underwear and turtlenecks around the skis in the ski bag and stuff the ski socks into the boots. Any other small items get tucked in any extra space around the boots. We also pack the neck-up, goggles, and mittens inside the helmets. We wear our apres ski clothes more than once since you’re only in them for a few hours!
braveskimom says
Good point about Merino wool. So warm and can be reworn again and again! Also like your point about apres-ski clothes. Thanks!
Catherine says
The best thing to do is to have both base layers and top layers that can do double duty on the hill and off. That means forgoing the cute, light sweater for something nice that also keeps you warm at the top of the lift. And my best advice, if you are flying with your gear, is to keep your skis clean and pack base layers and socks in with your skis. Most ski bags have a lot of unused room and it can often help protect ski poles from baggage handlers.
braveskimom says
Really good tip about keeping the skis clean — and protecting poles by padding with clothes! Thanks!
Jennifer C. says
We pack light by realizing that we won’t wear more than 1/2 of the stuff we pack and we can always buy something when we get there if we have too. We no longer travel with our own pillows to save space and we try to just take carry on bags whenever possible. We rent our skis and snowboards when we arrive to help reduce luggage on the plane!
braveskimom says
So true — 1/2 of what we take doesn’t get used either. Thanks for the tips!
Michelle says
We too pack clothing items in our ski bags and boots!
braveskimom says
That seems to be a popular (and worthy) strategy! Thanks!
Heather says
aaaaahhhh vests are my all-time #1 go-to item during the winter! That and my Uggs. Our pack list on weekends is that the boys & I each get a daypack for “clothes” (ski bags are permanently packed w/ boots, gloves, helmet, goggles, etc.). We wear a pair of jeans, comfy boots, baselayer w/sweater or hoodie (the boys), plus a vest or jacket. We pack another pair of jeans, long underwear (double as pj’s), a couple of pairs of ski socks, apres ski hat, fleece or another sweater, and a tee or two to relax in. In the car and out the door. Now we just need more snow in Colorado!!!!
braveskimom says
Great tips – permanently packed bag, and going light! I’m doing a snow dance, I hope that helps!
Sara says
I love faux fur vests! they keep ur core warm and are fun for a night out. When packing i put heavier things like shoes on top of my puffy ski clothes to pack them down as small as possible!
braveskimom says
Great idea about squishy the puffy clothes. That is one thing I love about down. So squishable — it gets tiny! Thanks!
Melissa Edge says
We wear merino wool layers that are thin and can be worn multiple times since they don’t hold in odors. Also pack stuff in boots and only bring what’s necessary. We can always purchase things at our destination. BTW: LOVE vests in the winter. Great for layering, too.
braveskimom says
Isn’t merino wool great? Thanks!
Tanya koob says
Our last ski trip over new year’s I packed outdoor clothes, one pair of jeans, one nice sweater, and pjs. Done. When I’m not skiing I just live in my pjs. We get a condo and eat in so I don’t have to impress anybody with my fashion. Agree with one pair of boots plus ski boots. I always fly in my hiking boots even though I feel dumb in airports. They take up too much room in suitcases.
braveskimom says
Condos are great — save money eating in, don’t have to fight crowds or wait for a table with tired kids — and you can wear your pjs! Thanks!
Beth says
I love your blog. I try to read it when I have time and then I feel bad that I don’t ski more. When we go on a big trip we bring those single laundry detergent packets (just one or two) and pack a lot less. We always have the backup of being able to do wash in the sink, but we never do and just were our base layers over again. I usually always wear something different at night, it just feels good to change out of them after a day of skiing.
braveskimom says
Don’t feel bad! I wouldn’t want that! Great idea about having a “do-laundry” backup. I’m with you, need something different to wear at night! Thanks.
Brenda says
would love to win the vest, I wear them all the time, although mostly fleece ones. This would be a nice change. I’m not great about packing light, but I do try to use all the space I can by stuffing ski/snowboard boots with socks, and stuffing every corner of the ski and snowboard bags with clothing, which helps to pad them too.
Suzi says
It’s all about the layers and double duty pieces. If you have access to a washer pack 1/2 of what you’ll need and do a load while your there. Wool clothing/socks can be aired out over night and reworn.
braveskimom says
great reminder about Washing Machines! Can’t live without ’em!
Kim says
Just thought today that a vest would have worked great with our really cold weather at Silver Mountain, ID.
braveskimom says
So helpful to have that extra layer — especially up north!
Amber says
Don’t have to travel far to the condo at the hill. 1 1/2 hrs but pack light as the hike in is uphill – no drive in and park; its park and hike but worth it. Everyone carries their own pack, base layers double as lounge wear, underwear, jammies, and toiletries – just the essentials, hike in our winter boots and ski wear. Equipment stays at the condo; also lug in a cooler bag or two of food and a few goodies from the store. Dining out is in ski wear!
braveskimom says
I want to know more about this hike-in condo! Sounds like an adventure!
Kristi says
I pack light by packing less! It seems I end up wearing the same things over and over again so I make sure to only pack my absolute favorites. Depending on the trip, you can always visit a dry cleaner or laundromat to get things washed. I only bring a packable, squishy ble coat that is also warm and layers. I rarely bring sweaters- they take up too much room and with all the great synthetics and wools, rarely do you need a big bulky sweater. I also save space by bringing running shoes and wearing cute boots. That’s all you need!
braveskimom says
You are so right about sweaters. Thanks!
Tara- ski mom & teacher says
Packing light seems to be a constant battle with kids and husband in tow, although I am getting better each ski trip we take. The clothes & gear seem to be the easy part, even though I read many great tips from other comments. I plan to use them in the near future. Boot bags are a great investment and can hold all of each person’s ski paraphernalia, including extra pairs of mittens for my kids. They have been a live saver this season. My problem area is food & pantry items. I tend to grocery shop at home and take the items with us to the mountains to save money and time once we are there.
All my packing headaches would be alleviated by acquiring that darling Patagonia Down Vest! =)
braveskimom says
I agree with you — I too like to shop ahead of time and take food. But that’s the packing that gives me the headache! Here are a few tips on making that easier. Not sure a down vest will help with the cooking, but I agree it is darling! Good luck!
http://www.liftopia.com/blog/dont-hungry-tips-successful-condo-cooking/