We only ski once a year, but we’ve been skiing as a family for over 20 years — first just me and my husband, and then adding the boys once they got older. After two decades of annual ski trips, we’ve learned exactly what to buy before you hit the slopes so you stay warm, comfortable, and organized without overspending or overpacking. This list covers the real gear, clothing, skincare, and travel essentials we rely on every single year.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to shop through them — at no extra cost to you. I only share products we personally use for our annual family ski trips (20+ years and counting), and every recommendation here reflects real items we rely on. Thank you for supporting No Point Left Behind and helping me keep this Lazy Girl travel content free.
Lift Tickets & Passes
Before you buy anything else, make sure your lift ticket strategy is set — it’s the biggest cost saver for families and beginners. If you’re skiing more than a couple of days this season, the Epic Pass can save you a ton of money — especially for families. Keystone, Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, and more are all included. Our family only skis 3 to 4 days a year, and we buy the day passes, and it is the number one way we save on skiing!
👕 Clothing & Layers
These are the exact layers we use every year. You don’t need fancy gear — just warm, waterproof basics that keep you comfortable all day.
Fleece or mid-layer
Neck gaiter or balaclava
Ski gloves or mittens
Beanie or ear-covering hat
🧴 Skincare & Hydration
Mountain air is dry, and your skin will feel it. These are the products we pack every single year to stay moisturized and protected.
Sunscreen (yes, even in winter!)
Hydration packets or electrolyte mix
Moisturizer for dry mountain air
Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream is a personal favorite
Check out my full Lazy Girl Ski Trip Shopping List on Benable — everything we use every single year.
🎿 Gear & Accessories
Whether you rent or own, these are the essentials you’ll want on the mountain and around town.
Helmet
Ski poles + skis (rent or buy) yttttttkkkkk9e1×3/8-j/mk
Snow boots for walking around town
Shoes for hot tub/pool days
Bathing suits for hot tub/heated pools
Check out my favorite suits- I personally own all of these →
🧳 Travel Essentials
These are the little things that make ski travel easier — packing, staying warm, and keeping everything organized.
Hand warmers
Reusable water bottle
Snacks for the room
Check out my Laz Girl Travel Gear here →
You may also like:
Lazy Girl Travel Gear — My full list of travel essentials I use on repeat.
Hyatt Place Keystone Review — Where we stay every ski trip + how we save with points.
We Live in the South — Why the Epic Pass Still Saves Us Hundreds — The real math behind our ski savings.
Start Here: Lazy Girl Beginner Guide — If you’re new to points, start here.
Credit Card Strategy — How we earn enough points to travel 12–15 times a year.
About Julie Davis:
Julie is a travel‑hacking mom, creator of No Point Left Behind, and the voice behind the Lazy Girl Travel Smarter system. She travels 12–15 times a year using points and miles, and has helped her parents (the blog’s unofficial mascots) travel for nearly two decades without overspending. Julie and her family have been skiing once a year for over 20 years — first as a couple, then with their boys — and every recommendation in this guide comes from real experience on real trips.
Follow along for simple, comfort‑first travel strategies anyone can use.
