Vail Ski Trip Packing List

December 16, 2024

I’ve been going to Vail nearly every year of my life so packing for a trip out west is almost formulaic at this point. I pack pieces ready for the slope, ready for après ski and ready for days spent off the mountain. Cozy sweaters, great leggings, comfy and warm pieces – the Vail Valley vibe is put together yet casual for most locals and visitors alike.

If you have any ski trips on the horizon this winter, I hope you’ll find this list helpful! And don’t miss my Vail Valley Guide.

Vail Ski Trip Packing List

I am all about coziness and comfort when on a ski trip. The following are the best of the best when it comes to staying warm but also stylish no matter what your itinerary holds.

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1. Jenni Kayne Saturday Sweatshirt and Sweatpant

A buttery soft matching lounge set is a must for a ski trip! It’s super cozy without looking sloppy, and perfect for lounging around after a long day on the slopes. 

See it on HERE. Wearing a M in both pieces.

2. Jenni Kayne Cashmere Crewneck

This luxe cashmere crewneck was a staple for me on my recent trip to the French Alps! It’s perfectly oversized to wear with leggings or belt with a skirt. I sized down to a S as it is quite oversized.

3. Varley Fair Isle Sweater

Another knit I love is this Nordic inspired Fair Isle turtleneck from one of my favorite athleisure brands. You’ll notice I like to stick to a neutral color palette, but I love a bit of visual interest from the pattern. Especially when sticking out underneath a jacket!

4. Everlane Oversized Cloud Turtleneck

I’m all about comfort on the mountain, so I like to pack a comfy oversized turtleneck to pair with everything from leggings to denim. I own this one in a M.

5. White + Warren Cashmere Socks

Cozy socks after a day on the slopes are THE BEST. I also like to gift them to new moms as they just feel heavenly to slip on.

6. J.Crew Cashmere Wrap

This scarf is so gorgeous, it elevates any cold-weather look. Great as a blanket on a plane and then perfectly stylish as a scarf for any outfit on a ski trip.

This one from White + Warren is slightly larger and a personal favorite! I never travel without it.

7. J.Crew Ribbed Cashmere Beanie

I like tucking a beanie into my ski jacket to pop on for lunch or après ski or to wear underneath my helmet while on the slopes.

8. J.Crew Cashmere Texting Gloves

When you’re not wearing ski gloves, something lighter like these cozy but practical gloves are a must. 

9. Patagonia Down Jacket

My favorite casual (but warm) jacket for the mountains! I’m also a fan of the Everlane Puffer Coat as well – size down. 

10. Varley Sherpa Zip Jacket

For a cozy mid-weight layer, you can’t go wrong with a cozy sherpa jacket. The Varley brand has so much good outerwear.

11. Sweaty Betty Base Layer Top and Leggings

This soft, ultra light, and sweat-wicking base layer is perfect for wearing under ski pants. 

I also own and like the Uniqlo Heattech line.

12. Lululemon Align Leggings

An all time favorite leggings. So soft and moldable it’s like wearing nothing!

These Athleta Elation tights are another buttery soft option. See them on in my recent Athleisure Gifts to Give and Get guide.

Related: All My Favorite Leggings

13. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

For days off the slopes, I love wearing these with oversized sweaters. They pair particularly well with a pair of lug sole boots, as seen here.

14. Freda Salvador Lug Sole Boot

A favorite of mine for years, these water resistant lug sole boots are perfect for exploring town or daytime excursions! Comfortable enough to wear all day, but sturdy enough to handle inclement weather. Plus they are so lightweight which makes them great for travel. 

You can use code WITWHIMSY15 for 15% off your first purchase. 

15. Ugg Boots

Uggs are a skip trip must in my opinion. There is nothing better than coming out of ski boots and slipping into UGGs.

So comfy, so warm and so plush. My most worn boot when in Vail! There are so many other styles back in fashion now — like the Ultra Minis, the Ultra Mini Platforms, and of course the Classics!

As for skis, poles and helmets, I personally always rent these on-mountain. I usually ski in a similar white North Face jacket, but I also love this chic belted option from Halfdays!  

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Even More Ski Trip Pieces

 

Have you ever been to Vail? I’d love to hear your favorite spots!

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comments +

  1. Cynthia says:

    Love the black and white color palette. Simple. I need to pick up some of the uniqlo base layers for an upcoming snowboard trip.

  2. Lauren says:

    Will definitely refer to this guide when I pack for Vail next month! Currently on the hunt for ski pants – would you say the Protest pants kept you warm against wind/snow?

    • Meghan says:

      Definitely warm enough! It was 2 degrees one day and I was all good. But size up – they run a little tight. I bought two pair and kept the best size. Asos has free and easy returns.

  3. Lynne says:

    What are your suggestions for a spring ski trip??

    • Meghan says:

      Hi Lynne – You may be able to ditch the base layers and hat as it’ll be a bit warmer but but still cold up top so just plan to be able to layer as needed!

  4. Bea says:

    First, I thought the photo on the top right was Reese Witherspoon! Lovely.

    Thanks so much for this post. I’m going to Vail in December with seven high-school girlfriends to celebrate our collective 50th birthday (well, 50th redo. It was last year, but with Covid, it doesn’t count). Your packing list is perfect for stylish women of any age. Classic and timeless. It’s a lifesaver because I live in Miami, FL, and the last time I went skiing was in 2002! I don’t have heavy-winter clothes, so I pretty much have to get a whole new wardrobe for Vail, from scratch. Oh no. How terrible. Forced shopping… Thanks again!

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