Vail Ski Trip Packing List

November 29, 2023

Vail Ski Trip Packing List

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. Lou & Gray Signaturesoft Sweatshirt + Sweatpants

Longtime readers know my love for this buttery soft sweatsuit. It’s super cozy without looking sloppy, and perfect for lounging around after a day on the slopes.  I recommend sizing down.

2. Patagonia Down Jacket

My favorite casual jacket. Similar look for less here. I usually travel in my Everlane Puffer Coat as well – size down. 

3. Everlane Cashmere Turtleneck

Everlane makes some of my favorite cozy pieces, this oversized turtleneck is no different. I also love this warm crewneck. 

4. Cashmere Scarf

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. J.Crew has a similar one for less

5. Ribbed Cashmere Beanie

I like tucking a beanie into my ski jacket to pop on for lunch or après ski.

6. Cashmere Texting Gloves

These cozy but practical gloves are a must! They come in multiple colors. Similar for less here.

7.  Athleta Funnel Neck Sweatshirt

Made with Athleta’s Polertec insulation fabric, this sweatshirt is smooth on the outside and warm and fuzzy on the inside. I love that it’s practical enough to wear under a ski jacket but sleek enough to wear over leggings off the mountain.

8. The White Company Cashmere Socks

These sleep socks are THE BEST. I gift them to new moms often as they just feel heavenly to slip on.

9. Sweaty Betty Base Layer Top + Leggings

This soft, ultra light, and sweat-wicking base layer is perfect for skiing. 

10. Marc Fisher Izzie Boots

The perfect boot for ski trips. Stylish yet warm and practical. Also so comfortable therefore great for walking around and traveling. I own them in two colors now. Similar look for less here and here

11. 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 styles for men, women and kids but I am personally a fan of the classics.

12. Stuart Weitzman Lowland Over the Knee Boots

My go-to boots for evenings out in Vail. They’re great with jeans and dresses alike. Look for less here.

13. Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

For days off the slopes, I love wearing these with oversized sweaters and cardigans. They pair particularly well with the Marc Fisher boots as seen here.

14. 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. Related: All My Favorite Leggings

As for skis, poles and helmets, I personally always rent these on-mountain. I ski in a similar white North Face jacket, but I also love this option from Sweaty Betty and this super vibrant jacket 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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