The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List

First and foremost, when you are visiting Austria in winter, layers are the key. It is important not only if you are skiing but also that layers help keep you warm and dress for weather changes during the day.

The Base Layer regulates your body temperature and wicks moisture away- keeping you warm in winter. The Base layer should be high-quality and breathable.

Insulation Layer keeps you warm and traps heat from your body. This layer can include thermal tops and bottoms, sweaters/jumpers and fleece jackets. 

We recommend that you choose items that have dual purposes. Layering two light sweaters/ jumpers or light sweaters/jumper with a long-sleeved shirt will ensure that you are warm, but also, two light sweaters/jumpers layers are more versatile as they can be worn separately and combined with other clothes, and they also occupy less space in your suitcase than thick, bulky sweaters/jumpers.

The Shell Layer protects you from the wind, rain, and snow. In winter, outerwear should be water—and wind-resistant and insulated

Ski and Snowboard Clothing

Many skiers rent their equipment at the Ski Resort.

You will want to rent your gear if you do not ski often or if this is your first time. If you are flying from overseas, it tends to be more convenient than transporting the gear.  Renting also has the advantage that you can try the newest models of skis.

At some ski rental shops, you can also rent clothes.

To find where to rent skis, the easiest is to ask your accommodation for recommendations or do a Google search for [Ski resort name] + Ski rental. 

The main ski rental shops are the sports shops such as Intersport, Bründl, Hervis and Sports 2000.

Top Tip: Book your ski rentals in advance. This is necessary, especially during peak times. Many ski rental shops also offer discounts by booking online.

Ski Clothing and accessories.

♦ Ski jacket is your outermost layer and plays a key role in keeping you warm and your enjoyment level. Ski jackets can vary in price from budget-friendly to eye-wateringly expensive fashion statements.  Pick a Ski jacket that is comfortable, not too short- not too long to impede your skiing.  I like Ski jackets with many pockets for my snacks, phone and my ski ticket.

♦ Ski pants /Salopettes is your outermost, waterproof, insulated layer, keeping your legs dry and warm.

Note: A minimum waterproof rating of 5,000mm for ski jackets and pants is good for skiing and snowboarding in cold but clear conditions.  5-10,000mm is ideal for those who spend long days skiing in all weather conditions.

♦ Thermal layers. There are many types of Thermals for skiing. We recommend, at minimum, wearing a thermal top and bottom under your ski jacket and pants. Depening how cold it is, we will layer a sweater/jumper or fleece over the thermal top.

Merino wool is a popular choice for base layers with its natural heat-regulating and moisture-wicking abilities. There are many synthetic fabric thermals that are popular with skiers as they are both sustainable and cost-effective.

♦ Ski socks are designed to be worn with ski boots. They are longer than everyday socks and also thicker at the shin and toes to help protect you at boot pressure points.

Off the Ski Slope – Casual Clothing

Austrian Ski Resorts are fairly casual places. So jeans/trousers and a nice shirt or jumper will suffice for most places.

St Anton, Lech, Zürs, and Kitzbühel tend to cater to a luxury crowd.  So, if you are planning dinner in a Michelin-star restaurant or want to blend in with the Euro-rich, you may want to up your game and have classier trousers or dresses for women. 

Top Tip: Travel Capsule Wardrobe and Layering

To minimise the amount of luggage, especially in winter, when you need heavier outer layers, it is essential to try to use a travel capsule wardrobe approach. A capsule wardrobe is a combination of clothes that can be worn in multiple combinations. Choose clothes in neutral colours that are easy to mix and match and add colour with accessories.

Layering allows you to carry less in your luggage while being prepared for the weather.  This method means you don’t just bring clothes from one climate, but everything you pack should be wearable in any weather.

Casual Ski Resort Clothes

♦ Winter jacket- this may also be your ski jacket

♦ Non-slip winter boots

♦ Winter scarf and winter hat

♦ Gloves or mittens

♦ Microfleece jacket – If it is cold great to layer under your winter jacket.  If it is a warm day in the valley, the fleece layer may be enough to keep you warm.

♦ Warm winter socks

♦ Casual shoes

♦ T-shirts / Tops / Tank tops- great for layering under long-sleeve shirts, sweaters for extra warmth

♦ Long-sleeved Shirts /Tops

♦ Jeans / Trousers   If you get cold easily, you can buy fleece-lined jeans or trousers

♦ Warm Sweater / Jumper / Cardigan

♦ Dressy/Classy outfit – If you plan on going to nicer restaurants or performances

♦ Thermal base layer top/Thermal leggings

♦ Sports outfit- if you plan on using sport facilities

♦ Swimsuit for pool and spa

♦ Undergarments /Pyjamas

Miscellaneous

♦ Hand and Toe warmers

♦ Sunglasses

♦ Backpack

♦  Sunscreen and Lip Balm

Read our other Austria Ski Guides