9 things you need to make the most out of a ski trip

Skiing can be expensive—but it’s for a good reason. Investing in the best supplies and gear will make your time on the slopes safer and more comfortable. But whether you’re traveling far for some fresh, powdery snow or taking a weekend trip to a nearby ski resort by car, it can be difficult to make sure you’ve considered all the skiing costs and necessities. While we’ve talked about what to wear on the slopes, there are other things you might not even realize you need.

As a person who skis on the icy northeast slopes with their varied—sometimes extreme—weather conditions, I’ve experienced many regrettably dramatic moments on the slopes, which could have been prevented by proper packing and preparation. Based on these experiences, here’s my advice about what to pack to make your next ski trip smooth, pleasant, and anxiety-free.

1. A pair (or pairs) of toe and hand warmers in case of frigid weather

Cold weather usually doesn’t stop skiing from being enjoyable—except when the temperature drops to single digits. There was a time I desperately needed toe warmers because it was freezing outside, but the base lodges were completely sold out. And if you have cold feet or hands, you should always prepare yourself with some toe and hand warmers regardless of the weather conditions.

A pro tip I learned from a stranger I met while skiing: Put your toe warmers on top of your socks instead of the bottom as instructed. This will give the pads greater exposure to oxygen, allowing them to work more effectively.

• Get the HeatMax Toasti Toes Foot Warmers, 40-pair on Amazon for $29.74
• Get the HotHands Hand Warmers, 72-pair on Amazon for $29.98

2. Some glove and sock liners to keep you sweat-free

Although we can probably all agree that there are too many ski garments to keep track of, liners are so crucial for maximizing comfort and warmth while skiing. As someone who is guilty of skipping liners for convenience, I’ve found them extremely helpful on cold days—they can keep my hands and feet dry throughout the day. When I ski without liners, I can sometimes feel my hands drenched in sweat, which is unpleasant when evaporation takes the heat away.

Before you purchase a pair, make sure the liners are thin enough so you can comfortably wear mittens over them. The same goes for sock liners—you want to fit them with your ski boots on.

• Get the Terramar Thermasilk Glove Liners on Amazon for $17.04
• Get the Terramar Thermasilk Sock Liners on Amazon for $16.74

3. Some shin pads for the ones with new boots

Getting a new pair of ski boots is always exciting, as the newer models are equipped with advanced technology to improve performance. Unlike breaking in a pair of new shoes that sometimes results in minor annoyance, trying to break in new ski boots can be agonizing to watch.

Though the best suggestion is to go see a boot specialist, not all ski resorts have professionals on-site to look after skiers in pain. In situations like this, shin pads can, in the short-term, alleviate the pain so you won’t waste an expensive lift ticket. If you have old boots and they fit perfectly, there’s still a chance you may need shin pads because of swollen legs from traveling.

Get the Calf Support Shin Protectors, 2-pack, on Amazon for $17.99

4. A bathing suit for aprés ski relaxation

I think I need to tattoo “bring bathing suits” on my forehead based on how often I manage to forget them when I go on ski trips. As many accommodation options—from budget-friendly lodges to luxury chalets—have some form of a fitness center that may include a pool or sauna, you should bring a bathing suit so you can reward your exhausted body after a strenuous day on the mountain.

Get Men’s Quick Dry Bathing Suits on Amazon for $18.99 Get Women’s One Piece Swimsuits on Amazon for $25.98

5. A pair of pole tips to protect your stuff

As the tips of ski poles are made of sharp metal that can dig into the snow easily, they can pose some danger to the other garment and gear that you pack with them. Putting a pair of rubber tips on ski poles can greatly reduce the chances of the sharp tips piercing your expensive snow gear.

Get the TrailBuddy 6-piece Rubber Pole Tips on Amazon for $6.75

6. An Instant Pot that can cook for an entire family

Food is one of the biggest costs on a ski trip when traveling with a family. If your rental has a kitchen, chances are it’s not fully-equipped to make cooking easy. With an Instant Pot, or one of the other best multicookers we’ve tested, you can cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner in one device without worrying about needing other kitchen tools. If you’re not sure what to make, these Instant Pot recipes with five or fewer ingredients can help you come up with a menu.

Get the Instant Pot Ultra, 6-qt on Amazon for $109

7. A portable cooktop that helps you grill and sauté with ease

Regardless of how much we adore our favorite multicooker, it has its own limitations. This sleek-looking, portable induction hot plate can grill meats, flip pancakes, fry eggs, and sauté vegetables, which gives you some more versatility beyond the Instant Pot. The hot plate base comes with fitted pans and accessories for different cooking tasks. Its compact size makes it ideal for travelers to bring on the road without taking up too much space in the car.

Get the A4Box for $249 (Save 10% with the code REVIEWED)

8. Some reusable sandwich bags for on-the-go snacks

Whether you’re packing snacks for short stops or you’re bringing sandwiches for lunch on the slopes, using reusable bags can reduce waste and help save the environment. These sandwich bags from Lunchskins are the best ones we’ve tested—they’re easy to use and can hold up over time. They’re also dishwasher-safe and quick-drying, which is ideal for ski trips when you don’t have a lot of time.

Get the Lunchskins 2-piece Reusable Sandwich Bags on Amazon for $10.99

9. Some winter car necessities in case of a storm

This is not strictly ski-related, but no matter which means of transportation you’re taking, it’s likely you’ll be behind the wheel at some point. Oftentimes, snowstorms can be unpredictable, so you may want to bring a snow brush, scraper, and other winter gear so that you can get your car up and running after it’s covered in snow and ice. In the past, I’ve had our car buried in snow and frozen in ice. Both were no fun—but thanks to these tools, we were able to get out of these situations relatively quickly and safely.

Get the Subzero Snow Brush and Scraper on Amazon for $8.29

Winters can be dark and long. As a person who looks forward to skiing as soon as the leaves turn red, I find skiing to be the perfect cure for my winter blues. However, there are many other ways to beat the winter blues and stay healthy throughout the cold months that don't involve expensive gear—experiment and find what's right for you!