Kids Ski Trip Packing List: By Age, Plus a Checklist
By Justin McKelvey · Updated
Short answer: pack kids in three layers (a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid layer, and a waterproof jacket and pants), plus wool or synthetic ski socks, waterproof mittens, a neck gaiter, goggles, sunscreen and snacks. Rent skis, boots and often helmets at the resort, since kids outgrow them every season, but bring goggles and mittens that fit. Never put kids in cotton next to the skin, and pack a spare set of gloves and socks for every child.
Interactive ski trip packing checklist
0 of 0 packed
Your checks are saved on this device. Want it as a PDF? Get the printable checklist.
The layering system for kids
Kids get cold faster than adults and won't always tell you until they're miserable. Layers let you adjust through the day.
- Base layer: long underwear top and bottom in merino wool or synthetic fabric. It moves sweat away from the skin. No cotton, which stays wet and cold.
- Mid layer: a fleece or light insulated jacket. Add a second on very cold days, or skip it in spring.
- Outer layer: waterproof, insulated ski jacket and ski pants or bibs. Bibs keep snow out of little kids' backs when they fall or sit in the snow.
- Socks: one pair of thin to midweight ski socks. Two pairs or thick cotton socks make boots tight, which cuts circulation and makes feet colder.
More detail in what to wear skiing and the best base layer for skiing.
Packing by age
Toddlers and preschoolers (about 2 to 5)
- One-piece snowsuit or bibs and jacket. One-pieces are warm but harder for bathroom breaks; bibs plus a jacket are a good compromise.
- Mittens, not gloves, with long cuffs or wrist leashes so they stay on. Pack two pairs.
- Neck gaiter or balaclava that fits under the helmet.
- Extra full change of clothes in the ski school bag, including underwear.
- Hand warmers for you, not for small hands inside mittens unless the product says it's safe for kids.
- Diapers, wipes and any comfort item ski school asks for. Check the program's list before you go.
Kids (about 6 to 12)
- Full layering system above, with two base layer sets for a multi-day trip.
- Waterproof mittens or gloves. Mittens stay warmer; older kids may want gloves for zippers and poles. See ski gloves vs mittens.
- Small snacks in a zip pocket: energy dips fast, especially in the cold.
- Name labels on everything. Ski school cubbies fill up with identical black mittens.
- A card with your phone number in a jacket pocket.
Teens
- Adult-style layers, including a warmer mid layer for chairlift rides.
- Gloves with liners, goggles with a second lens for flat light.
- Phone, charger and a small battery pack. Cold drains phone batteries fast; keep it in an inside pocket.
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm they'll actually use.
Rent or pack?
| Item | Usually | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Skis or snowboard | Rent | Kids outgrow them fast, and flying with them adds bag fees. |
| Ski boots | Rent (or seasonal lease) | Feet grow every year. A good shop fit matters more than owning. |
| Helmet | Rent or pack | Rentals are fine; pack your own if it fits well and you're driving. |
| Goggles | Pack | Need to fit the child's face and helmet; resort prices are high. |
| Mittens and gloves | Pack (two pairs) | Wet mittens end ski days. Not usually rentable. |
| Jacket and pants | Pack | Some shops rent outerwear, but hand-me-downs and ski swaps are cheaper. |
| Base layers and socks | Pack | Personal items, never rented. |
Check sizes before you book rentals with the ski size chart, ski boot size chart or snowboard size chart, and read kids' ski gear for what's worth buying.
Helmet and goggle fit tips
Helmets
- Snug, not tight. The helmet shouldn't move when your child shakes their head, and it shouldn't leave red marks.
- Sits level, about a finger's width above the eyebrows, not tipped back on the forehead.
- Chin strap snug enough that only a finger or two fits underneath.
- Try it with the gaiter or balaclava they'll wear underneath.
Goggles
- No gap between the top of the goggles and the helmet brim. A gap means cold forehead and fogging.
- Seal all around the face without pressing on the nose.
- Strap fits over the helmet, not under it.
- Pick a lens for the conditions: a darker lens for sunny days, a lighter lens for snow and flat light. See best ski goggles and best ski helmet.
Flying with kids: carry-on essentials
Bags get delayed. Put what you can't easily replace, and what you need on day one, in your carry-on:
- Ski boots if you own them, plus goggles and helmets if there's room
- One full ski outfit per child: base layer, socks, mittens and gaiter, so they can ski even if checked bags are late
- Medications and any kids' pain or fever reliever you use
- Snacks and an empty water bottle to fill after security
- Formula, breast milk and baby food: TSA allows these in carry-ons in quantities over the usual liquids limit. Tell the officer at the start of screening.
- Chargers, headphones and something to do for the flight and the drive to the mountain
Weighing whether to fly at all? See drive or fly to a ski resort.
Printable kids' ski packing checklist
| Item | How many | Packed |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer tops and bottoms | 2 sets | ☐ |
| Fleece or mid layer | 1 to 2 | ☐ |
| Ski jacket | 1 | ☐ |
| Ski pants or bibs | 1 | ☐ |
| Ski socks | 1 pair per ski day | ☐ |
| Waterproof mittens or gloves | 2 pairs | ☐ |
| Neck gaiter or balaclava | 1 to 2 | ☐ |
| Goggles | 1 | ☐ |
| Helmet (or rental reserved) | 1 | ☐ |
| Warm hat for off the slopes | 1 | ☐ |
| Winter boots with good tread | 1 pair | ☐ |
| Sunscreen and SPF lip balm | 1 each | ☐ |
| Snacks and water bottle | Daily | ☐ |
| Swimsuit (hot tub or pool) | 1 | ☐ |
| Name labels and a contact card | On everything | ☐ |
| Ski school and rental confirmations | 1 | ☐ |
If you need to fill gaps, shop kids' ski mittens, kids' ski goggles or kids' base layers.
For the grown-ups' list, see the full ski trip packing list. Keep everything in one place, including rental and lesson bookings, with the free Ski Trip Planner, and read skiing with kids for age-by-age tips on the slopes.
FAQ
What should my child wear skiing?
Three layers: a merino or synthetic base layer, a fleece mid layer, and a waterproof insulated jacket and ski pants or bibs. Add one pair of ski socks, waterproof mittens, a neck gaiter, goggles and a helmet. Avoid cotton next to the skin.
Should I rent or buy ski gear for my kids?
Most families rent skis and boots because kids outgrow them every season. Seasonal lease programs are a good middle ground if you ski often. Buy goggles, mittens, base layers and outerwear, which are cheaper to own and need to fit well.
How do I know if my child's ski helmet fits?
It should be snug without pressure points, sit level about a finger's width above the eyebrows, not move when they shake their head, and leave no gap between the helmet and the top of their goggles.
What should kids pack in a carry-on for a ski trip?
Ski boots if you own them, one full ski outfit including base layer, socks and mittens, medications, snacks, chargers and something to do. That way kids can ski on day one even if checked bags are delayed.
How many pairs of gloves should a kid bring skiing?
Two pairs per child. Kids' mittens get wet from snow play and falls, and a dry spare pair at lunch is often the difference between a full ski day and an early finish.