Packing List for a Colorado Ski Trip

A ski trip to Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Vail or Beaver Creek means cold mornings, bright sun and towns that sit well above 9,000 feet. Packing well makes the trip easier from the first chairlift to the last après stop. Here is a practical list for visitors heading to Colorado's high country this winter.

Dress in layers

Mountain weather changes quickly, and a cold, windy morning at the top of a lift can turn into a warm afternoon at the base. Layers let you adjust as you go:

• Base layer: a long-sleeve top and bottoms in merino wool or a synthetic fabric that pulls moisture away from your skin. Skip cotton, which stays wet and cold.
• Mid layer: a fleece or light insulated jacket for warmth.
• Outer layer: a waterproof, windproof ski jacket and ski pants.
• Ski socks: one thin or medium pair at a time. Thick or doubled socks can make boots tight and feet colder.
• Gloves or mittens, a warm hat for town and a neck gaiter or face covering for windy lifts.

Sun protection matters up here

The sun is strong in the Colorado mountains. According to the World Health Organization, UV levels rise about 10 percent for every 1,000 meters of altitude, and fresh snow reflects much of that light back up at you. Even on a cold or cloudy day, pack:

• Sunscreen with a high SPF, and reapply it during the day
• Lip balm with SPF
• Ski goggles for the slopes and sunglasses for town
• A small tube of moisturizer, since the mountain air is dry

Gear: bring it or rent it

If you own skis or a snowboard you love, bring them, but you don't have to. Every ski town in Summit County and the Vail Valley has rental shops, and many will fit boots and set up equipment the day before you ski, so you can head straight to the lifts in the morning. Renting also saves you from paying airline baggage fees for bulky gear.

Whether you rent or bring your own, a helmet is a smart choice, and most rental shops offer them. Boots are the one item worth extra attention: a good fit makes a long day much more comfortable.

The small things visitors forget

• A reusable water bottle to keep with you on the mountain and around town
• Hand and toe warmers for the coldest days
• Boots with good tread or slip-on traction cleats for icy sidewalks and parking lots
• A phone charger or small battery pack, since cold weather drains batteries quickly
• A small backpack for layers and snacks
• Swimsuit for the hot tub at your lodging
• Your lift pass or ski resort app, set up before you arrive

Plan an easy first day

Many visitors fly in from near sea level, so plan an easy arrival day: drink plenty of water, go light on alcohol, get a good night's sleep and save the big ski day for the morning after. Talk to a doctor about any medical questions before your trip. If you are driving up, see our guide to driving I-70 to the mountains in winter.

One more thing you don't have to pack: Peak Oxygen delivers in-home and portable oxygen concentrators to homes, condos and hotels across Summit County and the Vail Valley. It is for recreational use at altitude and no prescription is needed. Deliveries do not require you to be present, so it can be waiting when you arrive. See the towns we deliver to, compare rental options, or book your delivery.