The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List
Planning your Austrian Ski Trip and need to know what you should pack. Here is a list that will help you decide what to pack for your Ski Trip to Austria so that you do not forget any of the essentials.
Our ski trip packing list covers all the essentials for skiing and snowboarding.
I’m Tammy, an Austrian local living in a charming ski resort, with a love for snowy slopes, cosy chalets, and après-ski hot chocolate.
I spend my winters skiing from sunrise to sunset and discovering the best gear, packing tips, and insider hacks to make every trip seamless. Through The Ultimate Ski Trip Packing List, I share my expert advice so you can enjoy the slopes fully prepared and stress-free.
Join our Newsletter
This article may contain compensated links. See our full disclaimer here. If you purchase through any of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
The commissions help us provide valuable travel tips and guides for free. Thank you!
Join the Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group
Follow us on:
Top Tip: Layers
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.
The Shell Layer protects you from the wind, rain, and snow. In winter, outerwear should be water—and wind-resistant and insulated.
TOP TIP: 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.
Ski and Snowboard Clothing
Skiing needs a lot of gear and clothing, and it is easy to forget something.
If you forget something, do not panic.
All ski resorts have ski shops; sometimes, if you are coming from a warmer climate, it may be cheaper to buy some winter gear in Austria.
Top Tip: The grocery stores Hofer (Austria) and Aldi, as well as Lidl, sometimes offer affordable ski gear. You can also look for second-hand shops.
Ski Gear:
- Skis and ski poles or snowboard
- Ski Boots or Snowboard boots
- Helmets*
*In Austria, children under 16 must wear a ski helmet.
Wearing helmets is highly recommended for everyone and you will see only a few people not wearing helmets on ski slopes in Austria.
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.
♦ Ski Gloves or mittens are specialized gloves designed for skiing. They are insulated, weather-resistant and have a waterproof membrane. They also usually feature a loop or device to make a secure connection between your gloves and ski poles (so you do not have go chasing a runaway ski poles)
♦ Ski goggles protect your face and eyes by blocking cold air, snow, and ice particles. Ski goggles have an adjustable strap and should fit snuggly over your helmet and tight against your face.
♦ Neck warmer / Balaclava
♦ Warm winter hat
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
Designed by Freepik
General Clothing
♦ 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
♦ Thermal base layer top/Thermal leggings
♦ Undergarments /Pyjamas
Extras
♦ Dressy/Classy outfit – If you plan on going to nicer restaurants or performances
♦ Sports outfit- if you plan on using sports facilities
♦ Swimsuit for pool and spa
Miscellaneous
♦ Hand and Toe warmers
♦ Sunglasses
♦ Backpack
♦ Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Join our Newsletter
Skiing in Austria
Skiing on Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See
© Schmittenhöhebahn AG
Skiing on Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See
© Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus
Guide to Austria Glacier Ski Resorts
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier © Kitzsteinhorn & Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG
Packing Tips
Europe Packing Tips
Autumn Packing List
Christmas Market Packing List
Ski Trip Packing List
Wanderlustria's Austria Trip Planning Service
Expert advice to help you plan your Austria holiday.
Book an Austria Trip Planning Consultation
We help you plan your dream Austrian holiday.
The Wanderlustria Trip Planning Service provides advice on everything you need to know about planning your holiday to Austria- from hotels to tours, where to get the best tickets, train and road trips and share our favourite places and activities to ensure your Austria holiday is memorable.
Find the perfect Austria Travel Consultation for you
Austria Travel Inspiration
Austria at Christmas
Skiing in Austria
Summer in Austria
Austria in Autumn
Austrian Cuisine
Austria Travel Inspiration
Click on one of the topics below to start planning your dream trip to Austria.
Austria at Christmas
Skiing in Austria
Summer in Austria
Transport Guides
Wanderlustria's Templates and Guides
Austria Trip Planner
90+ page Austria trip planner printable includes customisable templates and checklists to help you research, compare, and organise every detail. From travel inspiration to planning logistics, this downloadable guide is your one-stop toolkit for the perfect Austrian holiday.
Start Planning Now
Vienna Christmas Market Itinerary
The Ultimate Vienna Christmas Markets Itinerary is a printable PDF guide with all the essential information and three day-to-day itineraries visiting the Best Vienna Christmas Markets.
Our 60+ pages guide has all the information you need to plan your Vienna Christmas Markets Holiday- from where to stay, to what are the best Christmas Market Foods and Souvenirs.
Buy Here
Visit our Shop for more information about Wanderlustria's Guides and Templates
Follow AustriaTravelPlanning by Wanderlustria
SAVE this PIN so you can read later
Chief Wanderlust’er and Austria travel expert, I’m on a mission to help you uncover the magic of Austria — from fairytale cities and alpine villages to awe-inspiring landscapes and rich cultural traditions.
As the founder of Austria Wanderlust Travel Planning, the Austria Travel Planning Facebook Group, and director of Wanderlustria eU, I provide trusted tips, local insights, and curated resources to make your Austrian adventure seamless, authentic, and unforgettable.