Essentials to Pack for a Winter Ski & Snowboard Trip in Lake Tahoe

It just so happens that Heavenly Mountain Resort is (literally) in our backyard, so we get a lot of skiers and snowboarders coming through our hotel lobby. There’s nothing more exciting and invigorating than visiting Heavenly or one of the other amazing ski resorts in Lake Tahoe, like Sierra-at-Tahoe. However, if you’re relatively new to the sport or it’s been a while since you strapped on some skis, figuring out what to pack for your ski or snowboarding trip can be a challenge. Not packing the right gear can make for a miserable, cold time, and no one wants that! We’re here to help! Here are some of our essential items to pack for an epic and memorable Lake Tahoe ski or snowboarding trip.

Layers

Colder temperatures mixed with the warm California sunshine, high altitudes, and physical activity can make dressing appropriately a challenge. Layering your clothes is the key to a successful day on the slopes in Lake Tahoe — no matter what the temperature ends up being. When packing, break your winter clothes into four main categories: a base layer, a middle layer, an outside layer, and your accessories.

• Base layer. This layer goes under everything and should be lightweight and keep you warm. Avoid cotton and go for moisture-wicking materials that will help keep you dry throughout the day.  
• Middle layer. For this layer, you want clothing items that keep you warm but are easy to get on and off as the temperature fluctuates. Think fleece zip-ups, vests, and light jackets.
• Outside layer. This is where you want waterproof or water-resistant and insulated gear, including a jacket or parka and ski pants. Your jacket or parka should be long enough to cover your back and bum and prevent skin exposure and snow from getting down your pants should you wipe out.
• Accessories. These are the finishing touches of your ensemble. You’ll likely want a scarf, hat or winter headband, and gloves. We recommend touchscreen-compatible gloves so you can use your phone and camera without having to expose your hands to the cold.

Gear

Of course, a successful trip means you need quality gear, including boots, a helmet, poles, skis, or a snowboard. For that reason, we obviously needed to include it on this list.

However, skis and snowboards aren’t cheap and they can oftentimes be difficult to travel with on planes or in smaller vehicles. Because of that, many athletes opt to rent their gear from the lodge, resort, or nearby shop, which is a nice convenience. Deciding whether to rent gear or bring your own along is completely up to you. However, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Quality ski gear is expensive. Many spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. If that’s not in the budget or you don’t spend a lot of time on the slopes, it may make more sense to pay the daily fee for rentals — usually $25-$50 per day. For avid skiers, purchasing may be more cost-effective in the long term.
• Kids grow quickly, which means they’ll likely outgrow their boots, skis, and other gear before the next winter season. With that in mind, it is generally cheaper to rent gear for youngsters, especially if they’re not frequent skiers/boarders or trying it for the first time.
• There’s nothing better than a good fitting pair of boots. While rental locations may have options, they may not fit as well or be as warm as ones you purchase yourself — which can lead to discomfort and even injuries. You’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet during your winter trip, so we often find that boots are worth the investment.

If you’re staying at Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, you can take advantage of our Heavenly Ski/Snowboard Shop and Ski/snowboard valet for securing and storing your gear.

Sunscreen

Just because it’s not summer doesn’t mean the sun isn’t shining! In fact, the snow can be rather deceiving and cause many skiers to forget to pack and wear the necessary skincare products. However, even when it’s cold, remember that you’re spending a good chunk of the day outside on a (hopefully) sunny day. Protect yourself and your loved ones against harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen on exposed skin (especially faces) while you’re out on the slopes.

Moisturizer & Chapstick

Along the same lines, spending time in the cold winter wind can also cause windburn and chapped cheeks and lips. A good moisturizer or moisturizing lotion can help keep your skin hydrated throughout the day and prevent any discomfort. The same goes for packing some chapstick for your lips and applying it throughout the day. Oftentimes you can kill two birds with one stone by finding a high-quality moisturizer and chapstick that also have SPF protection as noted above.

Hand & Foot Warmers

These nifty little packs are relatively cheap, easy to pack, and come in handy when spending time outdoors. Keep some handy in your pockets for a little extra warmth during the day. They’re great for when you’re taking a break or riding the gondola.

Waterproof Case & Strap for Electronics

If you plan to bring your phone or camera out on the mountain with you, we recommend investing in a good waterproof case to help protect it. Your smartphone can easily fall into the snow and get wet, leading to water damage and costly repairs or replacement. Plastic zipper bags also work in a pinch, but offer much less protection.

While we’re on the subject of electronics, we also recommend finding a case for your camera or phone that allows you to add a strap. While it may seem like overkill, we’ve seen a lot of expensive electronics get dropped from the Heavenly Gondola or hit the ground when someone loses their balance on the snow or ice. A strap can come in handy when your smartphone or camera accidentally slips through your gloved hands.

Also, don’t forget to throw those chargers and a power strip in your bag as well. That way everyone can easily get charged up after a long day on the slopes.

Other Skiing Tips & Tricks

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes time to plan your Lake Tahoe winter vacation. While you’re packing and planning for your skiing or boarding adventure, keep the following in mind…

• Make sure you have all the essential items with you. Many basic grab-and-go items can be found at our snack and sundries shop, but there are certain irreplaceable items you won’t want to forget at home — like medications, credit cards, and important travel documents. In fact, many stores are going cashless now and require id’s to make reservations. Double-check that you have them before heading to Lake Tahoe!
• Check all rules and regulations. Every airline, car rental, and hotel is a little different as far as what they do and do not allow. Read through all the TSA regulations and other rules to make sure that your luggage and personal items all meet specifications to avoid any hassle during your travel. Don’t hesitate to contact for specifics about traveling and storing skis.
• While generally available on-site, buying snacks and toiletry items ahead of time can save you money. Consider easy to carry, non-perishable snacks that you can take out on the slopes with you, like nuts, granola bars, and water bottles.
• If bringing your own gear, consider shipping your skis and poles or board to your hotel ahead of time rather than traveling with it. There’s also 24/7 ski and board check for your convenience.
• Make sure you book any ski/snowboard rentals or lessons ahead of time to guarantee availability. Many ski resorts are requiring reservations and limiting capacity in 2020.

Start Packing For Your Winter Vacation in Lake Tahoe Today!

If you’ve already booked your ski trip to Lake Tahoe, great! We can’t wait to see you out on the slopes. Download our complete packing list to help make sure you have everything you need for your epic adventure.

Download our Complete Ski/Snowboard Trip Packing List Now

If you haven’t planned your trip yet, what are you waiting for? Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel is located right in the center of some of the best skiing in the world. Check out our Winter Specials for the best rates and come play with us!  

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