5 Must-Packs for a Chic Ski Weekend

From winter parkas to warm sweaters, powder-ready picks for your alpine (& après) adventures.

By Alana Wexman

January 31, 2024

Ski Getaway Packing List Sweaters Ski Getaway Packing List Sweaters

Ski Sweater

Hitting the slopes this season? Send a cozy knit to the top of your packing list. “A thick sweater is a must for keeping the cold out,” says Shopbop Fashion Director Caroline Maguire. When it comes to choosing a chill-busting sweater, there’s a piste-perfect pick for everyone. Bold graphic patterns (think fun Fair Isle or standout stripes) are your ticket to chalet-chic style, but you can never go wrong with a classic cable knit texture. As for silhouettes, “turtleneck options will keep you warmest,” says Maguire, while chunky crewnecks are also a solid choice. And here’s a pro tip: when layering up for a long day on the mountain, opt for a thinner wool style which feels toasty without adding bulk. If your sweater lineup needs a refresh ahead of your getaway, Maguire suggests options from Z Supply, Moon River, and Line & Dot as the ones to add to cart.


Long Sleeve Tee

When you’re putting together a snow-ready outfit, covering your bases (as in, base layers) is key. A core collection of insulated tops will keep you looking—not feeling—chill during your alpine adventures, so be sure to add a few to your ski-weekend suitcase. “A tight, long-sleeve shirt is a nonnegotiable to layer under your ski sweater or fleece. It’ll help you stay warm as you make your way down the slope,” says Maguire. Sub-zero temps are no match for waffle-knit thermals from THE GREAT., which double as cozy loungewear for hanging around the lodge. If you take winter sporting seriously, long-sleeve tees from Alo Yoga are equipped with plenty of stretch to keep up with your pro-level moves.

Ski Getaway Packing List Long Sleeve Tee Ski Getaway Packing List Long Sleeve Tee
Ski Getaway Packing List Winter Jacket Ski Getaway Packing List Winter Jacket

Winter Jacket

No list of mountain must-haves is complete without a toasty topper. “A ski jacket is one of the most integral parts of your ensemble, so be sure to pick one that checks all the boxes,” says Maguire. “Look out for styles that are thick and wind-resistant, durable enough to wear year after year, and (last but not least) ensure you look stylish on the summit.” From down-filled jackets that rival the fluffiest duvets, to fur-collared silhouettes that make a statement, the season's ski jacket options are endless. If you need somewhere to start, Maguire recommends checking out punchy, quilted puffers from Perfect Moment, and quintessential parkas from Canada Goose.


Warm Beanie

How to give your summit look an instant lift? Top it off with a cozy-cool hat. “Wear a beanie before and after your runs, or just to look cute while drinking your hot chocolate,” suggests Maguire. This wintry accent won’t just repel the cold—it’s the perfect opportunity to add some personality to your high-performance ensemble. Whether you match your beanie to your ski suit for a head-to-toe monochrome moment, or introduce a poppy print to your look, you’re sure to get noticed on the slopes. Get the Scandi-chic look with chunky knit hats from GANNI, while fuzzy, pastel picks from LAST are peak perfection.

Ski Getaway Packing List Winter Beanie Ski Getaway Packing List Winter Beanie
Ski Getaway Packing List Winter Snow Boots Ski Getaway Packing List Winter Snow Boots

Snow Boots

Your toes deserve to be extra toasty on a winter getaway, and a pair of insulated snow boots are just what you need. The latest pairs stepping onto the scene aren’t just practical, but thanks to utilitarian details like treaded lug soles, quilted fabrics, and toggle closures, they’re also right on trend. Depending on your aesthetic, Maguire recommends turning up the texture with shearling-trimmed boots from Inuikii, or leaning into the retro-futuristic vibe with Moon Boots’s playful, puffy pairs (we’re especially loving their standout metallic options). Silhouettes range from lower-profile to calf-height, but taller boot shafts will keep your feet extra dry while you take on powdery trails and slushy streets.