Packing Tips & Tricks From a Professional Ski Bum

Posted 5 years ago

So you have finally made the decision to visit British Columbia eh? Welcome, folks! I truly hope you enjoy every inch of this beautiful province. Before you start packing, let me share with you a little secret about skiing and snowboarding in the mountains - mother nature calls the shots. There truly is something more to these mountains.

Some days you can watch the storms roll in from down the valley, and let me be the first to tell you that it is nothing short of remarkable. Imagine this; nine o’clock on a bright and crisp morning, loading the lift before the sun even rises. In the village and up the first chairlift gazing up to a mix of sun and cloud with a tint of soft baby blue in the distance. Gradually rising above the clouds on the second chair, looking down the valley, surrounding mountain peaks reveal the sky blanketed by fierce grey clouds rolling in creating low visibility, and snowflakes the size of confetti - it would be rude not to celebrate and you most definitely don’t want to miss out on the party!

So now without further ado, here’s how to prepare yourself for the ski trip you’ve been eagerly awaiting. Step one: don’t make the common mistake of under-dressing. Be sure to pack your outerwear in your carry on and NOT your checked baggage. Check out this video on how to fold your jacket and to maximize the space in your carry on with the one and only Marie Kondo.

Although we always hope it never happens to us, the truth is lost luggage is a always a concern, and you don’t want to be stuck with next to nothing when you get here. If you are traveling from one extreme temperature to the other, do yourself a favor and pack a few essential items in your carry on such as:

socks
thermal pants
thermal long sleeve
ski jacket
snow pants
goggles

Afterall, it is always better to be warm and comfortable than cold and empty handed. Step two: Check the weather for the duration of your stay. Prior to arrival, you can sign up for Panorama’s daily snow report that will keep you up to date with what’s happening weather wise around the mountain. Step three: for the best results, continue scrolling down to make your life a little easier by using my packing checklist! Arrive fully equipped for every condition and enjoy each minute of it all!

THINGS TO PACK

Carry On

Passport
Wallet
Headphones
Universal adapter
Laptop & charger
GoPro / camera & charger
Phone charger
Reading material
Sunglasses

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Gum
Deodorant
Shampoo
Hair brush
Lip balm
Hand wipes
Make up

Underwear
Socks
Base layer pants
long sleeve
Fleece
Winter jacket or shell
Snow pants
Boots
Gloves / mittens
Toque / beanie

Travel Documents & Funds

Passport
Visa
Driver’s license
Insurance
Emergency contact info

Airline tickets
Wallet
Cash
Credit Card(s)

Ski Apparel

Thermals & base layers
Pants
Long sleeve
Turtle neck
Thin fleece
Heavy fleece
Jumper / sweater / pullover
Ski Jacket

Ski Accessories

*Star items listed below are available for rent so if you do not own more than half of this gear, renting might be the route to take. This also leaves you with more room in your suitcase.*

*Helmet
*Skis or snowboard
*Boots
*Poles

Ski hat
Face mask or Buff
Ski gloves
Glove liners
Thick socks

Panorama also offers equipment for X-country skiers and snowshoers! It is not common in Canada to rent outerwear. There is a great outlet on the resort to purchase all the gear you need.