The contents of your ski backpack might make or break your day on the slopes. A skier’s backpack will vary greatly person to person; what you might find in a backcountry skier’s backpack will look much different from what you might find in a casual downhill skier’s backpack, and every skier has their own idea of what’s necessary. In this guide, I’ll outline what I pack for a regular day on the slopes, covering all the essentials, plus a few extras.
Hand Warmers
A good pair of mittens will save you from needing hand warmers, but it’s always best to play it safe and keep a few on you in case of emergency. Hand warmers can be found in almost any winter sports store, and at the base of every resort, but it’s a good idea to pre-order these to avoid hiked resort prices.
Skin Wax/Moisturizer
Chapped skin is no joke! When skiing high altitudes, any exposed skin can quickly become wind whipped and burned. Bringing a few tubes of Aquaphor, Vaseline, or any intensive skin moisturizer will help any exposed skin stay protected from chapping under harsh conditions.
Snacks
The mid-day PB&J is a sacred ritual. Protein bars and snack bars are also a great way to avoid long cafeteria lines and high cafeteria prices, and they’ll let you stay out on the mountain longer to soak up as much powder time as you can. Lunch hour is also a great time to take advantage of shorter lift lines while everyone else heads indoors for a break.
Extra Hat
Helmet hair is a serious condition that affects most skiers\snowboarders around lunchtime or during Apres. A beanie or toque can save the day when you’re ready to hang up the skis and enjoy a well-deserved beer without sporting a birds nest on your head. My go-to has recently been the Arc’teryx Grotto Toque. It’s warm; it’s roomy, and it pairs well with my Bloody Mary’s.
Extra Lenses
If you can fit them, bringing extra lenses for your goggles is a great idea in case of lighting changes throughout the day. When the sun falls behind the mountain in the afternoon, it can suddenly make terrain changes almost invisible, especially if you’re using a lens with a low VLT. Bringing an extra lens with a higher VLT can help prepare you for any unexpected conditions and keep you out on the mountain longer.
Extra Base Layer
An extra base layer is never a bad idea, and most base layers tend to pack light. Even on a warm day, mountain climates can change suddenly and without warning. Bringing an extra base layer can keep you prepared in case of sudden changes in weather without forcing you inside for an outfit change.
Tech
A portable phone charger, headphones, and any other tech accessories tend to be low profile and easy to tuck away into small pockets. I prefer to store my phone in a ziploc bag for added protection against moisture. (It’s better to plan around the inevitable yard sale.)
Safety Gear
A first aid kit is a no-brainer and doesn’t need much explaining. You can purchase first aid kits at any resort base, or online at your preferred retailer.
Avalanches are a risk at any mountain. Even if you’re glued to the greens and the groomers, it’s important to be prepared for the potential of getting caught in an avalanche, or helping a fellow skier in distress. Unfortunately, avalanche safety gear can be expensive, but there’s a few different options available for safety gear.
A snow shovel can come handy for many different reasons, excluding just avalanches. Tree wells are a known danger at many resorts out West. A tree well happens when snow falls around the branches of a tree, creating an open well surrounding the base. When skiing treelines or glades, falling into a tree well becomes an increased risk. Once a skier falls into a tree well, the powder that surrounds a tree can fall into the well and onto the trapped skier, burying them. Having a ski shovel on hand can not only save your life, but it can also save the life of another who has fallen into a well or has become buried in powder.
Avalanche Beacons can help others locate you if you find yourself buried after an avalanche. They are expensive, but well worth it if you’re planning to ski the hard stuff out West.
Check out Backcountry’s safety gear collection here.
