Budget Weekend Ski Trip: Complete Packing List

Clothing & Layers: What to Pack

Base Layers (Bring Your Own): Thermal underwear, synthetic or merino wool. Cotton kills—it holds moisture and chills you. Pack 2 sets for a weekend (one to wear, one clean).

Mid Layer (Bring Your Own): Fleece or synthetic puffy jacket. Provides warmth without bulk.

Outer Shell (Bring or Rent): Waterproof ski jacket and pants. Bring if you own; rent if you don't ($30-40/day). Buy budget options ($100-150/set) if skiing 3+ weekends per season—they pay for themselves.

Gloves/Mittens (Bring Your Own): Waterproof, insulated. Bring 2 pairs—one always gets wet. Budget option: $20-30 at outdoor stores.

Neck Gaiter & Beanie (Bring Your Own): Essential for warmth. Cheap ($10-15 each) and reusable for years.

Socks (Bring Your Own): Ski-specific socks (thin, tall, synthetic). Cotton socks cause blisters. Pack 2 pairs for weekend.

Equipment: Rent vs Buy

Skis & Boots (Rent): Unless you ski 10+ days/year, renting is cheaper than buying, maintaining, and transporting. Rental packages cost $50-80/day (skis, boots, poles). Budget rental shops in town charge $30-50/day but require transport.

Helmet (Bring if You Own, Rent if Not): Safety first—never skip a helmet. If you own, bring it. If not, rent ($10-15/day) or buy budget model ($40-60)—pays for itself after 4 rental days.

Goggles (Bring Your Own): Clear vision is critical. Buy budget goggles ($30-50) with UV protection and fog resistance. Sunglasses work on sunny days but goggles are mandatory for snow/wind.

Poles (Rent, Included with Skis): Don't buy—rentals include them.

Food & Snacks: Save $50+ Per Day

On-mountain meals are expensive: $15-25 for burgers, fries, and drinks. Two days of resort dining costs $60-100 per person. Bringing food cuts this to $10-20 total.

Pack These:
• Sandwiches (PB&J, deli meat—avoid freezing)
• Granola bars, trail mix, fruit
• Reusable water bottle (fill at fountains)
• Thermos with hot coffee or soup

Strategy: Eat breakfast at lodging (included or self-made), pack lunch for the mountain, and dine at budget restaurants in town for dinner ($15-25 vs $30-50 on-mountain).

Lodging: Where to Save Big

Ski-in/ski-out lodging costs $300-600/night. Budget alternatives:

Off-Mountain Hotels/Motels: $80-150/night, 10-20 min drive. Requires parking ($25-40/day) but total cost is still lower.

Hostels: $30-60/bunk in shared rooms. Whistler, Banff, and Montreal (for Tremblant) have hostels. Great for solo travelers or groups.

Airbnb/VRBO: Split costs with friends. $200-300/night condo for 4-6 people = $50/person/night.

Midweek Stays: Sunday-Thursday lodging costs 30-50% less than weekends. If flexible, ski Monday-Tuesday instead of Saturday-Sunday.

Miscellaneous: Small Items That Matter

• Sunscreen & Lip Balm (Bring): SPF 30+ prevents burns. Reapply after lunch.
• Hand/Toe Warmers (Bring): Chemical heat packs ($1-2/pair) save cold days. Pack 2-3 pairs.
• Duct Tape (Bring): Emergency gear repair (torn jacket, broken binding). Small roll fits in pocket.
• First-Aid Kit (Bring): Band-aids, ibuprofen, blister pads. Saves $10-15 buying on-mountain.
• Reusable Shopping Bag (Bring): Carry groceries, wet clothes, dirty boots. Versatile and free if you already own.