Winter Travel Guide: Ski Destinations & Packing Tips
Best Destinations to travel this winter? We’ve got you.
Dreaming of fresh powder and breathtaking peaks? Whether you’re planning your next ski trip to Breckenridge, Park City, or Stowe, or beyond, we’ve got winter travel tips to make it seamless. From packing advice to choosing the best destinations, let this guide inspire your next adventure. Let's dive in...
Breckenridge, Colorado & Ski Resort
Breckenridge, Colorado, is a must-visit for any winter travel itinerary. Known for its “High Five,” Breckenridge Ski Resort spans five peaks, offering 35 lifts and 187 trails. If you’re a beginner, there’s approximately 10% of the mountain you can practice on, while expert trails cover about 35% of the mountain.
With nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and close to 400 inches of snowfall each year, Breckenridge is one of the best places to travel in winter. Almost 3,000 acres in area, Breckenridge gets close to 400 inches of snowfall each year. Enroll the kids in private lessons and enjoy a guided tour of the mountain, or explore the charming resort shops between runs. Satisfy the shopping urge at one of the many resort shops. Or set out on a 3-day trip to explore the entire mountain with Breck staff to guide you.
Ski Resorts in Stowe, Vermont
For East Coast skiers, Stowe, Vermont, ski resorts are the ultimate winter getaway. At Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont’s highest peak, you’ll find 116 trails, 12 lifts, and an average of 314 inches of snowfall. This mountain has solid beginner options on 16% of the mountain. If you want to push the envelope, almost one-third of the terrain is for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
Whether it’s your best friend’s bachelor party or a family-friendly trip, Stowe, Vermont, ski resorts offer lessons for beginners and additional adventures to challenge the daredevils.
Skiing at Park City Mountain Resort
Utah’s claim to “the best snow on earth” rings true, especially when skiing at Park City Mountain Resort. Located in Park City, Utah, this destination boasts 330 trails, 40 lifts, and over 7,300 acres of skiable terrain—making it a winter travel favorite.
Park City is second to none when it comes to a memorable winter experience. There’s shopping downtown, specialized candy shops, and a long season to enjoy every last snowflake. Fly into Salt Lake City and your destination is a short 45 minutes away, with cozy lodges and terrain for every level.
Winter Ski Trip Packing Guide
You’ve picked a place to go for your snow skiing trip and booked your tickets; now the next step is packing. At Away, we’ve designed products to hold everything you need for the perfect ski vacation.
What To Bring on a Ski Trip
Figuring out what to pack for a ski trip might seem intimidating--luckily, we've got a winter travel packing list of the most important items to bring:
- Ski clothing: Pants, jacket, gloves, thermal underwear, light pullover, ski socks, sunglasses
- Ski equipment: Goggles, helmet, sunscreen (a necessity, believe it or not), hat, water bottle
- Off-slope clothing: Waterproof winter jacket, snow boots
- Snowboard or ski gear: Skis or snowboard with bindings, boots, and poles
While the slopes can get warm as you work up a sweat, downtown areas might be brisk. Pack for layering and don’t forget a swimsuit for relaxing in a hot tub or heated pool after a day on the mountain.
How to Pack for Winter Travel
Packing for a ski trip doesn’t have to be complicated—but, we’ll admit, skis and snowboards aren’t exactly carry-on friendly. For convenience, we recommend travel products designed to handle the outdoors, like our Carry-On Boot Bag 55L, which keeps ski equipment organized while doubling as a compact carry-on.
If you're planning a trip with minimal luggage, here’s everything you need to know to pack light and smart—without sacrificing the essentials.
Winter Travel with Only a Carry-On
Traveling with just a carry-on isn’t just possible; it’s packed with perks:
- Skip the Lines: Say goodbye to check-in counters and baggage claim for a smoother airport experience.
- Avoid Extra Costs: Save on checked bag fees and dodge the stress of lost luggage.
- Travel Light: Keep things simple while still bringing everything you need.
If you plan to rent ski equipment at your destination, packing all your winter clothes in a carry-on is a great way to streamline your trip.
Smart Packing Tips for Ski Trips
The key to packing light is to get strategic:
- Wear Your Bulky Items: Travel in your coat, boots, and layers to save carry-on space. Once on the plane, you can shed layers and store them under the seat, in your personal item, or in the overhead bin.
- Choose Versatile Pieces: Pack thermals, ski pants, and mid-layers that you can rewear. For a long trip, plan to use laundry services.
- Maximize Your Personal Item: Use a medium backpack to hold toiletries, electronics, gloves, and even smaller gear like goggles or hand warmers.
Our Top Travel Solutions for Winter Trips
1. Carry-On Boot Bag 55L
This water-resistant bag is designed to carry your boots, helmet, goggles, and up to two days’ worth of clothes. It fits most carry-on size requirements and pairs perfectly with a small personal item for extra packing space. Ideal for short trips or when traveling light.
2. Rolling Duffle 85L
Need to bring more for a luxurious mountain getaway? This spacious bag is the perfect checked luggage for winter ski trips, accommodating gear, layers, and outfits for evenings at the lodge. Durable and easy to maneuver, it’s the ultimate companion for extended trips.
3. The Hanging Toiletry Bag
Keep accessories and essentials organized and separate from your clothing for tangle-free travel. It’s compact, functional, and made for easy access on the go.
Additional Packing Tips for Ski Trips
Whether you're using carry-on luggage or checking a bag, these tips will help you pack efficiently:
- Roll Your Clothes: Save space and prevent wrinkles.
- Compress Bulky Items: Use the signature compression system in all of our luggage options to squeeze in those larger items.
- Protect Fragile Gear: Pack goggles in their case or tuck them inside your helmet, or padded pocket of the Carry-on Boot Bag 55L.
Winter Travel Essentials
Don’t let packing stress take the fun out of your winter trip. Our Carry-On Boot Bag 55L and Rolling Duffle 85L are designed for convenience, durability, and style—helping you hit the slopes or relax fireside with ease.
Explore the full Outdoor Collection today, and gear up for your next snowy adventure.