What to Pack for Your Ski Trip to Tahoe

In the winter months, Tahoe has about 300 days of sunshine and more than 400 inches of snow meaning you’ll likely be gliding down the slopes on a powdery bluebird day. It’s hands down the best destination for a ski trip in California. 

When staying in a ski-in/ski-out vacation rental like Wander Tahoe Slopes, you’ll have a trail right on the property. You can grab your ski gear, hit the Timberline trail right behind the house, and ski-in to the Northstar California Ski Resort with world-class ski equipment and amenities.

If this is your first ski trip, you’re in great hands. We’ll make sure you have everything you need before hopping on a plane out to your vacation home. If you left something behind, don’t worry, even frequent skiers forget essential things sometimes. 

Personal Items

Photo by Vlada Karpo from Pexels

First thing’s first, pack all your personal belongings together into a secure and organized place. These are the items that give you peace of mind. While you can make a quick stop in town to get other items on this packing list, these are the things you won’t want to leave behind. 

• Passport 

• Itineraries/tickets/passes

• Driver’s license 

• Prescriptions

• Phone

• Phone charger

• Laptop

• Sunscreen 

• Lipbalm 

• First Aid Kit

• Powerbank/portable charger

• Snacks

• Money/Wallet

• Hygiene products

Casual Non-Ski Clothing

Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels

There’s a lot to do in Tahoe and you probably won’t spend every moment of your vacation on the slopes. Don’t forget your pajamas for a lazy day around the vacation home, and swimwear for a dip in the hot tub after a long day on the slopes. You’ll also need casual clothes for après ski at the lodge and a tour around the historic town of Truckee.

• Winter jacket 

• Thermals

• Underwear

• Leggings

• Pants 

• Boots

• Socks

• Loungewear/pajamas

• Swimwear

Check out our experience guide for things to do in Tahoe. We even created a Tahoe food guide for all foodies out there, and if you’re looking for something lavish, definitely check out our list of upscale restaurants in Tahoe. 

Ski Thermals/Base Layer

Photo by SHVETS production from Pexels

In the three-layer clothing system for skiing, every layer serves an important purpose. Think of your base layer as your second skin. It’s just as important as your outerwear.

• Thermal pants/leggings

• Long-sleeve top

A lightweight moisture-wicking base layer absorbs sweat and keeps you warm and comfy so you can spend more time on the slopes. You’ll want to bring two or three layers if you plan to have multiple ski days. That way, you won’t have to worry about spending your vacation washing ski gear.

Mid Layer Ski Clothing

Photo by Al Elmes on Unsplash

• Fleece

• Insulated jacket

Your mid-layer is the extra layer of protection between your thermal and our layer. It adds extra insulation to trap warm air, keep you insulated and protected from the elements. For warmer ski days, you might not need all three layers of ski clothing. Throw your fleece or jacket into your backpack as a backup.

Ski Outerwear

Photo by Glade Optics on Unsplash

You’ll want to bundle up with a lightweight, breathable, warm ski jacket that has wind-repellant and water-repellent exteriors. That way, you won’t get wet, weighed down from the snow, or hit with the icy wind on the slopes. This is arguably the most important layer so you’ll want to invest in quality outerwear.  

Ski Pants

Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

• Ski/Snowboarding pants/Salopettes

• Bib

The right snowboarding pants are lightweight, breathable, wind-repellant, and water-repellant. These should be flexible to give you the most mobility when you’re ripping the slopes. A bib is also a great option for people who want extra protection or more storage pockets. 

Face Covering

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

• Neck Warmer/Gaiter

• Ski mask

Keeping your neck and face warm is another great way to stay cozy so you can maximize your ski day. A neck warmer/gaiter or a ski mask will do the trick to block icy winds.

Accessories

• Skull Cap/Beanie

• Gloves

• Socks

• Water bottle

• Sunglasses

• Backpack

Smaller ski accessories like your beanie, gloves, and socks are easy to forget, but leaving them behind can be a major inconvenience. Take a backpack with you so you can safely store all your small items in one place while traveling.  

Ski Gear

Photo by Jeremy Bezanger on Unsplash

• Skis

• Ski boots

• Poles

• Goggles

• Helmet

Whether you’re a pro, ripping up the slopes, or a newbie on the bunny slopes you want to have quality ski equipment for safety. If you don’t have your own ski equipment, you can rent top-of-the-line skis, poles, ski boots, helmets for adults and children from the Northstar Ski Resort just 4 miles away from Wander Tahoe Slopes.

You can pick up your rentals slopeside or they can deliver them directly to Wander Tahoe Slopes. They’re located at 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161,  and their number is +1 530-562-2267.

Dog Supplies

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

• Leash

• Harness

• Food and water bowls

• Airline approved carrier for small dogs

• Treats

• Toys

Wander loves animals! – it’s even in our policy. If you were considering taking your furry best friend along, we highly recommend it. There’s plenty of room for them to run around at Wander Tahoe Slopes. Northstar Ski Resort is also dog-friendly.

Just a heads up, dogs aren’t allowed to ride ski lifts or gondolas for safety reasons, but well-behaved, leashed dogs to roll around in the snow and roam the village with you. Check out our picks pet-friendly activities you can try with your furry buddy instead.

Are you ready for your Lake Tahoe adventure? Don't miss out on a 2-hour cruise with your family, or hit up the local sustainable food scenery for an unforgettable experience!