□ Helmet 

• Make sure it fits securely and comfortably

• Look for safety features like MIPS 

• Keep an eye out for venting features or audio-compatibility 

□ Goggles 

• Match goggle and helmet brands to ensure seamless fit 

• One hybrid lens to cover most conditions  

• Low-light lens for storm days

• Bright-light lens for high-sun days  

• Choose magnetic lens-swap systems for easy switching 

□ Baselayer Top & Bottom 

• Merino wool for warmth + odor control 

• Synthetic for durable, cost-effective performance 

• Heavyweight for frigid days, lightweight for milder ones 

• Stay away from cotton 

□ Midlayer 

• Fleece for breathability 

• Synthetic insulated jackets for warmth in wet weather 

• Down midlayers for cold, dry climates 

□ Ski/Snowboard Jacket 

• Shell for versatility (add layers underneath) 

• Insulated for consistently cold resorts 

• 3-layer waterproofing for best performance and breathability 

• 2-layer waterproofing for cost-effective performance 

• Powder skirt + zippered vents recommended 

□ Ski/Snowboard Pants Or Bibs 

• Uninsulated shell pants for layering flexibility 

• Lightly insulated pants for those who run cold 

• Bibs for better coverage and snow protection 

• 3-layer waterproofing for best performance and breathability 

• 2-layer waterproofing for cost-effective performance 

□ Ski/Snowboard Socks 

• Lightweight for performance 

• Midweight for warmth 

• Merino blends preferred 

• Padding/cushion can help mitigate boot pain 

□ Gloves Or Mittens 

• Insulated gloves for moderate temps 

• Mittens for cold-sensitive hands 

• Lobster (hybrid) mitts for warmth + dexterity

• Five-finger gloves for ultimate dexterity 

• Backup pair for wet-glove emergencies 

• Heated gloves for extra cold hands 

• Thin liner gloves for added warmth 

□ Neck Gaiter Or Balaclava 

• Lightweight breathable options for mild days 

• Fleece or merino for cold days 

• Full-face balaclavas for storm riding 

• Backups in case your primary wets out 

□ Beanie  

• Comfortable, stylish beanie for après 

• Backup beanie for your friend who forgot one 

• Keep one in your jacket so you have it for lodge breaks 

□ Sunscreen & Lip Balm 

• High-SPF sticks that pack small 

• Mineral formulas for sensitive skin 

□ Snacks 

• Pocket-friendly snacks: waffles, gummies, energy bars 

• Pocket bacon, beef jerky, trail mix 

□ Toe Warmers 

• Heated socks are a great option 

• Heated footbeds within your boot are also excellent 

□ Personal Items 

• Phone + protective case 

• Wallet/ID/pass 

• Lift pass holder

□ Skis 

• All-mountain skis for varied terrain 

• Frontside carvers for groomer-focused days 

• Powder skis for storm cycles 

• Shorter skis with a softer flex for beginners 

□ Bindings 

• Make sure your bindings and boots have been mounted and tested by a certified ski tech 

• DIN range matched to your weight/ability (your ski tech should set this) 

• Your ski tech will also ensure your boots and bindings are compatible 

• Don’t have a ski tech? Find a Backcountry store near you

□ Ski Boots 

• 75–90 flex for beginner/intermediate 

• 90–115 flex for intermediate/advanced 

• 115+ flex for advanced/expert 

• Size up for comfort, down for performance 

• Heated insoles/footbeds for cold feet

□ Ski Poles 

• Aluminum for durability 

• Carbon for lightweight feel 

• Adjustable-length poles can be nice for experimenting with different lengths 

□ Ski Tuning & Tools 

• Rub-on wax for quick parking lot applications 

• Edge sharpener for on-the-fly tune ups 

• Multi-tool for binding adjustments and gear repairs 

□ Boot & Gear Bags 

• Ventilated boot bags that fit your helmet, goggles and gloves 

• Great way to stay organized even for locals 

• Rolling ski bags for traveling 

□ Extras 

• Mouthguard

• Avalanche beacon if skiing advanced terrain during active snow cycle 

• Ski lock for lodge racks 

• Theragun for recovery on the ride home 

• Packed lunch 

• Small pack with multi-tool, spare parts, and first-aid 

□ Snowboard 

• All-mountain boards for everyday riding 

• Freestyle boards for park laps 

• Powder shapes for deep days 

• Wide boards for big boot sizes 

□ Bindings 

• Strap-in bindings for most riders 

• Step-on/quick-entry systems for convenience 

• Softer flex for freestyle, stiffer for carving 

□ Snowboard Boots 

• Single-BOA for simplicity 

• Double-BOA for precise dual-zone fit 

• Traditional lace for maximum customization 

• Look for heat-moldable liners for comfort 

□ Board Tuning & Tools 

• Rub-on or liquid wax for quick parking lot applications 

• Edge tool for on-the-fly sharpening 

• Binding tool for quick adjustments. 

• Spare screws + washers (always a good idea)

□ Board Bag 

• Ventilated boot bags that fit your helmet, goggles and gloves 

• Great way to stay organized even for locals 

• Padded travel bags for flights 

□ On-Mountain Extras 

• Stomp pad for easier lift unloading 

• Leash (if required at your resort) 

• Small pack with multi-tool, spare parts, and first-aid 

• Board lock for breaks at the lodge 

• Mouthguard 

• Avalanche beacon if riding advanced terrain during active snow cycle 

• Theragun for recovery on the ride home 

• Packed lunch