It’s that time of year when you can let your inner snow bunny shine. Did you plan an epic weekend on the slopes but don’t know what exactly to bring? Start the fire, grab some cocoa and read up. We’ve compiled the ultimate packing list to ensure you have the essentials to go from the black diamonds to bars.
A Good Snow Jacket
Now, let’s start with the basics. A good snow jacket is essential to keep you warm and stylish. With lots of expensive options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Always look for snow jackets that are both waterproof and warm. If you’re a little more hardcore, keep an eye out for vents; those mesh-filled openings can be a life saver when working up a sweat on the slopes!
Pants (or something like it)
If you want to bring a little extra retro fun to the ski runs, check out an all-in-one women’s ski suit. Tipsy Elves offers up great options with colors and patterns inspired by the golden age of ski fashion — the 80s! But they’re not just all about style; an all-in-one ski suit means you avoid the whole snow-down-your pants situation. You’ll thank me later, trust me.
Hand Warmers
Even with the warmest gloves, your fingers can feel frigid. Many mountains sell hand warmers on the slopes, but to avoid paying the ridiculous resort prices, try ordering some online beforehand. These handy little packets heat up when activated (or cracked like an emergency ice pack) and generate some serious warmth. If your toes want to be toasty too, you can stock up on feet warmers that slide right into your ski or snowboard boot.
A Good Beanie
Top it off with a stylish beanie to wear on and off the slopes. If you’re feeling pressed for packing space, look for one that matches both your ski and après-ski outfits. Though thick ones with pom poms on top are cute, they’re a little hard to fit under a helmet (safety first!). Thin, simple beanies work well under helmets, plus they look cute if you want to hit up the bars after.
Uggs or Slippers
Even the best boots can beat up your feet a little. Be sure to bring a pair of extra comfy shoes like Uggs or slippers for after your day on the slopes. Nothing beats the feeling of peeling off your boots and slipping into the soft, plush comfort of your favorite slippers. Bonus points for remembering fuzzy socks to go with them!
Thick Socks or Thin Socks
Ah, the great sock debate. When it comes to ski and snowboard socks, figure out what helps keep the heat in your feet. Depending on the size and style of your boots, different kinds of socks could work best for you. Some opt for the thick warmth of wool socks, but if you find them a little itchy, try switching things up. Others prefer thin socks on the slopes; it helps keep the circulation going to ensure your toes stay toasty.
Leggings
Ditch the itchy, wool long johns for something a little more functional and fuzzy. Grab your coziest pair of leggings to wear under your ski pants and pair it with a sweater back at the cabin. They’re the perfect combination of cute, functional, and comfortable.
Turtlenecks
Ladies and gentlemen, turtlenecks are back! (Not that they ever went out of style slope side.) Pack up your favorite face-hugging shirt for you to rock on and off the mountain. Not only will it help keep your neck nice it warm, but you can pair your turtleneck with a sleek leather jacket for an outfit worthy of the fanciest places in the village.
Some Themed Ski Wear
You can inject a bit of your personality into your ski wear, whether you’re hitting the slopes during the dead of winter or getting in your last run in March. Tipsy Elves offers a variety of themed skiwear that’ll definitely draw the eye while you’re shredding. From brightly colored ski suits that boast America’s red, white, and blue hues, to holiday themed options like St. Patrick’s Day clothing, this is your one-stop-shop for one-of-a-kind ski apparel.
In addition to these essentials, load up on sweaters for layering, gloves and (most importantly!) snacks, and you’re ready to hit the lifts. So bookmark that snow report at your favorite resort; you’re prepared for even the most impromptu mountain getaway. Now, you just have to get your ski legs back…
Identity Magazine is all about guiding women to discover their powers of Self-Acceptance, Appreciation, and Personal Achievement. We ask that every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the current article they have written. In that way, and as a team, we hope to encourage and motivate each other, thus inspiring you to Get All A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? Additionally, what are you still working on accepting? Now, we’re not talking about resignation, rather stepping into, embraced, and owned.
I have accepted that it is impossible to please everyone. I struggled for years to fit in with what I thought were the “cool kids,” but in the end I was unhappy because I felt I could never be my true self. I now accept that to be my true self, as an individual, means that not everyone will like me, and that I can’t please everyone. But I now understand that being myself brings to me the most fulfilling relationships.
2. What have you learned to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? On the other hand OR in contrast, are there elements of who you are that you’re still working on appreciating?
I have learned to appreciate my family more, flaws and all. When I was young, my parents had a very busy life, and struggled to just make ends meet in our family. As a result, I became resentful that they never spent enough time with my siblings and I. Now I appreciate them more, because they worked so hard for our family, and I am grateful now that I can have a stronger relationship with them as an adult and have a truly fulfilling relationship with them.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? Tell us not only what makes YOU most proud but also share the goals and dreams that you still have.
The most rewarding thing I have ever done was when I decided to study abroad in Barcelona for a semester. I really felt like I broke out of my shell. Being in an unfamiliar place where you can’t speak the language is difficult, but I gained so much confidence in myself that I can achieve my dreams in life. I still have a passion for travel. I would love to become a travel writer one day and circle the globe!
4. Of course, we all have imperfections, or so we think. In truth, we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? Likewise, what imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Sometimes, I get self-conscious that I’m too weird for people. For example, I love to spend the day inside reading books instead of partying all the time. Despite staying home, I’m actually ambiverted so I love being with people. So a lot of extroverts don’t understand that I enjoy time alone too. Not everyone gets that that is just me! I also have what I guess is a strange sense of humor. Some people call it an intelligent or witty sense of humor, and so sometimes my jokes fall totally flat. But this is all okay, because like I’ve said, that’s just what makes me, me!
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to appreciate and express all the positive traits that make you…well…YOU! In fact, sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (We assure you!) Therefore, Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I truly love my ability to connect with people through writing. To me, it’s one of the most magical things out there. It’s pretty crazy that you can create a made-up character or story and someone, somewhere, will feel like they are understood. It’s an incredible feeling. That’s why I enjoy reading. Even if I just write personally for myself, I feel empowered that I can indulge in my imagination. Finally, I love my ability to have deep conversations with people. When people open up, I feel like our souls just meet in a space of harmony. When we expose our humanity to each other, I think it’s just a very beautiful thing. Also, I can’t forget, I love my cat, Pancakes! There is simply no better pet out there.
