View from Hyatt Escala Lodge at Park City, Utah
by Wendy
I went skiing for the first time in high school. My family drove to the Smoky Mountains for a couple of days during Christmas break. Half of us slid down an icy hill without ski poles and falling on our rear to stop while the others went ice skating. It wasn’t pretty, but the VHS tape sure was hilarious. Anyway, I went maybe a handful of times since then to spots a few hours away. While I gradually learned to use poles, wedge to stop, ski off the chair lift without crashing and keep my balance, I still would not describe myself as a skier. But I married a skiing enthusiast, so away to Park City, Utah we go. My first trip to Utah and first attempt at skiing west of the Mississippi! Of course one of my first questions was: could I pack for this getaway using a carry-on bag only?
What to pack?
The East coast had arctic weather right before we were scheduled to leave. This was actually a good thing, as it reminded me of the importance of layering. I forget how cold COLD can be.
Second, it reminded me of function vs. fashion when you’re traveling with a carry-on. You have to make very strategic choices. Yes, the wedge ankle boots or flat riding boots with skirts would look cute apres-ski, but they are trumped by the Columbia snow boots. The latter were almost brand new. My husband bought them for me a few years ago – I think hoping they would inspire me to camp, hike and basically hang out in freezing weather. Well…ski trip is at least a baby step toward those things, right? I decided to attempt a sort of preppy/girly-grunge look centered around those boots, jeans, one black sweater dress and plaid shirts.
The snow-kickin boots that rekindled my love of winter
For the slopes, I brought thermals, t-shirts and a flannel for layering, and a pair of my husband’s old ski pants (don’t make that face – he wore them in his 20s and they fit me loose now, like a cool snow princess, ok?). I found a cute pair of Roxy googles and North Face gloves for a decent price on Zappos website, and a short puffy jacket from Old Navy. The packing list rounds out with pjs, yoga pants, one cardigan, lightweight scarf, two hats, socks (including one pair of Hot Chillys socks – so warm), bathing suit, flip flops and Converse sneakers. Oh, and cheap jewelry for a bit of sparkle (always)!
How did it work out?
Utah ended up being much warmer than we expected! Our hometown was experiencing temps in the teens, while we skied at times in a t-shirt and ski pants. Crazy. So we didn’t get the powder conditions my husband was looking forward to, but on the other hand, we were not freezing.
Overall, I’m pleased with the packing strategy. I could have packed a bit less, but wasn’t sure how many layers I would need in the mountains. The scene was pretty relaxed, lots of people were sporting the preppy/rugged-outdoorsy look, and we didn’t go anywhere really fancy for dinner. I did not wear the sweater dress, but am still a believer in packing a dress just in case. I ended up loving the snow boots and although I wore my Converse one night for variety, I could have left the trainers at home. For three days of skiing, one pair of thermal pants was plenty (I brought 2 pants total, and one thermal shirt that was too warm to wear). During the trip, I would try to parcel out items so I always had one clean shirt in reserve. For example, I wore jeans, a thin camisole, a long tunic type t-shirt and plaid flannel on the plane to our destination. Comfy, warm and kinda stylish – and then I had the flannel and camisole as backup layers if I needed them, and I used the long t-shirt as a bathing suit cover-up. I’m stating the obvious, but using items as multi-purpose helps you pack less. Sleep in a clean t-shirt, then use it the next day for skiing. A cute blouse is fine for dinner multiple nights. At the end of the ski day, I was too tired to be super creative with my outfits but would muster up a little energy to add a scarf or earrings or necklace.
It’s not the 90s, but my love for plaid flannel shirts continues
What are your top tips for packing for a ski trip…in a carry-on? Someone told me that women dress to the nines in some resorts with their diamonds and fur and such. I love dressing up on occasion – but after a day of strenuous trying not to fall down then falling then trying to get up and falling and finally back up trying not to fall again – I don’t really see that happening. I just want to wear jeans and have a drink by a fire. What do you think? Any of you ever try a modernized grunge look like I did? Ski “do” or ski “don’t?”