This is my 18th winter in Vail, and I’ve never seen a snowpack this uninspiring. It’s not early-season vibes or character building. It’s just bleak.

So I did what any snow-loving skier with a childcare window would do: I packed my bags and chased winter north to Canada.

Our initial thought was Whistler, until lodging prices politely suggested we look elsewhere. We searched through other Epic Pass mountain resorts and found Fernie Alpine Resort in British Columbia. And just when we thought we had our trip dialed, fate had other plans for us.

A friend told us about Island Lake Lodge, a luxury backcountry cat-skiing operation tucked deep into 5,000 acres of private terrain in Fernie. The lodge is usually booked all winter, but there were two spots available the week we were there. We *had* to take them.

Luckily, I pack like a ski trip might turn into a luxury but laid-back lodge moment (because sometimes it does). I prioritize performance ski gear, layers that work for more than one occasion and minimize après outfits because I’m probably still in my ski gear anyway.

Here’s what to bring for a ski trip when you actually ski — and not just sit like a snow-bunny in the lodge.

Photos by Jennifer Weintraub

Tough Outerwear: Rain Happens, Regret Shouldn’t

Here’s the thing about many Canadian ski resorts: they have dreamy snowfall and deep powder, but usually lower base elevations than Colorado. Fernie Alpine Resort’s base sits around 3,500 feet, which means one dreaded possibility: rain.

I know, I don’t speak that word mid-winter.

But our friends hit Whistler a week after us and skied through two days of a full-on downpour. This is not the moment for cute but questionable outerwear. I bring a shell system that can take a beating from sleet to sideways snow to accidental snowcat wipeouts.

Stio’s Figment Jacket and Figment Bib are always mountain-ready. Fully seam-sealed zippers create a watertight barrier, while the rugged shell construction withstands blustery conditions. I love skiing. I hate being cold. So I build my layering system around flexibility. A relaxed-fit jacket with numerous oversized pockets gives you room to stack insulation and carry snacks without feeling like a puffy, roasted marshmallow.

The Figment Bibs are equally burly — and unintentionally field-tested. Snowcat treads are slippery in ski boots. I slipped more than once over our three days of skiing while climbing in, but the articulated knees gave me the freedom of movement I didn’t know I needed. No tears or scuffs, even after I accidentally jabbed myself with a ski pole trying to knock snow off my boots.

Fit-wise, they lean oversized (as does the jacket), especially on my narrow frame, but I prefer an easy silhouette. They high chest blocks snow, and the long side-zip makes mid-mountain bathroom breaks surprisingly manageable. A webbing belt cinches the waist for shape and the drop-in thigh pockets easily stash a phone for quick access for photo ops.

And let’s talk color.

At first, the vibrant coral and tawny brown felt bold for my otherwise muted closet. But on the snow, it pops — in the best way. The brown grounds the palette, black zippers make it sleek (and easy to mix and match with a solid black jacket or pants) and bright tones make it easier for your ski partner to actually find you.

Moral of the story: go bold. The mountain is not the place to blend in.

Baselayers: Merino or Bust

I have one non-negotiable for baselayers: merino wool.

Merino wool regulates temperature, wicks moisture and, most importantly, on multi-day ski trips, resists odor thanks to its natural antimicrobial properties. Translation: you can rewear layers without smelling like a science experiment.

After spending nearly two years living and traveling in New Zealand (home to about 5 million people and over four times as many sheep), I became loyal to merino. Icebreaker, which sources primarily New Zealand wool, consistently delivers softness without sacrificing performance.

I typically pack at least two baselayer weights: a lightweight and a heavyweight. Options are everything. Icebreaker 300 MerinoFine Leggings have been my heavyweight go-to for years. It’s thicker than most baselayers but not bulky. In contrast, most of my other merinos are around 260 gm (heavyweight merino wool fabric), which is rated for cold conditions, but this layer takes it one step further. Up top, Icebreaker’s 300 Long Sleeve Half Zip Thermal top has earned permanent rotation status because it’s substantial enough to anchor a cold-weather layering system but breathable enough to prevent overheating.

For days when you’re heading straight from the lift to après, rock a cute baselayer. Backcountry’s Cedars Merino Lightweight Balaclava Top blends performance with personality thanks to a floral pattern that feels feminine without being too loud. The true genius is in the design: a built-in hood with adjustable neck coverage, plus three braid holes (one in the back and one on each side). No more DIY cutting holes in my Buff for my singular side braid. Thumb holes seal the deal.

It’s best for warmer days or layered over a heavier baselayer, but it transitions seamlessly from ski mode to après chic.

Insulation: One Jacket with Endless Mileage

Suitcase space is as competitive as garage space in a mountain town: there’s never enough room. Instead of overpacking multiple bulky coats, prioritize one insulating layer that works overtime.

Mammut’s Sender IN Hooded Jacket has become my winter MVP. The baffled construction is filled with high-performance, recycled synthetic insulation, delivering reliable warmth in Canada’s cold winter air. It’s not the most packable, but it’s toasty warm, lightweight and durable (it helps when you’re made of recycled rope scraps).

But what makes it particularly versatile is the wind-repellant outer fabric. It works as cozy insulation under a shell on frigid days and it stands alone as an outer layer for snowy village strolls.

The plum color is surprisingly neutral and pairs well with everything from technical ski jackets to casual outfits.

Realistic Resort Wear

Influencer packing lists are fiction. I have no idea how they fit alpine sweater sets, silk dresses and several sets of boots and heels into a carry-on bag.

If you’re actually bringing ski boots, a helmet, goggles, gloves, outerwear and enough insulating layers to survive brutal conditions, something’s got to give — and it’s not the ski gear.

When I started packing, I instinctively reached for my coziest oversized sweaters and cardigans. But once I laid everything out, I knew it wasn’t realistic. Bulky knits take up valuable suitcase real estate and they’re not getting that much primetime on a ski trip.

So I edited. Instead of multiple thick sweaters, I packed one chunky neutral-cream knit (a Poshmark purchase), then built the rest of my outfits around thinner, high-impact pieces that layered well.

The Ibex Nomad Henley became my go-to layering piece for staying warm. Made from merino wool, it functions like a baselayer, but is cute enough to want to be seen in. The classic Henley button detail adds subtle structure and sophistication to a classic long-sleeve shirt. It easily layers under a lightweight jacket or button-up shirt, but also stands on its own as a cool, casual piece.

The key was packing small statement pieces and layering warmth underneath. Instead of one bulky fleece, I was able to fit a floral jacket, an embroidered button-up and a quilted vest. Those three pieces provided less bulk and more outfit combinations for a winning lodge style.

Choose Smarter Shoes

Let me start with what I didn’t need: my vintage cowboy boots. I had these gems resoled with slip-resistant Vibram soles so they work well in the snow. But on a six-day trip, I only wore them twice to dinner in the lodge. The space-to-wear ratio was low.

When you’re packing for a ski trip, your footwear has to earn its spot. Here’s what actually went the distance:

On the coldest days, I rely on my LL Bean 8” Shearling Lined Insulated Boot. They’re toasty, dependable and built for weather. But they’re *really* warm. If this is the only boot you’re bringing on a trip, be prepared for toasty feet while hauling through airports.

An alternative: the Lacrosse Alpha Deck Boot. These slide off hands-free with a kick-off heel plate, are fully waterproof, are lightly lined and have slip-resistant soles that handle icy streets. They’re technically designed for milder conditions (like Colorado’s current winter), so if you’re standing in deep Canadian snow for hours, you’ll want something warmer. But for everyday movement and a lighter weight option, these are them.

At 6 inches high, they’re not the tallest snow boots, but they look effortlessly cool when styled with chunky socks and a slightly cropped or rolled pant.

I’ve worn these so much that I bought my husband a pair of the men’s dark olive and camo for Christmas and now he wears them nonstop too.

Cozy but Calculated Decisions

Ski trips rarely go as planned. Snow conditions change and the weather shifts. Unexpected opportunities lead to unbelievable experiences. But if you pack intentionally, you’ll be ready for whatever the mountain throws your way.

The goal isn’t to overpack for every possibility. It’s to choose pieces that pack down and multitask.