It might be summer right now, but the winter vacations are never so far away that you can’t plan one. And if you’re looking for the best luxury resort for skiing in America, Aspen is the perfect place for you. But, what to bring on a ski trip? What should be on your ski packing list? Let’s discuss it as we talked a bit more about the incredible Aspen.
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What to know about Aspen before going
Is Aspen suitable for skiing?
It’s one of the best places that you can find in all of America. It has terrains suitable for all levels, with gentle slopes for beginners and challenging, steep trails for experts. The snow quality is another of its strong points, as it’s located in the dry Rocky Mountains at a considerable elevation. Finally, after the long sessions on the snow, you can retreat to a high-end lodge or a luxury hotel and enjoy a fine dinner.
Aspen surprises first-timers with its status as a cultural hub. Aside from skiing, there are numerous cultural activities to enjoy, including live music, film festivals, art galleries, and designer boutiques to explore. And the best of all, the town in itself is quite small, so you can walk from one place to another.
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How is the weather in Aspen?
The town of Aspen is situated at 2,400 m high, but the slopes are a bit higher, at 3,600m, so altitude sickness is pretty common. As for temperature, on winter days it is usually between -7 and 2°C, but at night it can get as low as -18 °C. Since the snow is so good, you can ski in spring, when the days are a bit warmer.
Biggest mistakes for first-timers in Aspen
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Underestimate the altitude: It’s normal to feel dizzy, exhausted, or nauseated because of the elevation. To help you with that, you can try to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol on the first days, and take it easy after you’ve just arrived. If you’re sensitive, you can even consider altitude medication like Diamox.
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Not booking in advance: Aspen is a high-end ski resort, so it’s pretty popular and you won’t get there without a reservation. To be on the safer side, reserve everything you can, lift tickets, rentals, ski school, spa treatments, and restaurants, especially if you’re traveling during the holidays.
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Ignoring the sun: You can get sunburn in the middle of winter in the mountains, and it’s not a pleasant experience. Protect your skin with sunscreen and ski goggles.
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Not taking a rest day: You want to ski as much as you can, but giving your body some rest is essential. The altitude and the physical exercise can really tire you out, and you don’t want to crash mid-trip. Take a rest day and visit the city of Aspen!
The best ski trip packing list
What clothes to pack for Aspen?
Aspen is a cold place, so you’ll need to stay warm, but it’s also an upscale place, so you have to be strategic while packing. Let’s divide the list into the activities you’ll be doing in Aspen.
What to pack for the slopes?
Since you’ll be spending most of your day skiing and in general outdoors, you have to dress warm. Let’s start with the base layer, preferably a moisture-wicking and warm fabric. After that, add 2-3 thermal tops and bottoms, which can be made from merino wool or synthetic fabrics. For the bottoms, leggings are a great option, as they are really lightweight. After that base layer, you’ll need a bit more insulation, such as an insulated vest. Then, you can add a waterproof and insulated ski jacket and pants.
For accessories, you’ll need ski gloves, which are also waterproof and insulated, as well as a neck gaiter or buff. Use scarves only if you don’t have another option, since they can get wet and cold. Ski goggles and a helmet are also essential, although they can be rented.
What to pack for the town?
For the city, you’ll need to stay warm, but not as much as for the slopes, and there’s no need for waterproof layers. You can opt to dress stylish and warm, with sweaters, pants, and a stylish winter coat. Don’t forget to add the accessories, such as your nice boots, cute scarves, and regular gloves.
Inside your hotel or accommodation, you can peel some of the winter layers and try more dressy jeans or pants, a sweater dress, or a casual top. Elevate your outfits with some jewelry to add a bit of class and polish.
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Essentials you might forget
The sun reflected in the snow can be surprisingly strong, so don’t leave home your sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and sunglasses. A nice daypack or tote bag is essential for keeping your belongings with you during walks and explorations. Finally, add a swimsuit for the hot tubs and spa in the hotels!
Skiing Gear: Bring or rent?
A great question, and the answer depends on different factors. Both have pros and cons worth exploring so you can make an informed choice.
Should you Rent your Ski Gear?
It’s a great option if you’re a beginner or an intermediate skier who still doesn’t have all the necessary gear. It’s also a great opportunity to try different skis and boots, or the latest model, before committing to one kind and buying it. It’ll also save you some money on travel, since you’ll be flying without baggage.
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Should you pack your ski gear? If you’re a professional, you can’t leave your gear off your ski packing list! After all, it fits you perfectly and can provide better comfort and performance. Also, if you’re going for a longer ski trip, it’s often cheaper to just bring your stuff than to rent it.
Toiletries
While Aspen is a great destination, when packing for a ski trip, it’s essential to consider certain factors. Mainly altitude and cold. Aside from your regular toiletries, you’ll need high-SPF sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Pack your moisturizer and hand cream, as the cold air can be very drying. Even a nasal spray or saline mist, if you can, to prevent your sinuses from getting too dry.
Some optional comforts you can add to your ski trip packing list are dry shampoo, in a travel size, better, to help mold your hair after being in the ski hat all day. Sheet face masks and Epsom salts are great to feel refreshed and less sore after skiing.
Electronics
Packing electronics for a ski trip is a bit different from a regular vacation. For starters, adding a portable power bank is essential, even if you don’t use your phone that much. That’s because the cold drains the batteries faster.
A waterproof case is great for keeping your phone dry during the day, and a GoPro is perfect for recording all the slopes you conquer. Here are some quick tips for keeping your electronics safe while skiing:
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Keep them close to your body: If you keep your phone in an outer layer, you’ll notice how the battery dies faster than usual.
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Download offline maps: The signal can be spotty, and you don’t want to be lost in the mountains.
In conclusion
Packing for a ski trip doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. You just have to do a bit of research and keep the categories clear. Concentrate on staying warm while packing smartly, with lots of layers and essentials. As for your ski gear, rent it if you’re a beginner and want to try new things, or bring your own if you’re an expert with very comfortable gear. And, don’t forget to take lots of pictures and videos and share them using the Yoho Mobile eSIMs!