To know what to pack involves knowing where you are going and how many days will be involved. Going on a fun vacation means taking a decent variety of clothing along. But when a person goes on a ski vacation, it involves more as we have to not only pack for skiing, but for the trip to and from the resort, dining out, and evening wear - all of this needs to be known in advance before pulling out the suitcase. The important thing to know is, when packing for skiing, more is better than not enough.

The first outfit to pack is the ski "stuff" if you have them - boots, skis, and poles - and if not, the resorts rent them. Clothing involves several layers of clothing to stay warm on the slopes, and to remove when you begin to warm up. Thermal underwear, long-sleeved shirts or turtle-neck shirts, thin socks that are moisture-wicking will be the first layer closest to the skin.

The heavier layer involves sweaters, sweatshirts, water-repellant pants, thicker socks such as "smart wool" that are moisture wicking. The outer-essentials for first removal when heating up will be a ski parka, hat, gloves, muffler or neck warmer as the day goes on. Also important will be sunglasses or goggles for sun and snow glare. On ski resorts, temperatures will change a lot during the day, so even sunscreen will be important for the glare from the sun and snow also.

If you plan on going sight-seeing or go shopping, simply changing into clean dry pants and comfortable boots will be enough, or just going to the lodge for something to drink after coming off the slopes will find this clothing acceptable. The only time you will need to worry for something fancier is during the evening hours. If the town is small and quiet, the pants and shirt will be enough for the evening. BUT, if your choice of ski town is more formal, with fancier pubs and bars, then fancier evening clothing will be needed. By formal, khakis or a nice pair of pants or jeans, attractive shirts or sweaters, and a coat.

If you plan on booking a week or more, pack your clothing and personal items, then call the ski resort and tell them you are shipping your stuff to them, and have it held at the desk. If you are flying or have a small vehicle with little room - especially if several people are traveling together, this is an option for you. Shipping can be overnight, two day, or three day depending on how far it must travel. Depending on how much the box weighs, you will usually pay less than fifty dollars to ship a package in the continental United States....which is a lot less than you would pay an airline for extra baggage!