The Essentials an Editor Packed for a Ski Trip to Utah

During an incredible snowfall season for the Mountain West, I was one of the many who looked to Utah for my annual ski trip. Brighton Resort reported they hit 700 inches of snow this season—that's the equivalent of 10 cars stacked on top of one other. To put that in perspective, Utah typically receives an average of 500 inches per season. When I was there in December using my Ikon Pass to ski at Snowbasin Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort, the runs were living up to the state’s claim of having the best snow on earth, so I can’t imagine the powder that is just waiting to be shredded. Luckily, with this amount of snowfall the ski season is going to last into the summer in this region, meaning there’s still plenty of time to plan and execute a perfect Utah ski trip—here’s what to pack.

Matador SEG28 backpack

I'm lucky enough to be from the outdoor wonderland that is Utah—meaning, I can store my ski essentials in my parent’s garage and avoid traveling with all of the bulky gear. Because of this, my go-to bag has been the Matador SEG28 for years. The zipper pockets were a bit overwhelming at first, but once I got used to it, the bag felt like it came with built-in packing cubes. I can fit way more in this pack than I can a hardshell roller. If you need something a bit larger, the recently launched Matador GlobeRider45 would be my pick. 

$250 at Campsaver

Blundstone Thermal boot

I’m going to be honest, I wear these boots everywhere in the winter—a ballet at Lincoln Center, martinis at Bemelmans, and even inside my home after my tired feet have been squeezed inside a ski boot all day. The leather only looks better with wear and they are completely waterproof. 

$250 at Backcountry

$250 at Zappos

Dermatone mineral sunscreen stick

My biggest fear about a ski trip isn’t falling down the mountain, it’s to come back with a ski goggle tan line. Some hard core skiers sport the look as a badge of honor—I am firmly outside that camp. My go-to is the Dermatone Mineral Sunscreen Stick. Not only is it trusted by the US Ski and Snowboard Team, but it fits easily in my jacket pocket and I can reapply it without taking off my gloves. 

$10 at Amazon

Arc’teryx Macai jacket

$999 at Arc'teryx

$999 at Paragon Sports

Arc’teryx Macai pant

$575 at Arc'teryx

$575 at Paragon Sports

There’s two things that I dislike: being cold and bulky ski gear. The Arc’teryx Macai set not only looks really sleek (I even wear the jacket off the slopes), it is one of the warmest sets that I’ve tried. When I was skiing in December, I was lucky enough to have mostly bluebird days, creating warmer temperatures in the afternoon. This set proved to be surprisingly breathable and it packed down rather easily. 

Kühl Radikl pant

$109 at Kühl

$109 at REI

Black Diamond Equipment Mantel cap

$40 at Black Diamond Equipment

$40 at Moosejaw

What might be more important than actually skiing during a ski trip is perhaps the après scene. While Utah might not be the most lively, these parties are there if you know where to look (P Dog, Fisher Brewing, and Davanza's). There are classier après spots at the St. Regis and Stein Eriksen at Deer Valley Resort, but it’s the laid-back, ski bum spots that call my name. For these, some trusty Utah–based outdoors brands are the ticket. Such as a tee from Fisher Brewing, pants from Kühl, and a Black Diamond cap to round it out. Apparel from all three of these brands will make you look like a local—and support local.

Where I stayed:

While I was there, I opted to stay in Salt Lake City at the brand-new Hyatt Regency rather than in Park City at Washington School House or Goldener Hirsch (two other wonderful selects). Some of Utah’s best slopes are located in Ogden or Cottonwood Heights, which are just north and south of downtown, making a hotel in SLC optimal for city energy and proximity to ski resorts.