Heading off on a snow trip is always exciting — but a little preparation goes a long way in making sure it stays that way.
From forgotten gloves to missing goggles, it’s usually the small things that cause the biggest headaches once you’re on the mountain. To help you get sorted, we’ve put together a complete snow trip checklist covering all the essentials for your time on snow and beyond.
Use this as a guide when packing so you can arrive ready to ride, not running around the resort shop on day one.
Snowboard Equipment
Everything you need to actually get on snow.
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Snowboard
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Powder board (for deeper conditions)
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Snowboard bindings
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Snowboard boots
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Snowboard bag (for travel and protection)
Clothing
Staying warm and dry comes down to proper layering. A good system will keep you comfortable across changing conditions throughout the day.
Outer Layer
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Snow jacket
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Snow pants or bib
Mid Layers
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Fleece
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Hoodie
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Insulator jacket or vest
Base Layers
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Thermal top
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Thermal pants
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Snowboard socks
Accessories
These are the smaller items that often get overlooked but make a big difference to comfort and safety on snow.
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Helmet
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Goggles
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Low light lens (for flat light or storm days)
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Gloves or mitts
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Glove liners
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Beanie
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Face protection (mask or balaclava)
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Neck warmer
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Après boots
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Multi-tool (for on-hill adjustments)
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Cable lock
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Backpack
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Sunscreen
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Protective gear (impact shorts, wrist guards, knee pads)
Backcountry Gear
For those heading beyond resort boundaries, having the right equipment — and the knowledge to use it — is essential.
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Avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe)
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Splitboard setup (board, bindings, pucks, skins)
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Crampons
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Collapsible poles
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Snowshoes
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Touring backpack / ABS backpack
Always ensure you are trained and confident in avalanche safety before entering the backcountry.
Aussie Snow Travel Essentials and Tips
If you’re heading to the Australian resorts, there are a few extra things worth planning for before you hit the road. Conditions can change quickly in alpine areas, and there are a couple of things you need before you go.
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NSW National Parks Pass including Kosciuszko National Park if you're driving to Perisher, Thredbo or Selwyn. Not necessary if you're going by Skitube. Buy these on the way in for daily passes, or get the annual pass online here: Park entry fees and annual passes | NSW National Parks
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Snow chains MUST be carried if you drive a 2-wheel drive car into Kosciuszko National Park. Rangers have been known to do checks, even on sunny days. (Know how to fit them before you leave - don’t learn roadside in a blizzard). Not required for AWD or 4WD vehicles, or if you're going by Skitube.
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Victorian Resorts have their own entry fees. All require that you carry chains, even for 4WD vehicles, even on sunny days.
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Alpine Diesel is very highly recommended for diesel vehicles. Diesel gels at low temperatures and your car might not start, so it's critical for cold days up the hill or overnight parking in Jindabyne. Fill up at any servo in Cooma or Jindabyne, or buy anti-gel additive if you don't want to stop (so your children/wife can sleep all the way through!)
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Check road conditions and resort access updates before travelling
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Fuel up before heading into alpine regions (services can be limited)
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Allow extra travel time — conditions can slow things down quickly
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Check parking requirements and resort entry rules in advance
A little preparation here goes a long way — it’s usually the travel day, not the riding, that catches people out.
Heading Overseas?
If your trip takes you overseas, don’t forget the travel essentials that are easy to overlook in the excitement.
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Passport (check expiry dates early)
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Travel insurance (ensure snow sports are covered)
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Foreign currency or travel card
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Power adapters
Final Thoughts
A well-prepared snow trip means less stress and more time doing what you actually came for — riding.
Running through a checklist before you leave helps make sure nothing important gets left behind, and gives you the best chance of a smooth start to your trip.
If you’d like something easier to use while packing, download our printable checklist and tick things off as you go.