Unless you're extremely attached to your own skies, consider saving space and checking airline bags by renting skies, poles and boots at the resort. However, if you are set on taking your own equipment, creatively fill empty space with clothing. Items, such as sweaters and jeans easily wrap around skies in their bag while providing a bit of extra padding. Scarves, hats and gloves fit nicely inside bulky ski boots. Taking your own set of high-dollar goggles? Wrap them in a ski hat and sandwich them in a boot between two pairs of socks. You're not only saving space but also providing safer transport for your investments.
Are you still packing those bulky, puffy, bibbed overalls from the '80s? Options with thinner, breathable, waterproof fabric will not only streamline a skier's silhouette on the slopes but also take some strain from the suitcase. If you're staying in a lodge or a rental cabin, a quick call regarding laundry availability may save you from packing multiples of quickly washed items. Think practically on all selections. Strappy stilettos may look fabulous on a night out but prove impractical both on icy streets and in crowded suitcases. Last, lists provide you not only a guide while packing, but also help avoid leaving items on your return.
Once packing, rolling clothing, such as thermal underwear, turtlenecks and sweaters maximizes interior room. Rolling jeans and slacks also helps prevent deep creases. Ski jackets and pants often have many pockets perfect for storing small items, such as handwarmers, sunglasses, tissues and lip balm. However, if you carry your jacket on a plane---again saving suitcase space---remember to check that any liquids such as hand sanitizers or sunscreens meets security requirements and are screened per guidelines. Also, pack items you might need when you get off the plane or out of the car---such as mittens, non-ski boots and a jacket---last so they can be quickly retrieved when you arrive in cooler temperatures. Better yet, layer these items as your travel-day attire and save even more suitcase room.
