Packing for a ski trip to Park City comes down to three things: layers, sun protection, and a few extras for high altitude and dry air. Park City sits around 7,000 feet, and the lifts climb well above 9,000, so conditions can swing from sunny and mild to windy and well below freezing in a single day. This list covers what to bring, what to leave home, and what you can rent or buy when you arrive. Resorts are expected to start opening in late November (see the 2026-27 opening dates), so now is a good time to start your list.
The base: layers that work
- Base layers (2 sets): Merino or synthetic tops and bottoms. Skip cotton, which holds sweat and leaves you cold.
- Mid layer: A fleece or light insulated jacket you can add or remove as the day warms up.
- Shell: A waterproof, breathable ski jacket and pants. Pockets for your pass, phone and lip balm are worth having.
- Socks (2 to 3 pairs): Midweight ski socks that wick moisture. One thin pair is better than two thick ones, which can squeeze your feet and make them colder.
- Neck gaiter or buff: It handles cold chairlift rides better than a scarf.
- Gloves or mittens: Waterproof, with a spare pair for afternoon. Mittens are warmer; gloves are easier to use.
- Hat or helmet liner: Many people ski in a helmet, which you can rent.
Gear: bring it or rent it
If you ski a few days a year, renting often beats flying with skis. Bring your own boots if you can, since fit matters most there. Bring a helmet and goggles if you have them, because rental quality varies.
- Skis or snowboard, poles and bindings: Rent in town and you can swap equipment if conditions change.
- Boots: Your own if possible. If renting, try them early in the day.
- Goggles and sunglasses: Goggles for storms and flat light, sunglasses for bluebird days. Snow glare is strong at altitude.
- Helmet: Recommended for every skier and rider.
Altitude and dry air essentials
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Snow reflects sun, and sunburn happens fast at altitude, even on cloudy days.
- Lip balm with SPF and a good moisturizer. Utah air is very dry.
- Reusable water bottle: Drink more water than you think you need, especially your first two days.
- Pain reliever and electrolytes: Altitude headaches are common for people arriving from sea level.
After-ski and around town
- Warm, waterproof boots with grip: Park City sidewalks and parking lots can be icy.
- A puffy jacket or warm layer for dinner and Main Street evenings.
- Swimsuit: Many lodging options have hot tubs, and a soak is the best end to a ski day.
- Casual clothes: Park City dinners are relaxed. Jeans and a sweater work almost everywhere.
Small things that save your day
- Hand and toe warmers for the coldest mornings.
- A small backpack for layers, water and snacks.
- Your phone charger and a portable battery. Cold drains batteries fast.
- A waterproof phone pouch or zippered pocket.
- Snacks and a few dollars for slope-side lunch.
Lift tickets and passes
Buy tickets or confirm your pass before you arrive, since prices are usually lower in advance. Park City Mountain is on the Epic Pass, and Deer Valley is on the Ikon Pass. Deer Valley is also a skiers-only resort that does not allow snowboards. Check each resort’s current rules before you go. For resort-by-resort details, see our Park City Mountain winter guide and our Deer Valley winter guide.
What to leave at home
- Cotton layers, jeans on the mountain, and bulky extras. You can rent most of the heavy gear, and you can buy forgotten basics in town.
Plan the rest of your trip
Want to know what to do beyond the slopes, or when to visit? Grab our free Park City by Season guide. If you are looking for a place to stay near the lifts, we have rentals near all of the ski hills. Book direct at staypcu.com and use code STAYPCU10 for 10% off.