Mountains & Ski · Best Dec–Mar
Ski trip packing list for families: Aspen & Vail
Ski school mornings, cozy afternoons, and a lot of gear. Here's how to pack for a family ski trip to Aspen or Vail without hauling half your house.
Photo by Mike Scheid on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Aspen & Vail
- The altitude is real. Have everyone drink extra water from the moment you land.
- Sun is stronger up high. Pack SPF lip balm and goggles that block UV.
- Rent skis and boots there, or have them delivered to your hotel. It saves so much luggage.
Best timeDec–Mar
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Aspen & Vail
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing3
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
Underwear and socks9 per person
Shoes1
Snow boots
Mountain7
Base layers2 sets per person
Ski jackets and snow pants
Gloves or mittens, plus a spare pair
Neck gaiters and helmet liners
Hand warmers
Lip balm with SPF
Kids' reusable water bottlesHydration helps with altitude.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things13
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech1
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
The outfit edit
Alpine
Snow, cabin red, navy, oatmeal
For photos
- Red and navy against white snow
- Matching knit hats
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Aspen & Vail weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 34°F 1°C | Snowy and cold, with bluebird days. Prime ski season. | Cold, quiet, and often the best powder of the year. |
| February | 37°F 3°C | Snowy and cold, with bluebird days. Prime ski season. | Cold, quiet, and often the best powder of the year. |
| March | 44°F 7°C | Snowy and cold, with bluebird days. Prime ski season. | Spring skiing: sunshine, longer days, and goggle tans. |
| April | 52°F 11°C | Spring skiing gives way to mud season. Some places close. | |
| May | 62°F 17°C | Spring skiing gives way to mud season. Some places close. | |
| June | 73°F 23°C | Warm sunny days and cool nights. Afternoon storms are common. | |
| July | 80°F 27°C | Warm sunny days and cool nights. Afternoon storms are common. | Wildflower season. Gondola rides and alpine hikes are gorgeous. |
| August | 78°F 26°C | Warm sunny days and cool nights. Afternoon storms are common. | Wildflower season. Gondola rides and alpine hikes are gorgeous. |
| September | 70°F 21°C | Warm sunny days and cool nights. Afternoon storms are common. | The aspens turn gold in late September. |
| October | 58°F 14°C | Golden aspens in fall, then early snow. | |
| November | 43°F 6°C | Golden aspens in fall, then early snow. | |
| December | 34°F 1°C | Snowy and cold, with bluebird days. Prime ski season. | Holiday lights, sleigh rides, and Santa on the slopes. |
Questions families ask
Aspen & Vail with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Aspen & Vail with kids?
The best time is Dec–Mar. Snowy and cold, with bluebird days. Prime ski season.
What's the weather like in Aspen & Vail?
Typical daytime highs range from about 34°F (1°C) in January to about 80°F (27°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Aspen & Vail?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Aspen & Vail?
None. Aspen & Vail uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Aspen & Vail with kids?
The altitude is real. Have everyone drink extra water from the moment you land.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.