Ski Trip Outfits: What to Pack for Vail in the Spring

If you follow me on Instagram then it’s likely that you know I was recently in Vail with my family. I actually used to live in Vail, so it’s such a special place to go back to year after year. We had the best time unplugging, indulging in delicious food and drinks, and of course, skiing.

While this is in no way an extensive packing list, I wanted to share some ski trip outfits I wore and loved during my latest getaway.

Dressing for a mountain vacation poses a uniquely difficult task—what will the weather actually be like? How many sweaters do I need to bring? What are the best shoe options? The list goes on and on. Oh, and add in the unpredictable elements that the spring season brings and things can get even more tricky.

One main takeaway that I’ve learned both from living in a ski town as well as visiting several is that if you focus on layering (and reusing those layers for different outfits) you’ll be in good shape. It can be tempting to overpack, but instead, try to focus on fewer, higher-use pieces that you can get the most wear from.

Need some inspo? Find my go-to ski trip outfits below!

Ski Trip Outfits

Getting There

I don’t know about you but when I have a full travel day ahead of me, one of my top priorities is staying comfortable. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing more uncomfy than sitting on a plane while wearing jeans.

When traveling to a ski destination, one important factor to consider is that it will be cold when you land. This is crucial when it comes to planning your travel outfit, and it’s also something you can use to your benefit. Rather than stuffing all of your clunky winter coats into your suitcase, wear one on the plane to save some room. The same goes for accessories, like beanies and scarves (which can save you more space in your luggage than you might think.)

Since we were traveling to Vail in the spring, the weather wan’t too harsh and I could do without a ton of layers. However, as a general rule of thumb, try to layer up so you stay cozy while getting as many wardrobe staples to your destination as you can.

My choices this time around included a neutral sweatshirt and matching sweatpants, a classic trench coat, and some dad-style Veja sneakers. The result? Chic yet practical.

Ski Gear

When heading to the mountains, it’s a fairly safe bet to think you might spend some time on the slopes. Whether you’re an advanced skier or you’re just learning how to snowboard, here are some pieces I have loved to wear throughout the years—they score bonus points for being neutral!

Relaxing in the Lodge

Everyone deserves a break after a full day on the mountain. Here are some solid outfit options for those times when you’re just kicking back in the ski lodge or at your hotel. These looks would also work for a casual night out or while exploring the shops and restaurants in the area (it just depends on whether or not it’s actively snowing or if there’s lots of snow on the ground.)

In this first look, I paired some legging-like pants (that are buttery soft by the way) with a turtleneck sweater. It really doesn’t get easier than this and both pieces can be mixed and matched with other items you pack, like jeans or other sweaters and tops.

Since I was just hanging out inside, I went with some shearling slides as my shoe option. These have been on high rotation lately (this pair is a good dupe) and they’re perfect to bring into the spring season.

This is another option for a more relaxed day in Vail (or whichever mountain town you’re visiting.) I couldn’t imagine traveling anywhere without a good pair of jeans, and a major perk to packing some is that you can rewear them several times throughout your trip.

I wore this look while hanging out at the lodge, shopping in the village, and while grabbing coffee. It’s also a good go-to when dressing for a casual lunch or dinner.

My exact sweatshirt is sold out in gray, but I found it here in pink. Also, throwing on a knit beanie will offer you some added warmth (while giving the outfit a more styled feel.)

A Night Out

If there’s one layer you don’t want to leave at home, it’s a quality puffer jacket. Even if your mountain getaway is planned for late spring, the temperatures can be quite moody, and it’s always best to be prepared!

I feel like there’s a misconception that a puffer jacket makes an outfit look less polished, but that just isn’t true. The key is to style your puffer with other nice pieces, and sticking to all neutrals can also give things a more elevated feel.

In the look below, I styled one of my favorite button-up cardigans (this Amazon dupe is under $20!) with a simple pair of trousers. The finishing touches include my puffer jacket, some booties, and a beanie—key elements to ensure you stay toasty.

In the mood for a more laid-back look? While this outfit is certainly more casual, it suits mountain life because the overall vibe at most restaurants and bars in ski towns are, well, casual.

Slip into your jeans, add a crewneck sweatshirt (or a sweater), then layer with your puffer jacket. I have been loving my Adidas Samba sneakers, but boots would also be a good option. And for a simple way to make this outfit look more upscale, add a cute handbag.