Expedition 9 to 5

There is little more challenging than packing when it comes to ski trips. As a proud owner of my ski gear, I have become a bit spoiled in my refusal to rent. I will go to extensive lengths to be in my own boots and ride my Elan Ripsticks. That being said, I have done comprehensive research on how to bring my skis to Japan (dreams do come true). This will be a guide on how to pack your skis for travel in general, but also how I’m managing to pack for a 20-day international trip where only 5 of the days are allocated to hitting the slopes.

How I packed my gear: 

You first need a gear bag (obviously). I could list some padded, hard-shelled, and roller bags, but I use my dad’s old bag from the early 2000s. My crucial factor was having a bag large enough to fit my skis, boots, base layers, and outer gear. I first restrain my bindings with hair elastics and pad them with old dish rags so they don’t face any damage on the strenuous journey. I then place the base of each ski against the side walls of the bag, freeing up space for the rest of my gear. On the inside of my skis, I place my fully clipped boots stuffed with my ski socks. These are the most expensive shoes I own, so I handle them with care. I have flown with my boot bag before, but for this trip in particular, I wanted to travel as condensed as possible to eliminate the risk of my luggage getting lost. However, most airlines will allow 2 checked bags for international travel, so you can fly with your ski and boot bag separately at no extra charge. I then fill the rest of the space with my helmet, goggles, base layers, mittens, and outer gear. Then go the poles. I place the baskets between two layers of clothing to protect them from damage. The bag must be under 50 pounds when all is said and done, so be sure to weigh it before taking it to the airport. Lastly, I’m a paranoid girly, so I place an air tag in my boots to track where my bag is at all times.

Keep reading for the complete packing check list. 

Transporting your gear in Japan: 

From the hours of research conducted on how I could possibly bring my gear to Japan, I have gleaned 2 things: 

1. Japan is far superior in their modes of transportation to and from the mountain 
2. There is a massive opportunity in the US market for transporting gear to and from the mountain

Upon arrival at the Haneda airport, I will drop off my skis at Yamato or Sigawa to be shipped to my hostel, Bohemian Shelter. Because I am spending a few days in Tokyo before I head to Hakuba, my skis will likely arrive in the mountains before I do. So, while I frolic in the city, I don’t have to worry about lugging around my gear. When the ski portion of my trip ends, I will drop my skis off at Hakuba Luggage to be transported and stored at the Narita airport, where I will pick them up before my departure back home. This allows me to finish my trip in Kyoto and Osaka without having to carry gear around yet again. All of this should come out to be about 9,000 Yen. Not having to rent gear saves me about 17,000 Yen, and I get the pleasure of riding the skis that I love. 

How I packed my wardrobe efficiently:

This is a craft I have been working on for years. I am constantly torn between being as efficient as possible and wanting to provide myself with options for creating outfits suitable for the fashion needs of travel. If you also have a twisted competitive brain, you too, may experience disappointment in your packing skills if every item is not used on your trip. This is how I pack for 2-3 week trips in a carry-on and backpack without sacrificing personal style.

1. Pack around your shoes: For winter trips with lots of walking, I bring sneakers and boots, making sure I can wear all of my bottoms with either pair of shoes .
2. Simplify your wardrobe: Pack in a color scheme that allows you to wear all your tops with all your bottoms except 1 statement piece if need be. 
3. Prepare to do laundry: I always pack washing machine sheets in case I need to re-wear my clothing. However, since I will be traveling in the winter months, I’m not too worried about sweating through my clothes.
4. Pick and choose: You get one hair tool. You cannot have both a straightener and a curling iron. You get one statement piece. Bring only what you think you will actually wear.
5. Packing cubes: Personally, I think only one is necessary. I use a single cube for all of my underwear, bras, and socks because I find those to be the easiest to lose in my suitcase.

Packing List:

On Mountain: 

Skis 

Poles 

Boots 

Ski socks – 1 per day 

Goggles

Mittens  

Helmet 

Gaiter – 2 to 3 for a week trip 

Water proof Jacket

Water proof bibs/pants 

Base layer pants- know your sweat level 

Base layer top- 1 per day

Fleece over base layer- 2 to 3 for a week trip 

Water bottle or bladder 

Ski pass 

Off mountain:

Hat 

Warmer jacket 

Comfy shoes that will fit in your backpack- Vans 

Sunglasses 

Warmer wool socks 

Sunscreen 

Sweater 

Sweat pants 

Après attire