Packing for a ski vacation with children can be overwhelming. Use this handy checklist and you won't forget a thing!

When you’re packing for a ski vacation, you’ve got to have a list. It’s not like those sweaters, gloves and snowpants can squeeze on down to nothing into a suitcase like T-shirts and bathing suits do. So, think ahead and pare down clothing to the bare minimum, without bypassing important items like sunscreen and all of your ski gear.

Remember, though, that most major ski resorts rent equipment—from snowboards and skis, to boots, poles and helmets. So, if you’d rather not lug your gear through the airport (or overpack the family car) consider renting. (Not to mention, you may also be able to demo a pair of skis that are more advanced than the pair you own.) Also, if your kids are sampling skiing or boarding for the first time, you’re better off renting than buying expensive equipment anyway.

If you do forget a certain piece of equipment, you may be able to dig through a “lost and found” box for a pair of goggles to borrow. Similarly, some resorts, like the Teton Lodge in Jackson Hole, have “gear closets” filled with equipment for folks to borrow if they’ve forgotten a key item or (horrors!) the airline has “misplaced” their luggage.

Below, find a list for each member of the family going on a ski vacation—including a “baby” category for folks who may be traveling with a built-in sitter (nanny or Grandma) or who may be taking turns watching an infant in the on-mountain lodge.

Son

Underwear

Long underwear bottoms

Thermal undershirt

Ski sweater/top/thin fleece

Socks (regular and ski socks)

Boots or winter shoes

Ski/board boots

Skis

Poles

Helmet and skullcap

Snowpants

Ski parka

Winter hat

Ski gloves

Glove inserts

Goggles

Sunglasses

Jeans/pants

Long-sleeve shirts

Sweater/sweatshirt

Swim suit (for your hotel’s indoor pool)

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Daughter

Underwear

Long underwear bottoms

Thermal undershirt

Ski sweater/top/thin fleece

Socks (regular and ski socks)

Boots or winter shoes

Ski/board boots

Skis

Poles

Helmet and skullcap

Goggles

Sunglasses

Snowpants

Ski parka

Winter hat

Ski gloves

Glove inserts

Jeans/pants

Long-sleeve shirts

Sweater/sweatshirt

Swim suit (for your hotel’s indoor pool)

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Baby

Onesies for undershirts

Shirts

Pants

Fleece onesie

Diapers

Hat

Mittens

Swim suit (for your hotel’s indoor pool)

Baby wipes

Cuddle object

Bottles

Formula

Light blanket

Baby backpack/carrier

Toys

Mom

Book light

Makeup

Face cleanser & moisturizer

Razor

Shampoo

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Medicines & vitamins

Purse

Bras

Underwear

Long underwear bottoms

Thermal undershirt

Ski sweater/top/thin fleece

Socks (regular and ski socks)

Boots or winter shoes

Ski/board boots

Skis

Poles

Helmet and skullcap

Snowpants

Ski parka

Winter hat

Ski gloves

Glove inserts

Goggles

Sunglasses

Jeans/pants

Long-sleeve shirts

Sweater/sweatshirt

Swim suit (for your hotel’s indoor pool)

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Dad

Book light

Dopp bag with toiletries & medicines

Underwear

Long underwear bottoms

Thermal undershirt

Ski sweater/top/thin fleece

Socks (regular and ski socks)

Boots or winter shoes

Ski/board boots

Skis

Poles

Helmet and skullcap

Snowpants

Ski parka

Winter hat

Ski gloves

Glove inserts

Goggles

Sunglasses

Jeans/pants

Long-sleeve shirts

Sweater/sweatshirt

Swim suit (for your hotel’s indoor pool)

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Miscellaneous

Sunscreen

Kids’ vitamins

Booster seats

Cell phone charger

iPod charger

Address book & stamps

Extra batteries for any and all electronics

Carry on

Mom's books and magazines

Kids’ activity books

Kids’ picture books

Crayons and paper or notebook

Snacks and cereal bars

Waterbottles

Antibacterial wipes

Travel documents

Camera

Cell phone

Ipod

What did I miss on this ski vacation packing list? Feel free to email me (click on my name above and then click on "Contact Me" on my bio page). I'd love to know what your list looks like, and if there's anything I'm missing, I'll add it here.

Planning a tropical vacation? Check out this Family Beach Vacation Packing List.