Best Accessories For Ski Travel

Watching the latest Hollywood flicks (or ski films) on the plane is fun and all, but having flown back and forth across the Atlantic three times this year, I can tell you that staying glued to a screen for 10 hours straight is definitely not it. 

Instead, I've found that mixing things up with a little literature time really helps those hours pass, whether it's on the plane, an airport shuttle ride, or on down days around a fire in a cozy hut. I was gifted a Kindle this past year, and have absolutely fallen in love with bringing it on trips. It weighs less than my phone, easily slips into whatever carry-on bag I'm bringing, and allows me to carry as many books as I could ever want in digital form. The battery life is seemingly inexhaustible, it doesn't hurt my eyes to read, and once I finish a book on a trip, I can just download new one.

It's easy to purchase new books and download them through Amazon.com directly on the device, but my favorite way to get books is via Libby, which allows me digitally "borrow" books from my local library for free.

Noise-Canceling Headphones + AirFly Adapter

I wouldn't exactly call myself an audiophile, but I know bad headphones when I hear them. The ones you get in the little baggie from the flight attendant after boarding? Yeah, those are bad. They're not noise-canceling, and they audio quality might as well be that of a tin can.

However, most aircraft don't support connecting Bluetooth audio to the in-flight entertainment (United does offer this on select flights), so you might find yourself out of luck if you want to use your own AirPods or other noise-canceling headphones. Fret not, that's where the AirFly Pro adapter comes in for the rescue. I was introduced to this tool by a 14-year-old sitting next to me on a flight who promptly plugged his in and zoned out for the whole trip. This tiny device plugs into the seatback headphone port, and pairs with your favorite personal bluetooth headphones. It's really one of those things I wish I had discovered earlier.

Action Cam

This one isn't exactly for in-flight comfort (though maybe you'll want to film some cool mountains you see out the window), but bringing an action cam on your trip like the GoPro Hero 13 or Insta360's new X5 camera is a great way to capture your favorite ski lines, après memories, and everything that happens in between. On your way home, editing all your clips together can be a great way to kill a few hours on the plane!

Power Bank + International Plug Adapters

We've all been there: after a full day of traveling, you finally arrive at your destination airport, pull out your phone to check directions to your hotel, only to realize it's dead. "Easy fix," you think as you go to plug it into a wall outlet, only to realize that wherever you are doesn't share the same plugs as North America. Bummer.

Instead, bring along a small USB power bank to charge your phone on the go. There's plenty of great options out there, but a favorite of mine this year has been Otterbox's Mobile Charging Kit. It's tiny, holds multiple charges, and comes with plugs to fit most devices. 

On top of the mobile power bank, I'll always carry at least two international plug adapters. That way, I can always plug in whether I'm in the EU, UK, Japan, or elsewhere. One is for my computer, the other for accessories like a phone, camera, or even to charge my electronic avalanche airbag.

Durable Luggage + AirTags

It blows my mind how often airlines completely destroy luggage, especially ski bags. In the last few years alone, I have had three personal ski bags get completely shredded en route. It really begs to question, "What on earth is going on back there?"

One thing this has taught me, however, is that high-quality ski luggage is definitely worth the money. A roller ski bag is a must (wheeling a bag through the airport sure beats dragging or carrying it!), plus I always bring a heavy-duty waterproof duffel bag to carry the rest of my gear. For the past few seasons, I've been a huge fan of Backcountry's Cottonwoods Double Ski Bag, paired with the tried-and-true North Face Base Camp Duffel. I have a few different sizes of this, but usually settle on the 50L version. I'll also stash an AirTag into each piece of checked luggage for a little peace of mind in the event that they do get lost. 

Note: I always bring my ski boots as a carry-on item (it's a good way to get your heavy ski bag in under the weight limit, and ensures that they will make it to your final destination). 

Handheld Massage Gun

Getting off the plane after origami-ing yourself into an economy class middle seat for 10 hours can feel like the sweetest relief you'll ever know. That is, until the muscle soreness kicks in after your first few days of skiing bell-to-bell. Then it's time for some self-medication in the form of a Theragun session on the couch (or floor) of your accommodations. 

Here at POWDER, we've all agreed that a session with the Theragun Mini is the ultimate après ski relaxation treat. This ultra-portable massage gun won't take up any extra room in your luggage, and trust us, your quads, back, and calves will thank you.

Travel Slippers and Comfy Apparel

Remember back in the day, when people used to dress up to fly on airplanes? Yeah, that must have sucked for them. It's 2025, and we still pay top dollar to cram ourselves into flying tin cans like sardines, so there's absolutely no shame in going all-in on the comfy clothes and footwear.

Turns out airplane seats are fairly gross, so I'm always a fan of long sleeves and loose-fitting pants (Mountain Hardwear's new Tech Fleece Hoodie has been a go-to top this year), and my new all-time favorite après footwear: Salomon's super-breathable Reelax 6.0 slippers. The slippers are quite useful when going through airport security, and stash away nicely into my luggage when I'm not wearing them.

Sun-Protective Skincare and Lip Balm

This past winter, while skiing in Chamonix with Vivian Bruchez, our small crew got to talking about sun protection and skincare products for skiing. While most anyone in North America is probably familiar with it, turns out that one of our favorite products, Dermatone, can be tough to find overseas. Better stock up beforehand, and bring an extra jar or stick with you to share with your friends.