10 Things to Pack for Your Copper Mountain Ski Vacation (That Most People Forget)

You've booked your Copper Mountain rental. You've checked the weather. You're packing ski gear, warm layers, and the usual vacation essentials.

But there are a few items most people forget until they arrive at 9,700 feet and realize they need them. Here's what to add to your packing list before you leave.

1. Water Bottle and Electrolytes

Altitude hits harder than most people expect. Copper Mountain sits at 9,700 feet. The summit tops out over 12,000 feet. At that elevation, your body loses water faster and dehydration sneaks up on you.

Bring a reusable water bottle and drink more than you think you need. Start hydrating the day before you arrive. Keep drinking throughout your trip.

Electrolyte packets or tablets help too. Toss a box in your bag. Mix them into your water at night and first thing in the morning. You'll feel better on the mountain and recover faster after long ski days.

Headaches, fatigue, and altitude sickness often come down to dehydration. Fix it before it starts.

2. Sunscreen and Lip Balm with SPF

The sun is stronger at high altitude. You'll burn faster than you expect, even on cloudy days. UV rays reflect off snow and hit you from every angle.

Pack sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and apply it every morning before you hit the slopes. Reapply at lunch. Don't skip your ears, neck, or the back of your hands.

Lip balm with SPF is just as important. Chapped lips at altitude are miserable. Bring a good balm and use it constantly. Keep one in your jacket pocket so it's always within reach.

3. Layers, Not Bulk

Most people overpack heavy jackets and thick sweaters. Then they overheat on the mountain or feel restricted when they're moving.

Pack lightweight base layers instead. Merino wool or synthetic fabrics work best. They wick moisture, dry fast, and keep you warm without adding bulk.

Bring a mid-layer fleece or down jacket. Add a waterproof shell. That combination handles everything from bluebird days to snowstorms. You can adjust layers as conditions change without lugging around a suitcase full of heavy coats.

If you're skiing with kids, layers matter even more. They'll get hot, cold, and wet throughout the day. Thin layers make it easier to adjust without a full wardrobe change.

4. Headlamp or Small Flashlight

You probably won't think about this until you're fumbling around in a dark bedroom at 6 a.m. trying not to wake up your kids or friends.

Bring a small headlamp or flashlight. It's helpful for early mornings when you're getting ready for first chair. It's also useful if you're out late and navigating unfamiliar hallways or staircases in your rental.

Ski towns lose daylight early in winter. If you're coming back from dinner or après, a small light in your bag makes things easier.

5. Reusable Grocery Bags

Most people plan to cook a few meals in their rental. You'll make a grocery run in Frisco or Silverthorne on your way to Copper. Colorado charges for plastic bags, and you'll need something to carry groceries from your car to your unit.

Throw a few reusable bags in your car before you leave. They fold flat, take up no space, and save you from juggling armfuls of groceries across a snowy parking lot.

6. Beach Towels

This one surprises people. Our properties include bath towels and linens, but we don't allow guests to take towels from the unit to hot tubs, pools, or outdoor areas.

If your rental includes hot tub access or you're planning to use the pool and hot tub at a nearby athletic club, bring your own beach towels. Most people forget this and end up buying towels at a local shop or using bath towels they shouldn't.

Pack lightweight quick-dry towels if you have them. They're easier to pack and dry faster after use.

7. Charging Cables and Power Strips

You're traveling with phones, tablets, headphones, GoPros, and maybe a laptop. Everyone needs to charge devices overnight.

Bring extra charging cables and a power strip. Most rentals have outlets, but not always where you need them. A power strip lets you charge multiple devices in one spot without hunting for outlets or unplugging lamps.

If you're traveling with kids, this becomes even more important. Tablets and devices die fast, and nobody wants to deal with a meltdown because someone's screen ran out of battery.

8. Snacks for the Car and the Condo

The drive from Denver to Copper Mountain takes about 90 minutes in good conditions. Longer if you hit traffic or weather. Kids get hungry. Adults get cranky. Pack snacks for the drive.

Also bring snacks for your rental. Grocery stores in Summit County are more expensive than what you're used to at home. Protein bars, trail mix, crackers, and fruit travel well and save you money.

Our rentals include coffee and filters, but if you have specific snack preferences or dietary needs, bring them with you. You'll be glad you did after a long day on the mountain when you just want something quick to eat.

9. Small First Aid Kit

Most ski injuries are minor. Blisters from new boots. Small cuts. Sore muscles. A basic first aid kit handles all of that without a trip to the store.

Pack bandages, blister pads, ibuprofen, and any prescriptions you take regularly. Add tweezers for splinters and antibiotic ointment for cuts.

If you're skiing with kids, include children's pain reliever and any allergy or asthma medications they need. Altitude can trigger unexpected reactions in kids who don't normally have issues at lower elevations.

10. A Positive Attitude About Altitude

This isn't something you pack, but it's worth mentioning. Altitude affects everyone differently. Some people feel fine. Others get headaches, fatigue, or trouble sleeping.

Give yourself time to adjust. Take it easy on your first day. Drink water. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol until you've acclimated. If you feel off, rest. Pushing through altitude sickness makes it worse.

Most people feel better by day two. If symptoms persist or get worse, talk to a doctor. Altitude sickness is common, but it's not something to ignore.

What You Don't Need to Bring

Our rentals are fully stocked with the basics. You don't need to pack:

• Dish soap, dishwasher detergent, or kitchen sponges

• Toilet paper, paper towels, or facial tissue

• Hand soap, shampoo, or lotion

• Coffee or filters

• Trash bags

We provide all of that. Your one-time cleaning fee covers linens, bath towels, and a stocked kitchen. Focus on packing personal items and the things that make your trip more comfortable.

Rent Gear Locally if You Need It

If you don't own skis, boots, or poles, rent them in Copper Mountain or nearby Frisco. Local shops offer better quality and service than airport rentals, and you won't have to lug gear through the airport.

Same goes for helmets, goggles, and other equipment. If you're not sure what you need, the rental shops will help you figure it out.

A Few More Tips

Pack a small daypack or backpack for the mountain. You'll want something to carry water, snacks, an extra layer, and sunscreen while you're skiing.

Bring a laundry bag or plastic bag for dirty clothes. It keeps wet ski gear separate from clean clothes in your suitcase.

If you're flying, wear your ski jacket and boots on the plane. It saves space in your luggage and ensures you have what you need if your bag gets delayed.

Your Rental is Ready

Our properties are clean, well-stocked, and ready for your stay. We make sure everything works before you arrive. Coffee is waiting. The heat is on. The beds are made.

All you need to do is show up with your gear and the essentials we've listed here. The rest is taken care of.

Browse our available rentals at larkmountain.com or reach out if you have questions about what's included in your unit. We'll make sure you're prepared for a great trip.