Before you head out for a day of skiing or on a ski trip vacation, make sure you've got everything you need. It's good to prepare a checklist before you start packing. You may want to do this a few days beforehand so that you have time to go get or order anything that you may be missing.

You'll, of course, need your skis, bindings and poles. If you're going to rent equipment, then find out where you will be skiing and check out their pricing on rentals and find out what you need in order to rent equipment - like a credit card, etc. Next is your ski jacket and pants. Make sure you bring your hat, helmet, gloves, goggles and face mask. Then for your mid layer, you'll want good socks, long underwear and a non-cotton top layer, too.

Bring a handkerchief, granola bars, trail mix, a bottle for water, gum, extra gloves, handwarmers, a boot dryer if you have one, money and any coupons you've found for lift tickets or rentals. Bring an extra jacket to wear at night if you go out so that your ski jacket can dry out (if it needs to). Have plenty of socks, too.

Check out the weather forecast for where you are going. This will also help you decide how to dress and you'll be alerted of any travel warnings that may occur. If you are flying, find out the weather forecast for all the layovers that you have so that you can prepare for what may be happening.

Lay everything out before you pack it to make sure you have all that you need. If you're missing anything, then it's time to shop or borrow something from someone. Shopping online will get you the best deals.

Get more tips and information about skiing equipment so that you're ready to go have some fun in the snow!