Packing for a ski-in/ski-out rental like 11 Emmons Road in Crested Butte requires a different strategy than shuttle-dependent properties. Because you're 50 feet from Red Lady Express lift and can return to your rental in seconds, you can pack lighter, skip redundant items, and focus on essentials. This guide shows you exactly what to bring—and what to leave home.
The Ski-In/Ski-Out Packing Advantage
At shuttle-dependent properties, you must pack for every possible scenario because returning to your rental means losing 45-90 minutes. This creates massive overpacking:
- Multiple jacket options (carry heavy backpack all day)
- Backup gloves, goggles, face masks
- Extensive first aid supplies
- Snacks and full water bottles
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hand warmers
At ski-in/ski-out properties, you can retrieve anything in 2-3 minutes:
- Pack one set of layers—swap if needed
- Leave backup items at rental
- Return for snacks and water refills
- Skip heavy backpack entirely
Result: Travel lighter, ski more comfortably, and eliminate "just in case" overpacking.
Essential Gear: What You Must Bring
Ski Equipment
If bringing your own:
- Skis or snowboard
- Boots (most important—never compromise on boot fit)
- Poles
- Helmet
If renting in Crested Butte:
- Book rentals in advance (holiday weeks sell out)
- Several rental shops within 5-minute drive of 11 Emmons Road
- Bring your own boots if possible (better fit, hygiene)
Ski-in/ski-out tip: Store rental equipment at the property, not at rental shop. You're 50 feet from the lift—no need to pick up gear each morning.
Clothing Layers
Base layers (2-3 sets):
- Moisture-wicking thermal tops
- Thermal pants or leggings
- Wool or synthetic blend (avoid cotton)
- Why 2-3 sets: You'll want fresh layers every 2 days
Mid layers (2 options):
- Fleece or lightweight down jacket
- One warmer, one lighter
- Ski-in/ski-out advantage: Pack only 2 instead of 4—can swap at rental easily
Outer layers:
- Waterproof ski jacket
- Waterproof ski pants
- Optional: Shell jacket for warm spring days (can retrieve if needed)
Accessories (essential):
- 1-2 pairs ski gloves
- Neck gaiter or face mask
- Warm beanie or helmet liner
- Ski socks (3-4 pairs)
- Goggles (1 pair sufficient—backup stays at rental)
Après-Ski and Evening Wear
Comfortable loungewear:
- Sweatpants, hoodies (for après-ski at rental)
- Warm socks or slippers
- Swimsuit (for hot tub)
Dinner outfits (1-2):
- Crested Butte is casual—jeans and nice top/flannel works everywhere
- Warm jacket for walking to restaurants
- Boots suitable for snow (not ski boots)
Cozy space to change and warm up throughout the day
Convenience Items: Pack These
Sun Protection
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended—mountain sun is intense)
- Lip balm with SPF (reapply every 2 hours)
- Sunglasses (for après-ski and town visits)
Ski-in/ski-out tip: Keep sunscreen at rental. Reapply during midday lunch breaks instead of carrying it.
Small First Aid / Comfort Items
- Pain reliever (ibuprofen for sore muscles)
- Blister treatment (moleskin or bandages)
- Basic bandages
- Prescription medications
Note: No need for extensive first aid kit. You're 50 feet from your rental where you can address any issues.
Snacks and Hydration
What to bring from home:
- Favorite protein bars or snacks (if picky)
- Coffee/tea you prefer
- Special dietary items not easily found in small mountain towns
What to buy locally:
- Fresh groceries (there's a market 5 minutes from 11 Emmons)
- Water (or use filtered tap water at rental)
- Breakfast foods, lunch supplies
- Beer, wine, snacks
Ski-in/ski-out advantage: Don't carry snacks on slopes. Return for lunch and snack breaks.
What You Can Skip (Thanks to Ski-In/Ski-Out)
Heavy Backpacks
Shuttle properties require:
- Large backpack with lunch, water, snacks
- Extra layers for temperature changes
- Backup gloves, goggles
- First aid kit
- Phone charger, sunscreen, etc.
At 11 Emmons Road:
- Small hip pack or pockets sufficient
- Carry: phone, credit card, ChapStick
- Everything else stays at rental (2-minute access if needed)
Excessive Backup Items
You can skip:
- 3rd pair of goggles
- 5 glove options
- Every jacket you own
- Multiple water bottles
Why: If you need something, you retrieve it in 2 minutes. No need to pack for every hypothetical scenario.
Expensive Portable Chargers
At shuttle properties, phones die because you're away from rental for 8+ hours. At ski-in/ski-out, you return for lunch and can charge then.
What's Provided at 11 Emmons Road
To help you pack light, here's what's already at the rental:
Kitchen Essentials
- Full cookware, dishes, utensils
- Coffee maker
- Microwave, stove, oven
- Basic spices, oil, coffee filters
You should bring: Special coffee, teas, or cooking ingredients you prefer
Linens and Towels
- All bed linens provided
- Bath towels, hand towels
- Kitchen towels
You can skip: Beach towels, extra linens
Basic Toiletries
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Hand soap
- Toilet paper, paper towels
You should bring: Specific products you prefer, toothbrush, toothpaste, medications
Family Packing: Additional Considerations
For Young Kids (Ages 5-10)
Essential additions:
- Hand warmers (kids get cold fast)
- Extra gloves (kids lose/soak them)
- Helmet (most kids' helmets don't fit well as rentals)
- Favorite snacks (picky eaters)
- Tablet/device for downtime
Ski-in/ski-out advantage: When kids get cold or tired, you can return to warm rental in 2 minutes. No need to pack excessive backup items.
For Babies/Toddlers (Not Skiing)
If bringing non-skiing little ones:
- Pack n play or request crib (contact property in advance)
- Baby monitor
- Warm clothing for outdoor time
- Entertainment (books, toys, tablet)
Ski-in/ski-out advantage: Parents can take turns skiing while one stays with baby. Shift changes take 2 minutes instead of 45 minutes.
Packing Tips from Experienced Guests
"First time at ski-in/ski-out. I packed like usual—huge backpack, tons of backups. Never used 90% of it. Next year I'm packing half as much." — Tom R., February 2025
"The proximity changed everything. I kept sunscreen, ChapStick, and snacks at the condo instead of carrying them. So much more comfortable skiing without a heavy pack." — Jennifer M., March 2025
Weather-Specific Packing
Winter (December-February): Cold Season
Emphasis on:
- Warmest layers (temperatures 10-25°F typical)
- Face protection (wind chill significant)
- Hand/toe warmers
- Multiple glove options (wet gloves = miserable day)
Spring (March-April): Variable Conditions
Emphasis on:
- Layering flexibility (mornings cold, afternoons warm)
- Lighter jacket option
- Higher SPF sunscreen (intense spring sun)
- Less bulky clothing
Ski-in/ski-out advantage: Spring's variable temperatures make midday clothing changes essential. You can adjust in 5 minutes.
Pre-Trip Checklist
1 week before:
- ☐ Check weather forecast for Crested Butte
- ☐ Confirm all gear fits (kids especially)
- ☐ Reserve rental equipment if needed
- ☐ Plan grocery list for first day
Day before departure:
- ☐ Pack prescriptions and essentials first
- ☐ Check ski equipment condition
- ☐ Charge all devices
- ☐ Print confirmation info for 11 Emmons Road
Day of arrival:
- ☐ Stop at grocery store before check-in
- ☐ Unload and organize gear immediately
- ☐ Test all ski equipment
- ☐ Check weather for tomorrow's skiing
Ready to Pack Smart?
Book your ski-in/ski-out vacation at 11 Emmons Road, where true proximity means packing smarter, traveling lighter, and skiing more comfortably.
Book direct and save 15% compared to booking platforms. Contact us at 970-309-0488 or check availability online.