Fuel Your Skiing this Season with These Must-Try Portable Snacks

I have been skiing since childhood and enjoy downhill skiing, skate skiing, and cross-country skiing but I don’t like smooshed snacks in my pocket! However, snacks for skiing are some of the most important plan-ahead components of a successful day on the mountain or the trail, next to having the proper gear.

Knowing you have tasty morsels stashed (and NOT smashed) inside your pockets or your ski pack to access throughout the day is an uplifting and comforting feeling, especially on a bad weather day.

So, I’ve made a list of the best food for skiers that I enjoy! When you’re hitting the slopes today or in the coming months, you’ll want to load up on these mouthwatering portable snacks to keep your energy soaring on the ski trails. Let’s get started!

1. Bacon

Who are we kidding? If you eat meat this is simply the BEST snack. Salty, fatty, crunchy! Package your bacon well and bring a hand wipe so you don’t get grease on your ski clothes.

2. Half or Quarter Turkey or Ham Sandwich

A good friend swears by his “Adventure Pucks” so we’ve enjoyed them on ski days too! Make an English muffin sandwich with just cream cheese and thinly sliced ham. Here’s the important part: “It must be wrapped in foil” for the seal of perfection, he says.

3. Salted Mixed Nuts

Any grocery store sells them, but, Trader Joe’s and Costco have excellent mixes. We enjoy the Trader Joe’s mix with cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and almonds. Some of their bags of mixed nuts have fun spices or seasonings like chili or truffle.

4. Half a Breakfast Burrito

I often make burritos for myself and the kids before we head out the door to ski. Egg, cheese, and salsa or hot sauce wrapped tight inside a tortilla make a delightful and energy-packed snack.

5. Hard-boiled Eggs

Do yourself a favor and peel and season the egg BEFORE you are on the chair lift. Prepare it at home. I love hard-boiled eggs rolled in furikake seasoning or simply salt and pepper.

6. Olive Snack Packets

Many grocery stores have these shelf-stable packets. Trader Joe’s also sells them in the refrigerated section. My family loves olives for snacking! They are satisfying and full of healthy fats.

7. Chocolate

Really any kind of chocolate will do! This is a must-have. Not to be forgotten! Just don’t leave it in your coat after skiing and end up with a melty mess.

8. Freeze Dried Fruit

Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are favorites. These are crunchy, tangy and healthy snacks that are easy to snack on while on the go.

9. Power Balls or Energy Bars

There are so many excellent recipes out there; check out the energy bar recipe at end of this post!

10. Cheese

Cheese sticks, wax-coated cheeses, Cabot snack bars, or any kind sliced in a baggie will do!

11. Cured Meat Stick

Cured meat sticks are ubiquitous these days so buy any kind you like! Also up for consideration is sliced pepperoni or beef jerky. Here in Vermont we buy the Vermont Smoke and Cure meat sticks. My favorite is the uncured pepperoni.

12. Crispy Baked Tofu Snacks

Try this delicious recipe! For vegetarian and vegan skiers this snack is full of protein and is a nice alternative to nuts.

13. Nut Butter Squeeze Packs

Many stores sell brands such as Justin’s in the form of single-serve packets. Squeeze out the nut butter into your mouth while riding the lift and enjoy a burst of flavor!

14. Peanut Butter Cups

I consider this a separate category when compared to chocolate. Personally, I LOVE peanut butter cups and these are a real treat when skiing, or anytime really. Don’t let them sit in your pocket on a warmer ski day.

15. Yogurt Covered Pretzels

Yogurt-covered pretzels are a delicious crunchy salty and sweet snack that is easy to pack. There are different varieties in the bulk bins at grocery stores.

16. Popcorn or Roasted Corn Snacks

Have you ever tried roasted corn snacks? If not, give them a try. “Love Corn” Roasted Corn Snack with Sea Salt is a delicious choice.

17. Vegan Jerky

Chewy salt or sweet jerky is good and now vegans have options! Mushroom, banana or any other meat alternative available at your local store is a great choice.

18. Dried Roasted Edamame

This is another healthy snack high in protein and it’s one of my sin’s favorites! They are salty and crunchy and come spiced in a variety of ways.

19. Trail mix

I am going to default to the lovely variety of options available at Trader Joe’s and Costco, again. Nuts, berries, seeds, sesame sticks, chocolate chips, ginger, and more can be found in these mixes. There is something for everyone!

20. Pre-packaged or Homemade Granola or Protein Bar

No time to make a homemade snack? Keep one of these bars close to your core as you ski they stay warmer inside your coat. They will be easier for biting into if not as cold or even frozen!

21. Roasted Seaweed Snacks

While the container these snacking-size seaweed sheets come in is too bulky for pockets, they can easily be taken out and put in a more compact baggie. These are so salty and delicious. Another favorite of my kids!

22. Applesauce packet

Small pouches of apple sauce or another fruit puree can be enjoyed, especially by kids, while skiing. They definitely give a burst of energy and there are endless fruit combinations. Some even include chia seeds!

23. Homemade Banana Chips

Crunchy and slightly addictive, these are so good. Give them a try! Store-bought banana chips are great too if you don’t have the time to make your own.

24. Miso soup packet

Grab a cup of hot water in the ski lodge if you don’t have a thermos and enjoy a hot cup of umami-packed miso soup!

25. Mandarins/Clementines

Citrus fruits are full of phytonutrients, which help keep us warm on cold days and nights. Plus, citrus is super uplifting and nourishing on a cold winter day!

26. Prepackaged Cheese Crisps

Cheese crisps are readily available on the shelves of many grocery stores but you can also order them online. These are a satisfying crunchy snack for sure.

27. Roasted Chickpeas

Roasted chickpeas can be homemade or purchased in many grocery stores. They come in a variety of unique flavors at the store such as Indian-spiced, salt and vinegar, or chili and lime.

28. Homemade Fruit Leather

Puree 4 cups of peeled fruit of choice in a blender with a splash of vanilla extract and/or maple syrup. Mix flavors and have fun.

If using apples cook them down first. Place 4 cups of chopped peeled apples in a saucepan and add 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer then cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until soft. Puree as needed.

Spread mixed fruit puree to 1/8′ thick on Silpat or parchment on top of baking sheets. Use your food dehydrator or your oven to make the fruit leather.

If you don’t have a dehydrator bake at the lowest setting in the oven (with the door propped open a bit if needed) for 5-6 hours. Cool, cut with a pizza slicer, and serve/store.

29. Vegan patty

Try wrapping up a veggie patty to snack on. Good ideas include falafels, veggie samosas or black bean burger patties.

30. Pancake Bites or Silver Dollar Pancakes

Leftover pancakes make GREAT snacks and also very filling. No dipping sauce is needed but consider adding in blueberries or apples when making the pancakes!

31. Om Mighty Broth, Instant Mix, or BariWise High Protein Instant Soup Mix

Bring a packet of broth and head into the lodge to use a cup and hot water that can be found at the tea station. On a cold day, this snack really hits the spot.

32. Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels

You can even find gluten-free peanut butter-filled pretzels nowadays. Our kids love these because they stay soft in the cold and are definitely tasty and crunchy.

33. Chocolate Chip Cookies

This is one of my husband’s favorite foods and typically is part of a ski day for him. I think he is onto something.

34. Healthy Homemade Cookies

Maybe you are not into eating too much sugar. Try a healthy homemade cookie such as these Smacaroons. They are a family favorite!

35. Seed Snack Mix

Seeds are a good alternative for those who cannot eat nuts. Patagonia Provisions also used to make a delicious pre-packaged pocket-size mix and I hope they bring it back.

36. Leftover pieces of chicken or steak

Slice up that leftover meat from dinner into strips and now you have an ideal healthy paleo snack for your pocket while hitting the slopes. Personally, I need lots of protein so this is a stand by of mine.

37. Quesadilla Wedges

Our family loves to make a variety of different quesadillas to cut into snack whether they are the simple cheese version or have whole beans, refried beans, salsa or pickled peppers inside.

38. Pizza Bites

Leftover pizza bites are SO yummy on the mountain. Cut up pizza into small triangles or squares and pack ’em up for snacking.

39. Chocolate Covered Almonds

The best of both worlds! You’ve got chocolate mixed with crunchy salty almonds that give you energy with their protein and fat content.

40. Nut Butter-Banana-Honey Sandwich

This is one of the ultimate energy foods for those with a sweet tooth to stick in your pocket for a day on the mountain. It has fruit, protein, fat, and carbs which equals perfection.

41. Mini Cheese-Filled Crackers

My son loves these and the mini size is easiest for one-bite snacking even with ski gloves on. They are good even when slightly frozen.

42. Pre-Cooked Breakfast Sausage Bites

This is an easy protein option and perhaps just cook up some extra at breakfast to bring along in baggies for ski snacks. Vegetarian sausage also works well!

43. G.O.R.P.

Good old raisins and peanuts never go out of style. It’s both salty and sweet, crunchy and chewy, and it is great for sharing.

44. Peanut Butter and Jelly or Fluffernutter Sandwich

YES! I know, I know. Some people are not into fluffernutter sammies. But hey, these are classics and are a real treat for many! It’s inevitable that it will be smooshed and slightly mangled in your pocket. Wink wink.

45. Dried Mango, Died Apple Rings, or Other Dried Fruit

Dried cinnamon apple rings are super tasty and healthy. I find they are easier to eat in the cold than dried mango. But, some people prefer the taste of mango. Simply choose what you like!

Don’t skimp on fluids to avoid having to stop for a bathroom break. Staying hydrated improves concentration levels (because of higher oxygen intake), reduces fatigue when exercising, and helps your muscles recover better afterward.

• Water
• Ginger Tea
• Emergen-C Powder (mixed with water)

Enjoying the apres-ski offerings is a great way to celebrate the end of an amazing ski day. It is the perfect reward and can be a fantastic extension of your day. Cheers!

Skiing with a backpack, in the evening, with a thermos of hot goodness stashed inside is an excellent idea. If you don’t feel comfortable skiing with a pack scan the main list at the end of the post and bring items with added heat to them for your moonlit adventures.

• Tea or hot cocoa
• Soup or chili
• Oatmeal in a thermos with cinnamon is incredibly warming.
• Spicy Jerky
• Citrus Fruit
• Candied Ginger
• Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix

If you tolerate them, spicy foods are ideal for warming your body. Jerky and nuts commonly come spiced as an option. Spicy food can make you feel like you’re warming up from the inside out and also energize you to keep going.

If you ski without a pack, most foods should be kept in your inside pockets, with the exception of chocolate, so you need to match the food to the size pockets you have.

Bees Wrap

This is a fantastic reusable, flexible, and clingy storage wrap made in Vermont! Bees Wrap is perfect for the person who wants to avoid using synthetics, plastic wrap, or foil. The beeswax fabric keeps your items fresh and tasty. Use the warmth of your hands as you package your food to seal.

Reusable Stasher Bags

I absolutely LOVE Stasher bags! They are a great way to pack snacks and sandwiches while staying organized on your next adventure. The pocket size, ideal for ski coat pockets. The snack size is also great for larger or inner pockets. This size holds a nice amount of trail mix or a half sandwich.

Need something easier? Then simply use classic foil, baggies, or parchment bags and move on. Recycle or reuse the foil and parchment. We all get busy and sometimes need something fast in a pinch.

If you’re using foil or parchment for wrapping, make sure it’s thick enough so that it doesn’t tear or come undone in your pocket which creates a mess.

You’re Ready to Snack Your Way to Slope Success

Remember, unless you are skiing every day, skiing uses muscles you don’t typically use, and supporting your body with fuel is super important. So, be sure to follow the food ideas in this post to help you recover faster after a day of eating well!

Bringing appropriate snacks while skiing or snowboarding is clearly a huge part of a successful day out in the snow! So, stock up on fuel, hit the slopes, and let the adventure begin. I’ll see you out there, carving those snowy paths with a smile and a snack in hand!