Best Snacks for Skiing

There’s nothing like carving through fresh powder, lungs full of mountain air, and legs burning at the halfway point of the day - but ready to refuel and do it all over again. But, skiing isn’t just about skill - you probably know just how much stamina plays into the experience as well.

The best snacks for skiing can help you stay warm, focused, and eager for another ride up the lift. Don’t settle for the $15 hot dog or burger in the lodge. You need smarter skiing snacks to enjoy the day to the fullest. Here are some of our personal favorites:

• Carnivore Snax Meat Chips
• Dried Fruit (Dates, Apricots, Mango)
• Salami / Dried Sausage Coins
• Wraps and Roll-Ups (Pocket-Proof Lunch)
• Nut Butter Packets
• Jerky and Meat Sticks
• Trail Mix Done Right
• Cheese That Travels
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Thermos Plays

Learn more about packing your snacks and what you should avoid on the slopes below. Or, stock up on our carnivore chips today and get the tastiest, most nutritious ski snacks in the world. They’re pure meat and salt, packed with protein and healthy fats to fuel your body and mind. Shop now and see what keeps customers coming back for more!

“I was skeptical to purchase these snax, because they are a little pricey; however I'm glad I did. The quality is exceptional, I don't have to worry about chemicals & other artificials & they taste amazing.” - Lauren

“Tried Carnivore Snax and was immediately impressed with the quality and flavor. I really applaud the lack of chemicals, additives, colorants, preservatives and the all the junk found in so many other bands. There are two ingredients - meat and salt - that's it!” - Nicc

“I love these snacks and believe me when I tell you it is not jerky. Once you open up that bag for the first time and you have a bite of the ribeye or the New York strip, you’re gonna be amazed and you’re going to wish you have ordered more.” - Luis

What to Look For in Good Snacks for Skiing

Not all ski snacks are created equal. A long day on the mountains isn’t just going to leave your muscles exhausted, you also have to navigate limited time between runs, bulky clothing, freezing cold, and difficulty with gloves. 

We took all this into account when picking the best skiing snacks:

• Glove-friendly handling: You don’t want to peel wrappers or deal with sticky foods when your hands are wrapped in thick gloves. The best ski snacks can be opened, eaten, and resealed quickly without fumbling.
• Freeze resistance and texture at cold temps: A chewy bar or piece of fruit that works fine at room temperature can turn into a rock-solid block in freezing conditions. The best snacks for skiing are easy to chew, even when temperatures drop well below freezing.
• Clean, non-greasy, low-crumb: Ski gear is expensive, and the last thing you want is grease on gloves, sticky residue on poles, or crumbs ground into fleece.
• Energy profile for slopes: The mix of explosive movement and long periods of waiting means you need quick carbs for bursts of energy and proteins or fats for lasting fuel. A balanced snack helps keep you steady.
• Pocket-proof packaging: Snacks get stuffed into jackets, sat on during lift rides, or jostled around in backpacks. The best skiing snacks have sturdy packaging that resists crushing.
• Food safety in cold/warm zones: Almost anything keeps on frigid winter days. But this can be a bit hit or miss during those late spring afternoons. Certain foods (like mayo-based wraps or soft cheeses) can spoil fast.

Don’t worry, we kept all these benchmarks in mind when putting together this list of the best snacks for skiing. They also taste great to keep you satisfied when cravings strike, so you don’t have to give in and buy a candy bar or pastry at the lodge. Let’s get into the best ski snacks!

The 10 Best Snacks for Skiing

Sure, you could get a whole meal from the lodge when lunchtime rolls around. But you’re spending enough money as is on the lift ticket - and the food there can be pretty questionable. So why not pack your own ski snacks? These are some of the best snacks for skiing. 

Carnivore Snax Meat Chips

Carnivore Snax are light, crisp slices of meat crafted with just two ingredients - premium, regeneratively raised meat and a touch of salt. That means they’re packed with protein and healthy fats, nothing you don’t want. 

That simplicity is also why they’re perfect ski snacks: they won’t freeze into jaw-breakers, they don’t leave crumbs or grease on your gloves, and you get fuel to keep you feeling fresh through long runs. Each cut has its own character:

• Ribeye Chips: Rich marbling and a melt-in-your-mouth texture make these feel indulgent while still being lightweight.
• Steak Chips: A classic, balanced cut that gives you the flavor of a steakhouse dinner in a crisp, packable form.
• Pork Chips: Savory and hearty with a satisfying crunch that stands up to cold conditions.
• Brisket Chips: Bold and smoky, with a mix of lean and fatty cuts that fuel you steadily from first chair to last.

There are plenty more varieties worth exploring over in our online storefront, too. Every bag is resealable, crush-resistant, and designed to survive in your jacket pocket. Don’t settle for less than the best snacks for skiing. Set yourself up for a fun day on the slopes with Carnivore Snax!

Dried Fruit (Dates, Apricots, Mango)

These ski snacks are a quick-access sugar source that doesn’t freeze into useless blocks like many fresh fruits. Dates and apricots are soft and chewy even in the cold, while mango slices give you a sweet hit that feels refreshing on a windy lift ride. 

They’re lightweight, don’t take much pocket space, and give you fast-burning carbs for when your legs start to fade. Pairing them with protein keeps the energy from spiking and crashing. These are some of the best snacks for skiing for mid-morning, holding you over until lunchtime. 

Salami / Dried Sausage Coins

Salami is as old-school as it gets on the mountain, and there’s a reason skiers keep packing it. Pre-sliced coins are salty, savory, and calorie-dense - perfect for long days when you’re burning through fuel faster than you think.

And unlike fresh meat, salami and sausage hold up really well in the cold without refrigeration. Still, we recommend wrapping it in paper before bagging to keep the grease at bay. 

A handful of coins in a pocket pouch gives you a satisfying bite on your way up the lift for your next run. It feels substantial, especially paired with cheese or crackers on the lift.

Wraps and Roll-Ups (Pocket-Proof Lunch)

Need something more than your average ski snacks? Wraps and roll-ups are a solid choice when you want something that feels like lunch without committing to lodge lines.

We find that wraps work better than bread-based sandwiches because tortillas don’t crush as easily and stay intact after hours in a jacket pocket. Nut butter with honey, turkey and cheese, or hummus with veggies all hold up well in the cold.

Wrap them tight in foil or parchment for easy, glove-friendly access. They take up more room than other options but can be worth it when you want to keep skiing instead of breaking at the lodge. 

Nut Butter Packets

Single-serve nut butter packets are a skier’s secret weapon: compact, calorie-dense, and easy to squeeze straight into your mouth. What more could you ask for? 

Almond, peanut, or cashew butters pack fat and protein that slow digestion and give you staying power through the afternoon. They’re shelf-stable and don’t freeze into unmanageable blocks, though you’ll want to store them in an inner pocket for easier squeezing in colder temps.

Best of all, you don’t need any utensils - just rip, squeeze, and keep moving toward the next run without missing a beat. These are some of the best snacks for skiing from a convenience perspective. 

Jerky and Meat Sticks

Jerky and meat sticks hold up in almost any condition, making them reliable ski snacks for decades. They’re high in protein, help fight off hunger, and are portioned easily into pockets or hip packs.

The only problem is they can be a bit hard to chew in freezing cold conditions. They’ll get really hard and leave your jaw aching. That’s why we think Carnivore Snax is the smarter beef jerky alternative. 

They’re also better than Chomps or Slim Jims because, unlike the other guys, we don’t use any weird preservatives or seasonings. Just pure meat and salt. 

Trail Mix Done Right

You can’t talk about ski snacks without mentioning trail mix. It’s the classic outdoor snack. That said, a skier’s trail mix is not the same as a hiker’s. It needs to be built for the cold and the warm at the same time.

A bluebird day can start below freezing and warm up fast, which means standard chocolate chips or yogurt-coated candies often turn into a sticky mess. 

Instead, build a mix that stays stable no matter the weather: almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, dried coconut flakes, and chewy fruit like figs or apricots. Portion it into small resealable bags for lift rides, and you’ve got a balanced blend of fat, protein, and carbs that fuels you without the mess.

Cheese That Travels

Cheese is definitely one of the best snacks for skiing, but not all types of cheese belong in a ski pack. Stay away from soft varieties. Hard cheese like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan cubes are surprisingly resilient in the cold.

They also provide lots of protein and fat that sticks with you longer than quick-carb snacks, and they don’t crumble into a mess. Pack them pre-cut in a small rigid container or wax paper to prevent squishing.

Remember that cheese should be kept in an insulated pouch on warmer spring days. In midwinter, though, it’s a no-fuss, filling option that pairs perfectly with salami or meat chips for an on-mountain mini-meal.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs bring real nutrition into your ski day without weighing you down. They’re rich in protein and surprisingly filling, which helps when you’re pushing through a long morning before breaking for lunch.

Pre-peel them at home and keep them in a small rigid container tucked into an inside pocket to prevent freezing. Add a pinch of salt or a seasoning packet for extra flavor. 

They’re not the lightest ski snacks, but a couple of eggs can carry you farther than most packaged options if you want something wholesome and reliable.

Thermos Plays

Bringing a thermos onto the mountain feels like a luxury, but it’s one that pays off when the temps drop. Hot broth, miso soup, or even oatmeal keeps your body warm while providing easy-digestible calories in the cold. A thermos also doubles as a hand warmer on a slow chairlift ride! It’s one of the best snacks for skiing from every angle. 

The tradeoff is weight and space, but for all-day skiing without lodge stops, it can be a game-changer. Few things beat taking a steaming sip halfway through a blustery day on the slopes.

Staying Hydrated While Skiing

There you have it, all the best snacks for skiing! But, nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to staying fresh and energized on the slopes. It’s easy to forget about hydration when you’re surrounded by snow, but skiing dehydrates you faster than you think.

Cold, dry air pulls moisture from your breath, altitude increases fluid loss, and heavy layers make you sweat more than you realize. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already behind. 

Our rule of thumb is to sip every lift ride or between runs, not just at lunch. Plain water in a plastic bottle can freeze solid by mid-morning, so it’s worth keeping an insulated bottle filled up.

Water alone may not be enough, though. Electrolyte packets or tablets are a smart way to bolster hydration further and replace sodium and potassium that is lost throughout the day.

Some skiers stash warm tea, broth, or even diluted juice in a thermos to keep things interesting and encourage more frequent drinking. Staying on top of hydration keeps your energy steady and your focus sharp - it’s just as important as stocking the best ski snacks!

Tips on Packing Your Skiing Snacks

Now, how are you going to keep the best skiing snacks on hand without feeling weighed down? There are two options if you want ski snacks on your person - your jacket or a backpack.

Just be aware when packing that your snacks will need to survive bumps, spills, and hours in the cold. Pocket-proof packaging is key: resealable bags, vacuum-sealed packs, or small rigid containers work far better than flimsy wrappers that shred in gloves.

Otherwise, you can rent a locker or keep your goodies in your vehicle. You’ll be lighter on the slopes, but the tradeoff is that you’ll have to interrupt your day to go retrieve your ski snacks. 

Divide snacks into lift-sized portions so you don’t have to dig around or spill a full bag halfway up the chair. Items that freeze easily, like nut butter packets or dried fruit, should ride in inner pockets where body heat keeps them pliable. Greasy or crumbly foods should be double-wrapped to avoid smearing your gear.

PLEASE - do not forget about how you’re going to dispose of trash while on the lift or on a run. No one wants sticky wrappers blowing down the mountain. Be a good steward of the land, and get your trash into a proper receptacle. 

What to Avoid on the Slopes

We’ve shared our favorite ski snacks, but what should you not eat on the mountain? Some foods just don’t belong on a ski day, no matter how good they sound at home.

We try to stay away from anything greasy or saucy such as pizza slices, fried foods, or mayo-heavy wraps. They’re messy, heavy on the stomach, and leave your gloves unusable if you touch them. The same goes for snacks that freeze rock-hard. 

Energy bars loaded with syrups or high-water fruits like grapes and berries can turn solid, forcing you to choose between chipping at them or skipping fuel entirely. 

Also avoid ultra-crumbly foods such as chips, crackers without containers, or flaky pastries. Crumbs are nearly impossible to shake out once they get into fleece or gloves. With so many great skiing snacks to choose from, there’s no need to bother with any of these things above!

Parting Thoughts on the Best Skiing Snacks

Hopefully this list of the best snacks for skiing has left you excited to start preparing for your adventure on the mountain. The right ski snacks keep you fueled and focused from the first run to the last, and they don’t freeze, make a mess, or cut into your energy.

From dried fruit and salami to wraps and thermos soups, there are plenty of options, but Carnivore Snax stands out for its clean ingredients, lightweight packaging, and steady fuel on the slopes.

Whether you’re looking for something more enjoyable than beef jerky or smarter protein bar alternatives that won’t freeze solid, you can’t beat our crisp, airy meat chips. They’re the best low-cal high-protein snacks and high-fat fat low-carb snacks you have access to.

Don’t just take our word for it, though. Shop today and spoil yourself with the tastiest, healthiest meat snacks on the market - we’re sure you’ll be back for more!