Packing List For Snow – Things You Need To Pack For A Perfect Winter Holiday

Packing List For Snow – Things You Need To Pack For A Perfect Winter Holiday

It might still be a bit early to be planning what to pack for a winter holiday, but since we’re about to see Christmas decorations and the like just after Halloween has been dealt with, it’s also not too soon for a packing list for snow.

Now we know not every winter holiday will be the same and you might not be going skiing, but we’ll list the essentials and things you’ll most definitely need.

You’ll find a downloadable and printable PDF list at the bottom of this short post.


Keep Your Head Warm

Did you know that you lose most of your body heat through your head? Well, now you do know. Especially in winter it’s important to protect your head. I come from a cold country but live in a hot country now so I don’t really store many warm hats and winter clothing.

Back when I was living in the cooler country I was used to having lots of different hats and caps for winter. The main thing is that it covers your ears and won’t fly away if there’s a bit of wind.

If you’re going into an area where there’ll be snow you might want to buy something that is waterproof so it won’t wet through and give you a chill.

And if you don’t like a hat or cap then get some earmuffs at least. I hear they are making a comeback.

Keep your head warm

This is me at the beginning of a winter holiday, getting ready to go outside into the cold weather with my nice warm beanie and shawl.


Wrap Yourself In A Winter Coat

You’ll want to invest in a decent winter coat that’s wind and waterproof and that can be zipped up and pulled up high to your ears and that’ll also cover your lower back and goes over your hips.

If you can get one with a hood that’s great, a detachable hood even better, as it makes the coat more versatile and you’ll get more wear out of it.

It’s also a good idea to get a coat that’s down filled or filled with synthetics to keep you warmer and protected from wind chill.


Protect Your Neck From Chill

I love long scarves or shawls that not only cover your neck but you can kinda tuck them in under your coat and they’ll give an extra layer for your upper body and back. And if you need to protect your face from cold winds or snow, you can pull the scarf up over your face.

I’ve got a really nice extra-long and extra-wide cashmere-wool shawl that’s also really nice-looking. You can also use it for when it’s not quite as cold and you just need something to cover your shoulders.


Keep Your Hands Warm

Depending on your holiday type it might be enough to get woolen gloves to keep you warm. But if you’re planning on playing in the snow or other winter activities where you’re going to get in touch with snow or water, you’ll have to get something a bit different.

The lined synthetic kind of glove will protect your hands from snow and the wind as they are water and wind proof. They are the warmest kind of glove. Make sure to try them on for size.


Keep Your Legs Warm

Again it depends on the kind of holiday you’re planning. If you’re going on a skiing holiday you’ll have to buy proper skiing gear. Otherwise, you’ll just have to buy pants that are going to keep you warm and dry.

Again, synthetic clothing will keep you warm and dry and protect you from wind. You can also get some insulated pants that have internal lining to keep you warm.

keep warm

You’re thinking that looks like it’s cold? Yep, it was. But since I was clad in a warm winter coat and had my warm beanie and shawl as well as waterproof boots, I didn’t feel it. 


Thermal Wear

If you tend to be a bit on the freezing side make sure to bring some thermal wear with you. Even if you don’t end up needing it, it’s worth having in case the temperatures are dropping or the wind picks up.

Thermal wear is basically long underwear (top and bottom) that’s going to keep you nice and warm. There are different materials you can choose from. I usually go for something that’s breathable, like cotton and wool.

Some people argue against cotton, but I like it. Wool could get a bit scratchy so you might want to find something that is a bit less so, like cashmere.


Keep Your Feet Warm

Not only do you need good lined and waterproof shoes, you also need warm and long socks.

Make sure to get nice thick socks and if you’re planning on lots of walking, get some that have extra padding for toes and heels.

In terms of shoes it really depends on what you’re planning on doing. If you’re just doing a little walking, any waterproof shoe might do. If there’s a lot of snow make it a waterproof boot so the snow doesn’t get in to your shoe. There’s nothing worse than wet and cold feet in winter.

Make sure the shoe or boot is comfortable and has lining inside to keep you warm.

For skiing and winter sports activities you’d need different shoes of course.


Take Your Swimwear

This is something I always pack, no matter where I go. Many hotels have heated pools which is nice to get your frozen body moving again and many places also have saunas and spas.

Nothing better to get rid of the chill than sitting in a sauna or spa. Just do your fellow saunaistas a favour and have a shower before you go. It’s common courtesy before going to a sauna or spa to refresh and wash off the winter-chill sweat.


Everything Else

Apart from the above you’ll need the usual, such as:

  • T-shirts
  • Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Trousers
  • Skirts
  • Dresses
  • Jacket
  • Sweater
  • Cardigan
  • Sleepwear
  • Underwear
  • Socks
  • Belts
  • Shoes (casual/dress/for walking)
  • Jewellery
  • Sunscreen (when skiing in the mountains)
  • Sunglasses
  • Lip balm/ Chapstick
  • Lotion
  • Shampoo/Conditioner/Shower gel
  • Hair products
  • Other toiletries

For a full list have a look at our checklist for packing a suitcase.


Download the PDF for the packing list for snow here:

Winter packing list


Did I forget something? Do you have other ideas? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy, safe and warm travels!

8 Replies to “Packing List For Snow – Things You Need To Pack For A Perfect Winter Holiday”

  1. I think many of us forget that in the winter time when we go away we must pack differently than we normally pack. I really like all of your timely suggestions. I’ll bookmark this page for later. 

    What would be the number 1 suitcase you would recommend to use in the winter time? Should we just use a normal luggage bag or should we use something different?

    1. Thanks for stopping by. Well I find that in winter it’s better to use a hard side case as it’s better at repelling snow and other moisture. On top of that I like a suitcase that’s easy to organize like the Genius Pack.

  2. No it’s not too early for this post. In fact I started planning my winter holiday today and your post has come very handy. 

    I appreciate you mentioned quite a few of the points I would have missed. And one of them is packing swimwear. Yeah, I would have left it behind, but you’re right, there’s nothing better than going to a heated pool in the winter. Thanks!

    1. Thanks for stopping by. Yes, that’s the one thing many people don’t think of taking when they go for a winter holiday. 

  3. I so much love winter, its kinds of coldness and chill, but you know that funniest part of why I love the season, it is that I get most of my clothes together and to be sincere, snow brings me freshness when it touches my face. 

    Me and My girlfriend have planned to go for a holiday whenever she gets her winter break, though we’ve not been going about what and what not to pack, I think we need not to worry ourselves again, this list of what to pack for snow holiday is not so common today and I believe its going to help me get the necessary snow pack things. 

    This is a lovely and informative post, please I want ask if there is a link you can recommend where we’ll be able to purchase directly??? Thanks

  4. That’s one excellent list. One thing I am learning by living in Colorado now is when people tell you to layer, they’re not just saying it because its the “in-thing” to say.

    Around here I always have a dry fit t-shirt, short sleeve or long depending on the time of year, a warmer shirt of come kind, a fleece pull over or zip up, a rain jacket and/or a warm jacket depending on the situation. You can be freezing in the morning or at the higher altitudes and then come down the mountain, and the sun is shining and you find yourself sweating.

    What are your thoughts on layering and does it depend on the part of the world you live in?

    1. I’m definitely a big fan of layering. It’s always handy to have something extra with you that you can put on, even if it’s just a shirt or wind jacket, but when it comes to winter holidays, I do a bit more of layering as you tend to walk in and out from cold to warm and vice versa. 

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