Packing for a cold weather destination is like playing a complicated game of Tetris with a weight limit, especially when packing for an entire family. So, over the years as my children have grown the clothes have gotten bigger and heavier I have had to hone my skills.
Now that we stay in a condo I have had some of the pressure lifted. Certain items like base layers, undies, socks, jeans, and pajamas can be washed and reused during the trip. This minimizes the number of these items I take. So, I definitely take advantage of the ability to wash, but not too much, it’s my vacation too!
Another tip I learned after the first time I stepped off the plane in Jackson, Wyoming and straight onto the runway with -20 degree temps, was to wear snow boots and ski jacket onto the plane. These items are bulky and heavy in a suitcase. So, wearing them onto the plane saves quite a bit of space. It also saves you from freezing at airports where you walk from the plane to the terminal without a jetbridge. I still end up with 4 suitcases, but it is better than the five I used to have when packing for a ski destination. I do not use hard sided suitcases with the exception of one. I feel the fabric extends more and allows more give, just in case! I also swear by my portable luggage scale. This is the very one I use, and it has never let me down! (https://amzn.to/3EQZ2TZ)#ad
For Mom:
- One Ski Jacket that is water and wind proof
- One pair of ski pants or bibs
- 4 pair of wool ski socks (https://amzn.to/4kdpUNZ affordable 2 pk of merino wool socks) #ad
- 4 pair regular socks
- 3 sets of thermals/base layers (https://amzn.to/4i55Uv8)a nice warm affordable set I found on Amazon. #ad
- 1 beanie, 1 sock hat (https://amzn.to/43aEUpU) This is my favorite hat for every day, another Smartwool option. #ad
- Gaiter/scarf (https://amzn.to/4b8Xj8D) cute neutral option offered on Amazon. #ad
- Ski goggles (https://amzn.to/437l6Uh) an affordable option that is as nice as the Oakley’s I bought spur of the moment that were too expensive in a ski town! #ad
- Ski gloves
- Daily gloves (optional)
- Undergarments (8)
- At least one sports bra
- 3 to 4 athletic 1/4 zip or similar item mid-layer tops (ie. Patagonia Mirco D)
- 3 to 4 sweaters/jumpers for casual dinners out & days in town
- 2-3 pair of jeans(baggy, boyfriend cut, or skinny work best)
- 2 -3 pair of black flared leggings (smartwool base layers (https://amzn.to/41s6cH2 ) fit well under to keep you warm) These are wide leg leggings I wore in Banff and love. https://amzn.to/3QPrg4l #ad
- 3 sets of PJs
- Lounge wear 2 sets
- Swimsuit for the hot tub
- Sunnies
- One comfortable outfit for the plane ride home
- One additional pair of boots, usually a black boot that is stylish and cute for dinners out, so you aren’t always in a hiking or snow boot.
I am able to get most all clothing items in packing cubes with the exception of sweaters and jeans. I make it a priority to have shoe covers/bags for our extra shoes we take, because shoes are gross! The exact cubes we use are found here https://amzn.to/4i7okLS on Amazon. #ad
For Dad and teen boys:
- Ski jacket
- Ski pants/bibs
- 4 pair of wool ski socks (https://amzn.to/3QwcXkI) Merino wool sock 2 pack affordable and warm.
- 4 pair of regular socks
- 5 to 6 pair of undergarments
- 3 sets of base layers/thermals (https://amzn.to/4hT815M) Affordable set for men. My son has these and loves! #ad
- Neck gaiter/balaclava (https://amzn.to/4gSURnX) This one is a must have when skiing. It fits nicely under a ski helmet and keeps the neck warm. #ad
- beanie/ sock hat
- Ski goggles
- Sunglasses for every day not on the slopes
- Ski gloves (https://amzn.to/3EK3WSw) These mittens are an affordable option. Although my son loves these, they have a hefty price, there are still more affordable here than in a ski town. (https://amzn.to/4bdA7WT)#ad
- Daily use gloves (optional)
- 3 to 4 sweaters/jumpers
- 4 pairs of pants jeans/casual khakis
- 3 to 4 sets of pajamas
- One set of comfortable clothes for the plane ride home.
- One pair of additional shoes to wear when not wearing snow boots.
- 3 to 4 athletic 1/4 zip mid-layer tops for every day.
- Swimsuit for the hot tubs
*** Exceptions for my teens:
- 1 pair of jeans
- 3 to 4 pair of athletic pants
- Only 2 sweaters/jumpers
- 3 sweatershirts
- 3 of the 1/4 zip mid-layer tops for ski days.
Additional ski gear you may want to consider if you own these items:
- Skis/Snowboard with bindings (https://amzn.to/4baRJTc) These are Nordica infrared easy entry boots. I am sure no one buys ski boots off a blog, but I rented these in Banff and will be purchasing these. They were the easiest boot to put on and were incredibly comfortable. I never thought I would buy my own boots, but when you know, you know!
- Helmet
- Poles
- Boots
Miscellaneous items I like to have as a mother and someone who doesn’t like to be too cold or unprepared!
- Hand and feet warmers(https://amzn.to/3D029Zc) *This one box plus one additional small box of toe warmers got our family of 4 through ski days and snowmobiling. This is an item to buy before you leave. They will be overpriced in ski towns/destinations. #ad
- Tissues
- Lip balm
- Sunscreen
- Pain Reliever like Tylenol tablets or caplets or Motrin/Ibuprofen (Walgreens or CVS formulas are gluten-free) *Remember not all forms of medications are gluten-free!!!
- Photo Id for ski passes and Après Ski!
- Phone chargers, the cold will drain your battery faster than normal.
- Lots of moisturizer and lotion. Most cold weather destinations are very dry. By day 2 you will be itchy if you aren’t staying hydrated and moisturized.
- Water bottle for the slopes. Dry air = thirst. Best to have a bottle on you. It will stay cold, trust me!
- Cold remedies that are gluten -free like Mucinex DM Max and Mucinex Fast -Max Night Cold & Flu. Also Target Up & Up Loperamide for any traveler’s diarrhea, and DigestZen TerraZyme which are all gluten free. * This section is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice.
- If you have room, a foam roller for your sore muscles!
I also pack a suitcase of full-size toiletries. Since we travel regularly, I find buying the travel sizes to be more costly over time. Also, I know the literature states gluten-free ingredients like wheat germ in facewashes and hygiene products do not absorb topically, but my youngest still reacts. Being he is a young teen and may get wash into his mouth and eyes, we still make sure all our hygiene products are gluten-free as well. We have a carry-on size we check full of toiletries, luckily, we normally fly Delta and with my card status our bags are free. Soon I will do a post on what hygiene items we use that are gluten-free. Again, thanks for being here. Next up is Disney…