People who live in Nordic countries will frequently tell you that there’s no such thing as cold weather; you just have to dress properly for it. This winter packing list will help you to do just that.
My family embraces the cold weather on our winter vacations. We choose destinations where we can ice skate, ski, cross-country ski and dig into a hearty dinner after a day outdoors.
Over time, Rich and I have accumulated quality winter wear by catching sales and taking advantage of outlet shopping.
Kids get cold the fastest and need good cold-weather clothing, too. Where I could, I would buy pricey items like ski pants, ski mittens, fleeces and wool socks a smidgen too big to try to get two seasons out of them. I’d look for end-of-season sales to buy coats and thermals for the following winter.
Scroll to the bottom to download and print the complete list.
Pair this list with
• My Basic Packing List for Every Vacation
• & my Complete Carry-on Packing List
• Warm Winter clothes that look great for you and that wear well for your kids
The Complete Packing List + Tips for a Winter Vacation With Kids
Packing Tips I’ve learned over the years
Bring snow pants for kids, even if they aren’t doing any sports, so they can play in the snow and keep warm during winter hikes or sleigh rides.
Until kids hit 10 or 11YO, ski mittens are easier for them than gloves to get on and off. And they keep little hands warmer longer. For girls, fleece leggings are handy. They can double as pants and a base layer under snow pants.
For kids and adults, gators are better than scarves for outdoor sports, because they don’t get tangles in clothes or gear. Boots are the most practical footwear for everyone in ski towns and resorts that are always a mix of snowy, icy and muddy.
It’s easy to get dehydrated and sun or wind burn in the cold. So sunscreen, lip balm and a water bottle that fits in a coat pocket are important. Cold air is also dry air, so pack plenty of your favorite moisturizer, too.
When we go inside after an active day in the cold, I want to get out of my winter gear and into clothes that are warm, soft and comfortable. And I trade my heavy outdoor boots for flip-flops. Pack something for lounging around the fireplace.
Kids and teens are very hungry when they come in from the cold. I like to have a microwave, even if we don’t have a full kitchen, and I pack a lot of snacks. Hot cocoa, instant noodles and microwave popcorn simultaneously fill them and warm them up.
Hot tubs are fairly ubiquitous in ski-town lodging. Bring swim suits so you can ease your aching muscles into a warm soak.
Winter Vacation Packing List
All-purpose winter clothes
- Thermal underwear
- 3-5 pairs of warm socks
- Turtleneck
- 2-3 Light fleece/sweater
- 1-2 Heavy fleece/sweater
- 1-2 Long-sleeve t-shirts
- Fleece-lined leggings (kids)
- Jeans
- 1 Warm athleisure top and bottom
- Warm Pajamas
- Bathing suit
- Flip-flops
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Sunscreen
- Moisturizer
Outerwear
- Weatherproof winter coat
- Winter boots
- Kids snow boots
- Ski pants
- Ski jacket
- Hats
- Waterproof gloves
- Waterproof mittens (kids)
- Gators
- Hand and foot warmers
Gear for winter sports
- Pocket-size water bottle
- Goggles or sunglasses
- Ski helmet
- Skis/ski boots/poles
- Snow board/boots
- Insulated hiking pants or Nordic ski pants
- Nordic skis/boots/poles
- Snow shoes/poles
- Slip-on ice cleats for winter hikes
- Ice skates
- Pocket-size snacks
Aprés Ski
- Hot cocoa
- Snack food
- Easy warm food like microwave popcorn, oatmeal packets & instant noodles
- Wine or cider
- Mulling spice packs for cider or wine
- Games
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