While the Northern Hemisphere is sweltering in the summer heat, the Southern Hemisphere is shivering away. This guest post is for those girls seeking out the snow in the very near future.
Going to the snow is always exciting and heaps of fun. With so many activities to choose from (like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and throwing snowballs at your partner or friends) it can be difficult to narrow down what to throw in your suitcase before heading into winter wonderland. Whether you’re going to a ski resort in Japan or snowboarding in Wanaka, here are a few items you should definitely include at the top of your packing list.
Thermal underwear
Just like mum says, you can never pack too many pairs of underwear… well, thermal underwear, anyway. I can’t begin to stress this point enough – having a proper insulated base layer is essential to keeping warm in the snow. When buying thermal underwear, look out for ones made from either lycra or spandex – these synthetic fabrics are ideal for wicking moisture away from the body as well as retaining heat. If suitcase space is at a premium, be sure to pack a minimum of two pairs so you can at least do the whole swap-and-wash thing.
Bet you didn’t think to pack your sunscreen, huh? Believe it or not, you are more likely to get sunburnt during snow activities than you are during the summer! This is because the UV radiation is more severe in alpine regions and when reflected by the snow, makes it even stronger. To protect your skin in the snow, be sure to pack a water resistant, broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen as well as a protective lip balm.
Whether you are skiing or snowboarding, the right type of thermal socks are essential for happy feet! Thermal socks come in a wide range of materials, ranging from Merino wool to synthetic wool blends, as well as in different styles and cuts (long, ankle and quarter). Choosing the right socks will ultimately depend on the type of activities you plan on doing during your trip, so be sure to think ahead before packing!
Hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, goggles and sunglasses
If you haven’t already done so, you might like to pack these accessories for extra protection and added warmth. As I like to say, when it comes to the snow, it is always best to come over prepared than ill-prepared and freezing your butt off!
I run the show at Her Packing List and love packing ultralight. In fact, I once traveled for 3 entire weeks with just the contents of a well-packed 12L handbag. When I'm not obsessing over luggage weight, I'm planning adventures or just snuggling with my pet rabbit, Sherlock Bunz.
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Don’t forget your “glittens”! They’re mittens that can turn into open finger gloves! Perfect if you want a quick access to your fingers while staying warm! And if it’s super cold, beanies that cover ears are my best friend!
[…] to bundle up as fall turns into winter and we switch our t-shirts for jackets and sweaters. Packing cold weather clothes can be a pain because they take up so much room in your bag, but if you pick the right layers it […]
Don’t forget your “glittens”! They’re mittens that can turn into open finger gloves! Perfect if you want a quick access to your fingers while staying warm! And if it’s super cold, beanies that cover ears are my best friend!
LIPSTICK! The cold dry weather, though very nice, may dry out your lips. A good and simple lipstick will keep your lips beautifully moisturized!
Good tip, Sheila! What kind of lipstick do you use? Any specific brand you feel works best?