Clothes for a winter holiday

Short answer: Pack three layers and a spare set for the inner layer. The inner layer gets damp during the day, and that is what decides whether you feel cold in the afternoon.

Three layers is the basic rule

Clothing for a winter holiday is less about thickness and more about layers. The inner layer sits against the skin and handles moisture. The middle layer keeps the warmth in, and the outer layer stops wind and snow. With a clear job for each, you can add or remove a layer during the day instead of freezing or sweating.

The inner layer decides the day

Even in the cold, the body sweats when you walk, ski or carry gear. The moisture collects in the inner layer, and as long as you keep moving you hardly notice it. It is during breaks and on the way home in the afternoon that the damp layer starts to cool you. That is why it matters most.

Pack two sets of inner layers

An inner layer worn all morning is often damp by lunchtime. With a dry set in your bag, you can change and start the afternoon dry. It takes up almost no space and makes a noticeable difference. Thin styles are the easiest to bring along, see bamboo undershirts for men, which sit close without adding bulk.

Socks are the most important single item

Cold feet spoil a day faster than a cold back. Your feet are stuck in a boot all day, and moisture has a hard time escaping. Pack more pairs than you think you need, so you can change into a dry pair at lunch and again in the evening. See the styles in bamboo socks.

Skip cotton next to the skin

Cotton is comfortable in everyday life, but as an inner layer on a ski trip it is a poor choice. The fibre holds on to moisture and dries slowly, so the fabric cools you when you stand still on the lift or wait for others. A fabric that moves moisture outwards keeps the skin drier and makes breaks more comfortable.

Evenings are spent indoors

In the evening you are usually inside the cabin or hotel, and you do not need ski clothing there. You need something soft and comfortable for the sofa and the dinner table. A jogging set takes up little room in the suitcase and covers that need, while the ski gear dries for the next day. See bamboo jogging suit.

Wash along the way

A week away does not require a week of clothes if you can wash along the way. Thin layers in bamboo viscose can be washed in the sink with a little mild detergent and hung to dry overnight somewhere warm. Avoid placing them directly on a hot radiator, and wring them gently. They will be dry again by morning.

How to pack

Put the inner layers and socks at the top of your suitcase or in a small separate bag, so you can find them quickly. Roll the layers instead of folding them, and they take up less space. Pack evening clothes separately so they stay clean and dry. A small bag for worn clothes keeps the rest of your luggage fresh.

Frequently asked questions

How many sets of inner layers for a week

Three to four if you can wash along the way. Otherwise one per day, so you always start the morning in a dry set.

Is cotton fine as an inner layer on a ski holiday

No. Cotton holds on to moisture and cools you when you stand still on the lift, so choose a fabric that moves moisture away instead.

What about evening wear

A jogging set and a pair of thin socks cover most evenings and take up little room in the suitcase.