Winter holiday in the snow

Short answer: A week in the snow means wet outer layers every day and a hotel room where everything has to dry. The number of base layers decides whether the week feels comfortable. Pack enough of the innermost layers and let the outer ones look after themselves.

The outer layers never dry completely

Gloves, hats and jackets turn damp during the day and are rarely fully dry by the next morning. That is part of a ski trip. What you can control is that the layer closest to your body is dry and clean every day. See bamboo sweat for men and women.

You need enough base layers

A clean set per day is needed when the outer layers cannot be changed. Base layers and socks take up sweat from a full active day, and putting the same ones back on the next morning feels cold and clammy. Add a spare pair for wet boot days. See socks for men and women.

The evenings call for something soft

After a day in a thick jacket and stiff boots, most people want something light and soft. The evening at the hotel or cabin is time to relax. Pack soft trousers and a top that are only worn indoors, so they always stay dry and clean. See the range for men.

Why clothes dry so slowly

At a ski resort the humidity is often high and the rooms are small. When many wet things hang in the same room, the air turns damp and drying stalls. Without air circulation it can take more than a day. Open the window for a while, spread things out and use a drying room if there is one.

Pack by layer, not by day

Think in three groups when you pack: base layer, mid layer and outer layer. You need one outer layer. Two or three mid layers are usually enough, since they get less dirty. You need one base layer for each day. That split makes it easy to see what is missing and what takes up too much space.

A mid layer for outside and inside

A soft mid layer is the most versatile item on the trip. It fits under the jacket on the slopes and can be worn on its own in the restaurant at night. Choose one that is not too thick, so you do not overheat on the lift or walking uphill with your skis.

The feet have it hardest

Ski boots are tight, and your feet sweat all day. That makes socks the most important base layer to bring enough of. Change into a dry pair as soon as you come inside, and leave the boots open somewhere warm. Cold, damp feet are what most often spoil an otherwise good day.

Wash along the way if you can

If you have access to a washing machine, you can pack fewer base layers and wash midweek. Wash at a low temperature and let things dry on a rack near the radiator. Thin, soft fabrics dry faster than thick ones, which helps when the air is already damp.

Frequently asked questions

How much should you pack for a week in the snow

Seven sets of base layers and seven pairs of socks. The outer layers can be reused all week, but the innermost layers need to be clean and dry every day.

Why do clothes dry so slowly at a ski resort

Because the humidity is high and the rooms are small. Without air circulation drying takes more than a day, so hang things spread out and air the room.

What should you bring for the evening

Something soft and light. After a day in thick layers, a light evening is what most people miss, so pack a set that is only worn indoors.