A winter holiday often means more luggage than at any other time of year. Thick jackets, warm jumpers, sturdy shoes and functional equipment quickly take up a lot of space and make it easy to lose track of everything. What's more, cold, snow and changing weather conditions place special demands on clothing and equipment.

To help you pack stress-free and make sure you have everything you need, here is a complete packing list for your winter holiday. You will also find practical tips on how to optimally organise your luggage and make the most of the space available.

As a luggage specialist, travelite helps you to pack your suitcase for your winter holiday so that everything has its place - clearly arranged, well protected and ready for any winter activity.

Winter holiday packing list: the most important essentials at a glance

If you only want to take the essentials with you, this quick overview will help you. These things should always be in your suitcase, whether you're going on a skiing holiday, a city break or a wellness weekend:

• Warm, non-slip shoes - ensure a secure grip on snow and ice
• Functional underwear - Keeps you warm and dries quickly
• Weatherproof winter jacket - Protects against cold, wind and changeable mountain weather
• Hat, gloves and scarf - Indispensable in frosty temperatures
• Personal documents - ID, tickets, booking confirmation
• Proof of your travel insurance - quickly to hand in an emergency
• Basic equipment for your first-aid kit - Painkillers, plasters and personal medication

What you should clarify before packing

Before you fill your suitcase, it's helpful to clarify a few basic points. They determine how extensive your packing list should be and what equipment really makes sense for your winter holiday. If you go through these questions once, the subsequent packing will be much easier and you can customise your selection.

Suitable clothing according to duration of trip

For a weekend away, a compact suitcase with a few easy-to-combine outfits is usually enough. For a week or longer, you should plan extra clothes, spare socks, several layers and possibly special equipment. The length of your stay will also determine how many toiletries and how many changes of clothes you need.

Optimise packing list by type of trip

The nature of your trip will have the biggest impact on how much you pack.

• Skiing holiday or snowboarding: More functional clothing, protection and ski equipment.
• Winter hiking and outdoor activities: Sturdier clothing, hiking boots, day pack, weatherproof extras.
• City break or short trip: Warm clothes suitable for everyday use, comfortable shoes and space-saving luggage.
• Wellness holiday: Swimwear, bathrobe, sauna towel and relaxed outfits for indoors.

What you need for each type of accommodation

What you also need varies depending on your accommodation.

• Hotel with wellness area: Towels or bathrobes are often provided, so you don't have to pack as much.
• Holiday flat or chalet: Here you usually need your own towels, slippers or even food for the first few days.

Luggage selection by type of journey

How you are travelling affects both your luggage and the way you pack.

• Car: Flexible space, ideal for larger suitcases or travel bags with wheels.
• Train: Lightweight, easy-to-roll luggage is crucial, as is a small rucksack for all your essentials.
• Aeroplane: Weight and dimensions must be correct, important items belong in hand luggage.

Adapt your packing list to the climate

Not all winters are the same. It can be much colder in the Alps than in a major European city. Check temperature forecasts, wind conditions and possible precipitation in advance. This will help you decide how warm your clothing should be and whether additional protective layers are advisable.

Winter holiday packing list - your basic checklist

This is your basic equipment, whether it's a ski holiday, city trip or wellness. With these essentials, you'll have everything you need without taking too much luggage with you. Winter holidays pose special challenges because warm clothing, weatherproof equipment and small additional helpers quickly take up a lot of space. This overview will help you to pack in a structured way and not forget anything - no matter what your winter holiday looks like.

Clothing and accessories

The onion principle pays off when packing: several thin layers keep you warmer than a few thick ones. This allows you to adapt flexibly to the temperature and activity.

• Underwear
• Functional underwear
• Socks (including warm winter socks)
• Jumper
• Fleeces
• Jeans or other trousers
• Cosy clothes for the evening
• Winter jacket
• Rain jacket or light softshell jacket
• Headgear
• Gloves
• Scarf or shawl
• Pyjamas

Shoes

Good footwear is essential for winter days. It should keep you warm and provide a secure grip on snow and ice.

• Winter boots
• Leisure shoes suitable for the snow
• Slippers or flip-flops
• Optional: elegant shoes for dinner in the city

Hygiene and cosmetics

Your skin needs special care during the cold season. So pack everything you need for your daily routine.

• Toiletry bag with toothbrush, deodorant, shower gel and shampoo
• Skin care for dry winter skin
• Lip care
• Sun cream with a high sun protection factor
• After-sun when travelling to the high mountains

First-aid kit

A small, well-stocked first-aid kit ensures that you are prepared for typical winter ailments.

• Standard medication
• Personal medication
• Plasters
• Headache remedy
• Remedies for colds, diarrhoea and sore throats
• Heat plasters
• Cold balm

Documents and finances

All important documents should be easily accessible and complete so that there are no delays on arrival.

• ID or passport
• Driving licence
• Health insurance card
• Travel documents
• Booking confirmation
• Ski pass or online ticket
• Credit or EC card
• Some cash

Technology and gadgets

A few technical aids are useful for comfort and orientation when travelling.

• Smartphone with charger
• Powerbank
• Headphones
• Camera
• Memory card
• Charging cable for all devices
• Socket adapters when travelling abroad
• Optional: E-book reader, tablet or headlamp

Miscellaneous

Small additional items can be particularly practical on a winter holiday.

• Drinking bottle
• Snacks
• Travel towel
• Small lock for your suitcase
• Reusable bags for dirty laundry

Extended packing lists for various winter holidays

These lists supplement the basic checklist and help you to organise your luggage specifically for the planned activities. This way, you only pack what you really need and are well prepared for any type of winter holiday.

Packing list for your skiing holiday

For active days on the piste, you will need special functional clothing and suitable protective equipment in addition to the basic equipment.

• Ski jacket
• Ski trousers
• Ski underwear
• Ski socks
• Helmet
• Ski goggles
• Gloves (a second pair is recommended)
• Neck warmer
• Your own skis or snowboard if necessary
• Ski poles
• Avalanche equipment for off-piste activities

Packing list for winter hiking and outdoor holidays

For longer trips in the snow, comfortable, robust and weatherproof equipment is essential. Make sure you have freedom of movement and sufficient warmth.

• Hiking trousers
• Softshell trousers
• Snow gaiters
• Trekking poles
• Backpack for day luggage
• Thermos flask
• Seat pad

Packing list for a winter city break

For winter city trips, you need warm, practical clothes that still look good and are easy to mix and match.

• Comfortable, warm and city-friendly shoes
• 1-2 outfits for a restaurant or bar
• Small shoulder bag or daypack

Packing list for a wellness weekend in winter

For relaxing days at the spa or hotel, it makes sense to pack light but carefully selected luggage.

• Swimwear
• Swimwear for spa areas
• Flip flops
• Your own bathrobe or sauna robe
• Sauna towel if necessary
• Book or e-book
• Small wellness tools such as a face mask or massage oil

Packing list for a winter holiday with children

A little more planning is needed with children. The right equipment in the children's suitcase ensures that everyone stays warm, safe and happy.

• Child-friendly clothing according to the onion principle
• Spare gloves and hat
• Favourite cuddly toy
• Games and books
• Nappies
• Wet wipes
• Children's medication
• Children's passport

Which suitcase is right for your winter holiday?

As a luggage expert, travelite offers you helpful guidance when choosing the right suitcase. Especially in winter, the right luggage solution is crucial, as warm clothing, sturdy shoes and functional equipment require more space and need to be transported well protected. With the right combination of suitcase, travel bag and rucksack, you can travel comfortably and safely - whether by car, train or plane.

Hard-shell suitcases vs. soft luggage in winter

Both types of suitcase have clear advantages in winter. Which solution is ideal for you depends on your destination, means of transport and personal preference.

• Hard-shell suitcases: Robust, stackable and particularly weather-resistant - ideal for slush or uneven paths
• Soft luggage: More flexible and often lighter, easily adaptable for car or train journeys and ideal if you need variable storage space

Suitcase sizes in comparison: how much space you need in winter

As winter clothing takes up considerably more volume, it's worth choosing your suitcase size carefully.

• S(carry-on suitcase): perfect for a weekend or a short city break
• M (medium size): Ideal for about a week's winter holiday
• L (large size): recommended for 10-14 days or travelling with a lot of equipment

Tip: As thick jackets and warm jumpers need more space, it's okay to pack one size bigger in winter.

How to pack your winter suitcase cleverly

Especially in winter, it's worth packing in a structured and space-saving way. Thick clothing, sturdy shoes and additional equipment take up more space than summer luggage. With a few simple techniques, you can optimise the storage space in your suitcase and keep an overview at all times.

• Pack clothes according to the onion principle: Layer neatly and plan outfits in advance so you only take what you really need.
• Stow bulky items to save space: Roll jumpers and fleeces instead of folding them and place large items such as winter jackets or ski trousers at the bottom or top of the suitcase so that they don't crush the rest of your clothes.
• Use packing aids: Use compression bags or packing cubes to reduce the volume of winter items and at the same time ensure a clear structure in the interior.
• Ensure clean separation in your suitcase: Always put shoes in separate bags and put dirty or wet laundry in designated compartments so that the rest of your luggage remains protected.
• Distribute weight sensibly: Place heavy items as close as possible to the wheels so that the suitcase remains stable and is easy to pull.
• Keep an eye on weight limits: When travelling by air, check in good time how much luggage is allowed to avoid additional costs and check in relaxed.

Conclusion on the winter holiday packing list: well prepared for the snow

A winter holiday places special demands on clothing, equipment and luggage. Thick materials, changeable weather conditions and different activities make it necessary to pack more carefully than on many other trips. With a well-structured packing list, you can keep an overview and ensure that you are well prepared for every situation - whether on the piste, strolling around town or in the wellness area.

If you organise your outfits according to the onion principle, stow bulky items to save space and adapt your luggage system to the type of journey and duration of your trip, you will make optimum use of the available space. This also includes keeping important items to hand and stowing sensitive equipment safely.

travelite supports you with robust, well thought-out and easy-to-handle luggage solutions that are perfectly tailored to the requirements of a winter holiday. This means you can travel comfortably, well organised and can concentrate on what really counts right from the start: a relaxing and eventful time in the snow.

Frequently asked questions about the winter holiday packing list (FAQ)

How early should I start packing for my winter holiday?

Ideally, you should start two to three days before departure. This gives you enough time to get any missing clothes or equipment, plan washing machine runs and check the weather forecast. It makes sense to adjust your packing list at short notice, especially for winter holidays in the mountains.

How many outfits do I need for a week's winter holiday?

For seven days, two to three combinable outfits for the evening and enough functional clothing for daytime activities are usually enough. As you wear many layers on top of each other, the onion principle allows you to use clothing several times without losing comfort. It is important to have enough socks and a change of underwear.

What should definitely go in your hand luggage on a winter holiday?

Your hand luggage should include documents, personal medication, technology, chargers and important winter items such as hats, gloves and functional underwear. If your suitcase arrives late, you'll have everything you need to avoid freezing and stay flexible.

How do I prevent my suitcase from getting too heavy for my winter holiday?

Choose light but warm functional materials, roll rather than fold thicker items of clothing and distribute heavy items close to the wheels of the suitcase. Check your airline's specifications before packing and weigh your luggage in good time to avoid any nasty surprises. Less is often more, especially with warm layers.

Which suitcase size is best for a ski holiday?

For a classic ski holiday of around a week, a suitcase size M or L is recommended. Winter clothing, ski gloves and thick layers require more volume than summer luggage. If you are taking additional equipment with you or are travelling for longer, you should opt for a large suitcase or a combination of suitcase and wheeled travel bag.

What belongs on a complete winter holiday packing list?

A comprehensive packing list should include warm clothing based on the onion principle, robust shoes, functional underwear, accessories such as a hat, gloves and scarf, toiletries, a small first-aid kit and important documents. Depending on the type of holiday, you should also plan specific equipment such as skiing, hiking or wellness accessories.