Packing for a Winter Weekend Getaway
A long weekend in the mountains doing some skiing, snowshoeing or snowboarding can be an excellent vacation idea. Usually you don’t have to travel very far for these types of vacations and the long weekend may be just enough time to relax and unwind without getting to the point where you start to become fatigued from your vacation. The other great aspect of the winter weekend getaway is that you don’t have to worry about packing very much. There are some essential items that you should be sure to bring along but the relatively short duration of a long weekend trip, means that the packing will be relatively light. Winter equipment can be bulky but the good news is that you only have to pack enough for a few days of fun as opposed to longer trips where you will have to pack for a week or longer.
You may need sport specific equipment if you are planning to participate in sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing while on your winter getaway unless you plan to rent all of your equipment. However, if you want to use your own equipment you will want to pack everything you will need. Skiers should bring along their skis, boots, poles and any additional miscellaneous equipment that they may use such as a lock and bag for their skis. Snowboards should bring along their snowboards, boots and any miscellaneous items. If you plan to do some snowshoeing or even if there is just the possibility that you might you should bring along your snowshoes as well as a pair of waterproof boots that are comfortable for snowshoeing.
In addition to your sporting equipment you will also need to pack clothes for your vacation. You can usually count on the weather being cold when you embark on a winter weekend getaway but you should prepare for weather that is unseasonably warm. Packing sweaters, vests, long sleeved shirts along with heavy and light weight pairs of pants, a winter jackets, hat, gloves and a scarf will ensure that you are prepared for all types of weather. You should also bring along a pair of waterproof boots that are comfortable for walking and heavyweight wool socks that fit well under your boots. Depending on whether or not you have intentions of going out to dinner at finer restaurants or not will determine whether or not you bring along fancier clothes. Even if you don’t plan to dine in finer restaurants, you might still consider bringing along one nicer outfit just in case you change your mind.
Packing for a weekend getaway filled with winter activities can be complicated if you plan to bring along your own equipment. You can, however, simplify things by planning to rent your sporting gear and just packing your clothing and personal items. In terms of clothes, you will need to pack for the extreme cold and also include a few lighter pieces in case the weather is unseasonably warm. Doing this will give you the opportunity to layer to achieve the desired warmness.