As I prepare for the Alps and Arctic Norway, these are the ski and winter essentials going in my suitcase

As a travel journalist and a mom who spends a lot of time in genuinely cold places, I have learned that winter trips live or die by your gear. The view from the chairlift can be perfect and the snow conditions ideal, but if your kid is cold by 10 a.m. or your fingers go numb halfway through the day, the trip quickly stops being fun. Over the past few years, I have tested a lot of winter apparel on real trips: ski weeks in the mountains, Arctic itineraries, stormy city breaks, and long-haul travel days with a toddler in tow.

This time, I had even more incentive to buy warm, reliable gear. My 2026 travels start in Les 3 Vallées, the vast ski region in France’s Tarentaise Valley, where you can move between interlinked resorts with one lift pass and spend entire days gliding through terrain framed by Vanoise National Park. I haven’t been back on skis since tearing my ACL, so I’m returning with equal parts excitement and nerves (and absolutely none of the equipment I used to own!) If I’m going to enjoy myself, I need to be warm, supported, and confident, not distracted by freezing toes or a jacket that can’t handle alpine weather.

But the gear isn’t just for France. After the Alps, I’ll head to the northernmost stretch of Northern Norway during the darkest, coldest weeks of the year, joining one of Hurtigruten’s signature winter voyages: The North Cape Line – South, sailing from Tromsø to Oslo over nine days. It’s a route defined by extremes, with polar nights, bursts of aurora, dog sledding in deep snow, and brisk hikes along some of the most dramatic coastline in Europe. Everything I pack needs to keep me agile when moving outdoors, but also genuinely warm in conditions where the wind can cut through anything that isn’t properly built for the Arctic.

And at the end of the day, this isn’t just travel gear. It’s what will let me return to skiing with confidence and stay comfortable in one of the coldest, most beautiful regions on the planet.

How I choose winter travel gear as a frequent traveler and mom

Before diving into specific products, it helps to know how I evaluate cold-weather gear. I look at three main things.

First, I test whether a piece truly keeps me warm in motion and at rest. A jacket can feel fine while you are walking to the car, but the real test is sitting on a windy chairlift or standing still while your child insists on one more run down the beginner hill. The same goes for socks, gloves, and goggles. They have to perform in the quiet moments, not just when you are moving.

Second, I consider how a piece behaves on an actual trip. Does it pack down in a carry-on, or does it take up half the suitcase? Can I wear it for a travel day, a ski day, and a walk around town, or is it so technical that it only works on the mountain? The more versatile a piece is, the more useful it becomes for family travel.

Third, I think about comfort. My son will not tolerate scratchy fabrics, and frankly, neither will I on a long trip. Merino that itches, seams that dig in, and stiff boots that rub quickly get pushed to the back of the closet. The following products are pieces that pass these tests and would be on my packing list for a cold-weather trip.

Baselayers

Artilect Boulder Baselayers Mens Boulder 125 Quarter Zip Top

If I had to choose one category to invest in for a cold-weather trip, it would be baselayers. Artilect’s Boulder collection uses an advanced merino fabric that feels softer and warmer than many traditional merino tops and leggings. On trips where I do not have access to laundry every night, I reach for these pieces because they resist odor and keep their shape.

When traveling with a child, mornings can be chaotic. I like knowing that I can pull on the same reliable baselayers for a second or even third day if we are in a remote destination or moving between hotels. These tops and bottoms feel comfortable enough to wear on the plane, under a ski outfit, and later with a sweater at dinner. That kind of flexibility is invaluable when you are trying to keep packing under control.

Cuddl Duds FlexFit Thermal Set

A bestselling baselayer for good reason, this FlexFit set offers lightweight warmth, a soft brushed interior, and a streamlined fit that works perfectly under ski gear. It’s ideal for parents and kids heading into winter trips or snow-filled holiday breaks.

Decathlon Merino MT900 Jacket

Decathlon’s merino line, including the MT900 jacket, offers accessible price points without sacrificing the benefits of merino wool. These pieces are helpful for families outfitting several people at once or for travelers who want to build a cold-weather wardrobe without overspending. They are also easy to mix and match with more technical pieces from other brands.

FlipBelt Women’s Alpine Thermal Legging

These fleece-lined leggings are made for cold runs, ski vacations, and staying active in winter weather. The thermal fabric keeps heat in while wind-resistant material blocks the chill. The 360º pocket design is perfect for holding essentials when moving between lifts, trails, and holiday activities.

Mid-Layers

FORLOH Raider Polartec Anorak

A good mid-layer is the quiet hero of a winter outfit. The FORLOH Raider Polartec Anorak uses a grid fleece that traps warmth without feeling heavy. I appreciate the half-zip and front pocket for days when I want a bit of extra ventilation or a place to stash tissues and lip balm for my child.

I like this anorak because it feels equally at home under a shell on the mountain and over leggings in a cabin or apartment. On travel days, it becomes my go-to layer when airports, planes, and trains all have different temperatures. It also dries fast if it gets damp from snow, which is ideal when you want to wear the same piece the next morning.

Outerwear Shells

Terracea Catnap Full-Zip Puffer Jacket

The Catnap Puffer is a warm, comfortable puffer insulated with repurposed down. I find it to be that rare combination of cozy and streamlined. It is warm enough for cold city days and après-ski strolls, but it does not feel like a bulky sleeping bag.

On family trips, I often end up carrying everyone’s extra layers when the temperature changes. This puffer compresses down enough to tote easily and springs back without looking wrinkled. The adjustable hood and magnet-covered zipper are small details that matter when you are zipping up on the sidewalk or in a ski parking lot with gloves on. It is also the kind of jacket I feel comfortable wearing to a casual dinner, which makes it even more useful for travel.

Terracea Trillium 3L Shell Jacket

For women who ski or travel regularly in winter, the Terracea Trillium 3L Shell is a strong outer layer. It has the technical features you would expect — fully taped seams, a powder skirt, secure pockets — but what stands out is the fit. It feels protective without being boxy, and it has enough room for warm mid-layers underneath.

On colder days, I pair it with a puffer or fleece. On spring ski days or rainy city walks, I wear it with just a light base underneath. The hood works over a helmet, which is non-negotiable for me, and the longer back hem adds coverage when you sit on cold chairlifts or benches. For a frequent traveler, this shell is a smart investment because it can handle storms, wind, and wet snow while still looking neat in photos and around town.

Terracea Sorrel 3L Shell Jacket

The Terracea Sorrel 3L Shell is the kind of jacket I recommend for someone who wants one dependable outer shell instead of a closet full of coats. It is a fully waterproof, breathable three-layer shell designed for men, but I think of it as a unisex solution for anyone who likes a slightly roomier, technical fit.

What I notice most in real-life use is the magnetic storm flap. When you are juggling skis, passes, and a child’s mittens, tiny snaps and stiff Velcro can feel like a small but constant battle. The magnetic closure makes it easy to seal the jacket quickly and keep out wind and snow. The wrist gaiters, helmet-compatible hood, and underarm vents all add to its usefulness in changing conditions. Off the mountain, this shell becomes a reliable rain-and-wind jacket, layered over a sweater or puffer.

Footwear

Xero Shoes Alpine Pull-On

Snow boots can quickly dominate a suitcase. The Xero Shoes Alpine Pull-On boots are different. They are designed in a minimalist style with a flexible sole, so they move more naturally with your foot and pack more easily. Despite the lightweight feel, they are insulated and waterproof enough for snowy sidewalks, sledding hills, and time spent watching kids play in the snow.

I like these boots for trips where we mix city time with winter activities. They do not feel out of place in a café or museum, yet they are sturdy enough for icy streets and snowy paths. For families, the kids’ versions are helpful because they are easier to pull on and off than some stiff winter boots, which matters when you are dressing children in small hotel rooms or rental apartments.

Goggles

TIJN Ouroboros Goggles

Goggles can make or break a ski day, especially for newer skiers still building confidence on the slopes. The TIJN Ouroboros goggles offer a wide field of vision and lenses designed to resist fog. On days when the weather changes from flat light to sunshine, the contrast-enhancing lenses help you see variations in the snow more clearly.

I like that these goggles feel comfortable on the face and under a helmet. The strap stays in place without needing constant adjustment, which is ideal when you are helping a child get sorted as well. They are a solid choice for someone who skis a few times a year and wants one dependable pair rather than a whole collection of lenses.

Revo SubZero No. 15 Heated Goggles

If you ski or travel in very cold destinations, heated goggles can feel like a small luxury that makes a big difference. The Revo SubZero No. 15 heated goggles are designed to reduce fogging by gently warming the lens. On days with blowing snow or freezing temperatures, they keep your vision clear when you need it most.

These goggles are a thoughtful gift for someone who already loves skiing and wants to be out from the first chair to the last. They are especially useful on trips to Arctic or high-altitude destinations where the cold can feel biting on exposed skin. For me, they add a layer of comfort on days when I would otherwise be tempted to cut things short.

Gloves

Hestra Heater Gauntlet Gloves Heater Gauntlet – 5 finger

I have tried many gloves over the years, and Hestra’s Heater Gauntlet remains one of the most reliable options for truly cold days. The leather exterior is durable, while the insulation and fleece lining keep fingers warm even when you are holding cold metal chairlift bars or adjusting cold bindings.

As a parent, I need gloves that I can put on once in the morning and forget about. Between helping a child with snacks, ski boots, helmet straps, and the occasional snowball, there is not much time to fuss with gear. These gloves stay in place, keep snow out, and work well with hand warmers when the temperature really drops. They are also a smart investment for someone living in a cold climate who will wear them for years beyond ski trips.

Headwear

Double Black On The Mountain Beanie

With merino construction, alpine-inspired design, and a sleek “Experts Only” vibe, these beanies deliver both warmth and style. They’re durable, built for motion, and ideal for cold-weather days from the gondola to après-ski. This is the kind of winter accessory that instantly elevates a kit.

Socks

SB SOX Merino Wool Ski Socks

Ski socks are rarely the most exciting gift, but they might be one of the most important. SB SOX Ski Socks use gentle compression through the calf and arch, which helps circulation when you spend hours in stiff boots. For me, that has meant fewer breaks just to warm up my feet and less of that numb, tingling feeling on the last run of the day.

As a mom, I also appreciate that these socks stay in place. There is nothing more irritating than trying to fix a bunched sock for yourself or a child in a crowded ski lodge. The slim design fits well in most ski boots, which is important because overly thick socks can actually make boots tighter and colder. Beyond the mountain, I wear these on cold travel days and long walks in winter cities. They dry quickly and do not take up much room in a suitcase, making them easy to pack as a backup pair.

Heat Holders

Not every piece of winter gear has to be an investment item. Heat Holders are some of the warmest socks I have tested and are especially good for non-skiers who still spend plenty of time outside, such as grandparents on winter trips or kids who prefer sledding to chairlifts.

Insoles

Remind Insoles

For skiers who want better comfort and performance without a full bootfitter appointment, The Remedy insoles are a thoughtful upgrade. They heat and mold at home in under five minutes, creating a custom footbed that supports long days on the mountain. This is a great gift for anyone who ends a ski day wishing their boots felt just a bit more forgiving.

SOLE Insoles

SOLE’s heat-moldable insoles give skiers immediate comfort and stability, helping reduce fatigue on long runs or multi-day trips. For people who spend a lot of time in ski boots or snow boots, these are the type of essentials they end up using every single day once they have them.

Kids’ Eye Protection

IZIPIZI Snow Junior

IZIPIZI’s kids’ snow glasses make outdoor adventures feel fun and safe. Children who love sledding, winter walks, and bright snowy days often squint or get frustrated with glare, and these glasses solve the problem with soft frames and UV-protective lenses that stay put. I like them because they feel easygoing and unintimidating. They also come in cheerful colors that encourage kids to wear them without a battle. For families who live in cold climates or travel during winter, these are simple, helpful, and surprisingly stylish.

Skin & Body Care

Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream

Yu-Be is the cream I toss into every winter bag. It absorbs quickly, protects against windburn, and keeps my skin smooth in extremely dry conditions. I use it on my face, lips, and hands throughout a trip.

Colorado Craft Beauty Whipped Tallow

This whipped tallow cream forms a natural barrier against windburn, dry mountain air, and harsh temperatures. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, it absorbs quickly and keeps skin calm and hydrated—especially helpful for high-altitude ski destinations.

Travel Tech/ Winter Utility

UVI Plus – SELF-HEATING LUNCH BOX WITH USB-C CORD AND UV LIGHT SANITIZER

A clever companion for winter camping or ski-side picnics, this self-heating lunch box plugs into USB-C power to warm meals in under 25 minutes. It can even steam vegetables or cook rice. The built-in UV sanitizer makes it extra useful when water sources are limited. A practical gift for anyone who loves winter adventures beyond the resort.

Cozy Essentials

Lanz of Salzburg Flannel Pajamas

Lanz’s signature flannel prints—like Black Watch Plaid—have been loved for over 60 years. These pajamas keep the whole family warm and cozy after long days on the slopes. They’re the quintessential winternight tradition for ski cabins and snowy getaways.

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