By: Nicole Reitter
‘Tis the season for a mountain/ski vacation! Visiting a winter-wonderland blanketed in snow and brimming with outdoor recreation can be a magical, memorable getaway – especially when you’re prepared for the elevation and elements.
Following is our list of must-haves and nice-to-haves for your next Lake Tahoe winter retreat.
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Weather-appropriate clothing, including:
- Thermal underwear and/or base layer top and bottom
- Waterproof ski pants or bibs
- Waterproof gloves AND mittens (because you’ll want to keep your hands toasty on and off the slopes)
- Waterproof ski or down jacket
- Waterproof boots and/or shoes
- Good, thick ski socks (wool, not cotton)
- Scarf (this simple accessory will keep you surprisingly warm)
- Ski beanie/head gear (see above)
- Fleece layer (we recommend a light sweatshirt or vest)
- Jeans (because you’re visiting a ski town which inevitably means mountain casual and jeans are A-OK most anywhere)
Also, be sure to pack:
- Swimsuit (for year-round pools and hot tubs, nothing better than cozying up in the hot tub as snowflakes fall all around you)
- Slippers (cause you wanna be cozy by the fireside)
- Neck and mouth gaiter (this will be such a lifesaver in blustery, windy conditions)
- Sunglasses
- Hand and feet warmers
- Toiletries, toothbrush, etc.
- Ear plugs
- Reservations (to dinner, for ski school, etc. as it can get crowded up here)
Ski/Snowboard gear:
- Skis/boots/poles
- Snowboard/boots
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Tuning kit
This & that:
- Sunscreen (closer to the sun, easier to get a sunburn—especially as sun bounces off the snow)
- Lip balm, with SPF (see above, and below)
- Lotion and/or hand cream (because it’s D.R.Y. in the mountains)
- Water bottle or Camelbak (you’ll be getting a workout on the slopes and it’s much easier to get dehydrated at elevation)
- Aspirin (dehydration and altitude can sometimes cause headaches, as can drinking too many cocktails—just saying)
- Phone/ electronics chargers
For the car:
- Chains (if not driving a 4WD or AWD)
- Full water bottle and snacks (in case of emergency/freeway shut-down)
- Extra blankets (see above)
- Ice scraper
- Flashlight
For family fun:
- Games (family + games + warm fire = perfection)
- Cards (see above)
- Books or magazines (see above)
- Ice skates (most ski villages have an ice skating rink, so save money and time and BYO)
- S’mores roasting sticks (the quintessential mountain dessert)
- iPod/iPod docking station
- DSLR camera (for an optimal opportunity to capture exquisite Lake shots)
- Snowshoes, sled or snow tube
- Carrot, black buttons, etc. (for the snowman you’re sure to build)
Want the ultimate convenience? Check out:
- Luggage Forward
- Ship Skis (ship your gear anywhere in the world)
- Tahoe Mountain Lodging (for studio to 4-bedroom lodging mere steps to the slopes, shopping, dining, ice skating, Starbucks, movies & more)
We’ll see you in the mountains!
The post Essential Packing Guide for a Seamless Mountain Getaway appeared first on Tahoe Mountain Lodging.
