Packing For A Snow Sports Vacation

Pack garments that protect your body, especially your fingers and toes, against cold, wind, and precipitation. Sounds so simple. But it's not, because you need to plan for varying temperatures and snow conditions. It might be wet, it might be dry. It might be below freezing, or balmy. You've heard it before, but the trick is to take clothes you can layer. Put 'em on when it gets cold, take 'em off when it's warm.

Essentials (don't leave home without 'em)

Undergarments of polypropylene or some other synthetic fiber that wick away perspiration from your skin to the outside layer. Don't wear cotton next to your skin. When it absorbs your perspiration, it will stay wet. Then when you decrease your activity (ride the lift, for instance), you'll be c-c-c-c-cold. You can wash out long underwear at night, and it'll usually be dry by morning, thanks to those modern fabrics.

A light shirt or turtleneck to wear over the underwear. (Bring two or three.)

A sweater of wool or fleece for insulation and warmth.

The outer layer — jacket and pants or a one-piece suit. Be sure they are wind- and water-resistant and they "breathe," allowing perspiration and excess heat to escape through the fabric.

One lightweight and one heavy parka to allow for changing weather. (This also gives you a parka to wear at night while you're airing out the one you wore during the day.) Tip: Outer layers are bulky and take up lots of luggage space. You don't need several outfits for a multi-day trip unless you perspire heavily. You can adjust for temperature changes by what you wear underneath. (Added benefit: Other members of your group can find you more easily if you wear the same outfit.)

Accessories for when it's cold: Hat, goggles, neck gator, gloves or mittens, a thin pair of "liner" gloves, face mask or balaclava. A helmet not only will protect your head if you bang it on hard-packed snow, but it will keep your body nice and toasty. You may find that with a helmet, you won't need the middle fleece layer.

Accessories for when it's warm: Headband, sunglasses (don't forget a sunglasses strap!), sunblock with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number Socks. Bring several pair, and be sure they aren't cotton.

Equipment. Snowboard and boots; or skis, boots and poles.

Clothes to wear at night. Resort restaurants (and especially night clubs) can be very warm. Experienced winter vacation travelers pack lightweight shirts, then layer with fleece vests or sweaters and a fairly heavy parka for walking outside.

After-ski/snowboard shoes. If you're planning a dogsled ride or snowshoe excursion, call ahead to see if the company provides heavy boots. If not, you'll need them. Call the central reservations desk or your lodge a couple of days before to ask what the in-town walking conditions are. Heavy shoes take up lots of room in a suitcase, and many visitors (particularly those coming from the Sunbelt) don't want to wear boots on a long plane flight.

Toiletries. Hairbrush, toothbrush, extra pair of contacts, prescription medicine — whatever you need to be comfortable. Many lodges have in-room hair dryers; call ahead to see if yours does, and you'll have extra space in the suitcase.

Money, credit cards, ATM card, phone numbers for resort and home. Don't forget your boss' phone number, just in case you get snowed in...