Winter Park Packing Lists

Colorado summers are some of the best in the world! Warm, sunny days with cool, starry nights. The temperature can swing up to 50 degrees F between mid-day and midnight. We always suggest layers in the summertime. Here are some summer packing ideas we've pulled together based on various things to do in Winter Park. Start packing for your next trip to Winter Park, Colorado Unfiltered.

General Clothing & Toiletries

No matter what type of adventure you choose, we recommend bringing the following items on your next summer escape to Winter Park. 

• Hydration pack or reusable water bottle. Drink plenty of water on your visit – it’s the number one way to help your body adjust to our higher altitude. 
• All of the restaurants here in Grand County are "Colorado Casual!" No need to bring fancy clothes (unless you want to).
• Swimsuit — nothing is better than a soak in a hot tub after a day of hiking, biking or just hanging out. The Grand Park Community Recreation Center also offers a lap pool, a lazy river, water slide, zero entry kiddie pool and a hot tub for lots of water play.
• Sunglasses are a must to keep that bright Colorado sun out of your eyes. A wide-brimmed hat provides extra protection from the sun, as well. 
• Extra sunscreen. It’s easy to get sunburned above 9,000 feet. The air here is very dry and you may want to bring your favorite lotions and lip balm as well.
• Band Aids or a first aid kit are good to have on hand. You never know when you'll need them.
• If you have asthma or breathing difficulties, make sure you have supplies that will help in this area if you become short of breath.
• Be sure to bring more of your prescription medication than you think you'll need. You never know if you might end up staying longer than planned here in the high country!
• With all of the gorgeous mountain scenery, you won't want to forget your camera. Be prepared to capture the memories you'll make by packing your camera and a charging cord or extra batteries.

High-Elevation Adventure Gear

While Winter Park and Fraser are situated more than 9,000 feet above sea level, there are plenty of activities that reach even higher altitudes. If you’re going hiking, backpacking, or simply taking a scenic drive, you can end up at elevations above 14,000 feet! At these heights, weather can vary significantly– afternoon thunderstorms and high winds are common. Consider packing or renting the following items:

• Rain jacket
• Light fleece for layering
• Hiking boots and heavy-duty (preferably wool) socks
• Water-resistant gear (jackets, pants, tents, backpacks, etc. for backpacking/camping trips)
• Bear canister (for overnight backpacking/camping trips)

Rafting, Kayaking, & Boating Gear

There are various ways to enjoy the rivers, streams and reservoirs on your Winter Park vacation. Some of the following items will be dependent on whether you’re rafting or kayaking solo or on a guided trip. To save some packing space, consider renting these items once you arrive in Winter Park. 

• Sport sandals or water shoes
• Swimsuit and/or quick-dry clothing
• Towels
• Life vest or personal flotation device
• Helmets (especially for navigating advanced whitewater rapids)
• Waterproof dry bag for personal items

Mountain Biking Gear

Explore Winter Park and Fraser on two wheels and choose from hundreds of miles of trails for cyclists of all abilities. If you are biking, you'll need to bring or rent the following items. 

• Bicycles and locks 
• Helmets
• Sneakers or cycling shoes
• Padded shorts
• Bike gloves
• Repair kit (Spare tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, etc.)

It is nearly impossible to pack light for a ski vacation. However, packing right has just gotten easier, thanks to our "cheat sheet" below. In addition to the obvious ski pants, coats, gloves and gear (unless you want to rent from one of the many rental shops in town), here are a dozen tips on what to take that will have even novice snow bunnies packing like pros.

Clothing

Layers, layers, layers: Winter weather in the Rockies can change on a dime and, while it might be cold on the lift, skiers & boarders tend to heat up on the slopes. Be prepared for anything by layering your look so you can add or subtract as needed to stay comfortable. Also, remember that quick-dry and wicking fabrics (particularly for your long underwear) are more effective than cotton to stay warm and dry.

Thin socks: It seems natural that thicker = better for cold feet. However, thinner socks made of a dry-fit material are actually the wiser choice for skiing. (Not to mention, thin socks are much more comfortable inside those tight-fitting ski boots!)

Après ski clothes: Hat hair and snow-soaked clothes are a badge of honor after a day of skiing. But wet clothes are cold clothes. Bring along several options for warm, comfortable shirts or sweaters, pants, jackets, hats and gloves to change into once you get off the hill. Mountain casual means jeans are perfectly acceptable at most restaurants.

Sun & Skin Protection

Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses: These items are not just reserved for summer vacations. The high altitude, sunny days and snow glare all can contribute to sunburns, even in cold weather. Apply liberally, and reapply often.

Moisturizer: Colorado's climate is extremely dry, and skin can easily get irritated from the forced heat inside and the cold air outside. Bring along a good moisturizer (one that is thicker than what you typically use at home).

Tissues or handkerchief: There are typically tissue dispensers in lift lines or, of course, inside at the resort. But that won't help when you're mid-slope and have a runny nose from the cold! Be prepared by packing a packet of tissues or a handkerchief in your coat.

Swimsuit: A dip in the hot tub after a day on the slopes is a quintessential element to a ski vacation. Also, many hotels have indoor pools that are always popular with a variety of guests.

Equipment

Water bottle or water backpack: It is hard enough to get the recommended amount of water on your home turf. On a vacation at altitude, one should consume even more water than usual to stave off dehydration and headaches often associated with higher elevations. Stick in a water bottle or water backpack and keep the H2O flowing continuously throughout your trip.

Good walking shoes: Nothing feels quite as good as taking off ski boots. Be sure to pack appropriate shoes for traversing snowing conditions; sturdy, waterproof shoes will also come in handy for walking to restaurants, shopping and getting to the hotel. (A note to fashionistas: leave the high heels at home – they simply don't work on snow and ice. And, nothing screams "tourist" like inappropriate footwear in the mountains!)

Comfort Extras

Snacks: Pack your favorite portable snack, such as dried fruit, nuts or granola/energy bars to have in the pocket of your ski jacket. Eating small, frequent meals throughout the day will keep your energy high and will help ward off altitude sickness.

Pain reliever: No matter how fit one is, skiing simply uses different muscles that might have been in hibernation before your trip. Pack your favorite pain reliever to ensure you don't get sidelined by soreness.

Music: If you like to work out with earphones, you will probably enjoy them on the slopes as well. Portable music devices can also help pass time in the car/bus on the way to the hill and on lift rides.

Anything goes in the high country when it comes to the weather in our "shoulder seasons". We love to hike, bike, look for wildlife, get out on the lake, or just relax. The weather changes suddenly, so you should be ready for anything from sun to snow showers. Here are our packing list recommendations, in addition to the usual. 

Of course, if you did forget anything or just like to shop, we have an excellent selection of retail stores here in the Winter Park & Fraser Valley. You will be able to pick up whatever you left at home or something new! Spring and Fall are great times to hit the sales on equipment and outerwear as well. In the Spring, you can purchase skis and snowboards for a steal, and in the Fall, watch for bikes and skateboards on sale!

Clothing & Accessories

• Layers of clothing: Waterproof pants or a nylon shell jacket, warm pants, breathable layers, a fleece, gloves, hats for sun protection and warmth. Temperatures can fluctuate quite a bit between daytime and nighttime, so layers are always a good idea.
• Warm socks and waterproof boots: Be prepared for hiking our beautiful trails.
• "Going Out" Clothes: Jeans, a nice shirt and a sweater make the perfect "going out to dinner" outfit here in "Colorado Casual" Grand County, and we have plenty of restaurants and entertainment venues to enjoy while you're here!
• Swimsuit: The hot-tubs stay hot all year round!
• Sunglasses: A must at any time of year here in Grand County.
• Some Basics: Make sure to bring glasses and/or contact lenses, sunscreen, bug repellent, any prescription drugs that you are taking. Remember your driver's license or identification, credit card and health insurance cards.