Almost everyone I talk to will say one of the toughest things about travel is knowing how to pack. Whenever we go on a trip, even if its just a weekend away I tend to over-pack. Our last trip away was two weeks in Mexico. I packed for myself and both kids, ages 5 and 1.

Make a List & Start Packing Early

I’m not sure if it was just excitement or maybe a little anxiety but was completely finished packing more than 4 weeks before our holiday! I found this helped me a lot. I was able to lay out our suitcases in the spare room and could keep adding to the piles when I thought of something that was missed.

Packing Apps

If packing weeks in advance isn’t your thing, you could keep a list going to use as a checklist when it came to “packing day”. There are apps that can help with list-making. One really helpful packing app is Packing Pro. It’s not a free app but I’ve used the generic lists that come with the app & found it helpful. It also let’s you customize & save your own lists.

But How Do You Pack For The Mountains?

Don’t feel bad if you don’t know how to pack for a mountain getaway. Lot’s of people aren’t sure what to pack especially for kids. It’s pretty much the same as I’d pack for myself: Layers!

CLOTHING ESSENTIALS:

• 3 upper layers of clothing – long sleeve underwear (merino wool), a fleece top or turtleneck, and a waterproof jacket. Do not over-layer, or your child will overheat.
• Two bottom layers of clothing per child  – long underwear bottoms, waterproof ski pants. 
• Wool or synthetic socks. You won’t want cotton ones as they absorb wetness.
• Snow boots for outside play. Get the boots that are snug enough so snow does not fall inside. Have sneakers ready for change for indoor activity.
•  Mittens for smaller kids and gloves for age 6 and up.
• Tube-shaped neck warmers that can be easily pulled up over lips or noses when it gets too cold.
•  Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, applied every two hours and 20 minutes before exposure). 
• Lip balm (Give one to each child to carry in pockets or backpack).
• Sunglasses and ski goggles. Use sunglasses when weather is warm or not snowing. Goggles are a must when snow flurries emerge. 
• Warm hat
• Personal backpack with extra clothes, car activities, snacks, comforting stuffed animal or toy.
• Energizing dry snacks stashed in pockets for kids going snowboarding or skiing.
• Hand and foot warmer packs sold at sporting goods stores -or better yet reusable hand warmers! We love these hand and foot warmers!
• Don’t forget your bathing suits! Swimming at the outdoor heated salt water pool at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is an incredible experience in the winter! Bring a toque for the pool too!

Sunscreen, Merino & Layers

Layers are definitely your friend especially if you’re travelling to Jasper where the weather is unpredictable to the max. We can be hit with snow in July and, in the same week, sweltering, sunny beach weather. You don’t have to pack more … just pack smarter.

In Jasper, we love Merino Wool for all seasons, but especially in the winter! You will need quality foot wear if you plan to do any hiking. And if you forget anything there are several stores in Jasper to rent or shop for forgotten items!