Travelling Overseas to a Winter Destination (Without Hitting the Slopes?)

Travelling Somewhere Cold?

Heading somewhere cold but not necessarily skiing? Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in Lapland, cruising through Antarctica, exploring Europe in winter, or tagging along with family to a ski resort, PROSKI has you covered year-round.

Packing for cold destinations can be tricky, but it’s all about one thing: layering smart. By choosing the right technical clothing, you can stay warm, dry and comfortable, without overpacking.

Layering for Winter Travel: The Three Key Layers

A functional layering system isn’t just for skiers and snowboarders. It’s the secret to packing light and staying warm on any winter adventure. Think of it as three simple layers that work together

1. Base Layer – Your Foundation for Warmth

Your base layer sits directly against your skin and regulates your temperature by keeping you dry. The goal is to wick moisture away, not trap it.

  • Choose moisture-wicking fabrics such as merino wool, bamboo, or quick-dry polyester. They will give you warmth, dry fast and keep you comfortable as you move between cold and warm environments (indoors > outdoors).
  • Avoid cotton - Cotton absorbs moisture (from sweat or snow) and traps it against your skin, instead of wicking it away. Once cotton gets wet, it takes a very long time to dry, so you’re stuck in damp clothing for hours. When damp or wet, cotton loses almost all its insulating ability, which in freezing or cold-weather environments dramatically reduces your warmth. Finally, wet cotton next to skin can also lead to discomfort and chafing, especially under multiple layers.

    At PROSKI, we stock a range of breathable and warm base layers ideal for layering under your travel outfits. EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF BASE LAYERS.

2. Mid Layer – The Insulating Layer

The mid layer adds warmth by trapping heat between your base and outer layers.

  • For everyday travel, this might be a fleece, lightweight down, or packable puffer jacket.
  • In milder conditions, you can even wear this layer on its own.
  • If you’re spending time indoors (restaurants, museums, etc.), it’s often the layer that will be visible, so choose something that’s both functional and stylish.

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF MID-LAYERS

3. Outer Layer – Your Weather Shield

Your outer layer protects you from the elements, wind, rain, and snow.

We stock a wide range of waterproof and insulated ski and snowboard jackets that double perfectly as travel jackets. Many of these look just like everyday outerwear, with the added benefit of being technical and quick-drying.

PROSKI PROTIP: Down jackets are incredibly warm but often only water-resistant, not waterproof. If you’re expecting rain or snow, opt for a shell or insulated waterproof jacket for full protection.

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF OUTERWEAR JACKETS

If you’re heading somewhere with extreme cold or planning to do outdoor snow activities such as dog sledding or snowmobiling, we also recommend packing a pair of snow pants. They’re insulated, waterproof, and designed to keep you warm and dry no matter how long you’re out in the elements.

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF PANTS

Gloves & Accessories

If you’re spending time outdoors in the snow, for example, snowmobiling dog sledding, we would recommend waterproof snow gloves.

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF GLOVE AND MITTENS.

If you're just exploring somewhere cold and not doing any activities in the snow, We also carry a range of travel-friendly water-resistant gloves and touch-screen compatible glove liners, so you can snap photos or use your phone without exposing your hands to the cold.

Don’t forget beanies, neck warmers, and balaclavas, which we stock all year round. Small accessories make a huge difference in retaining body heat.

Socks – The Unsung Hero of Winter Travel

A great pair of socks can make or break your trip.

Our ski and snowboard socks are perfect for winter travel, they’re warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking, keeping your feet dry and comfortable even after hours of walking.

Stick to merino wool, bamboo, or technical polyester, and avoid cotton. The tall design of ski socks adds an extra layer of warmth and gentle compression, ideal for long travel days.

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF SOCKS

Après Boots & Footwear

If you’ll be walking in snow or on icy footpaths, après boots are a must. These waterproof, insulated boots provide warmth, comfort, and excellent traction.

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF APRES BOOTS

PROSKI PROTIP: For extra safety on icy surfaces, consider adding Grip Walks, rubber traction covers with spikes that stretch over your shoes for better grip. They’re especially popular with travellers heading to Japan or Scandinavia.

Smart Packing for Winter Travel

Layering allows you to pack lighter and stay warmer, so you can easily fit everything into a carry-on.

At PROSKI, we also stock a range of lightweight, durable travel suitcases and duffels, ideal for winter getaways.

EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF LUGGAGE

Need Some Help Getting Ready?

If you have any questions about what to pack or what gear suits your trip, pop into store or give us a call on (02) 4926 5177 and have a chat with our friendly, knowledgeable team, we love helping travellers get set for their next adventure.