❄️🎒 Must-have list: 12 things you can't do without in Norway in winter
Are you planning an amazing winter trip to Norway? Great choice! The cold climate and active lifestyle are a perfect match for careful planning and the right equipment! We've been busy studying the smartest tips from experienced travellers on TripAdvisor and Reddit forums, as well as expert blogs. And now we're thrilled to bring you a detailed list of items that should be in your suitcase!
🎯 1. Layering
The right layered clothing will help you stay warm and comfortable even on the coldest days:
● Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
● Fleece jacket or sweater
● Ski jacket and trousers (waterproof and insulated)
🎯 Tip:
Wear layers so you can easily adapt to changing weather conditions.
🧦 2. Warm socks and a spare pair
High-quality wool or thermal socks are a must. Always bring a spare pair to change into after skiing.
🎯 Tip
Merino wool is the ideal material for keeping you warm and wicking away moisture.
🥾 3. Comfortable and warm boots
Choose boots designed for low temperatures (down to -15...-20°C), preferably waterproof with non-slip soles.
🎯 Tip
Test your shoes before your trip to avoid blisters and discomfort.
🧤 4. Ski gloves and spare mittens
Gloves should be waterproof and well insulated. Mittens keep your hands warmer, so bring them along in case of extremely cold weather.
🎯 Tip:
Use thin liner gloves under your main gloves to protect your hands from wind and moisture.
🥽 5. Ski goggles (protective eyewear)
A high-quality goggle is essential: it protects your eyes from wind, snow and bright winter sun.
🎯 Tip
Choose a mask with an anti-fog coating and replaceable lenses.
🧣 6. Buff or balaclava
A buff or balaclava is indispensable on cold days to protect your face and neck from wind and frost.
🎯 Tip
Take a spare buff — it can be used instead of a scarf, hat or face mask.
📌 Review from Reddit:
"A buff is the most useful thing in Norway in winter, it saved me from the strong wind on the ski lifts."
⛑️ 7. Ski helmet
A helmet is an essential piece of safety equipment. You can rent one, but your own will always be more comfortable and reliable.
🎯 Tip:
Try on the helmet with your goggles in advance to make sure they fit together.
🔋 8. Powerbank and spare batteries
In cold weather, smartphone and camera batteries drain 2–3 times faster. A powerful powerbank and spare battery for your camera are essential.
🎯 Tip:
Keep your power bank in an inside pocket of your jacket to prevent it from freezing.
📌 Comment from TripAdvisor:
"My phone shut down at -10°C until I started keeping my power bank in my inside pocket."
📱 9. Mobile apps for winter holidays
Useful apps will help you stay up to date with the weather, avalanche safety and trails:
● Yr.no — accurate weather forecast.
● Varsom.no — avalanche safety.
● UT.no — maps of running and hiking trails.
🎯 Tip:
Download offline maps in advance so you don't have to rely on mobile internet.
☕️ 10. Thermos flask for hot drinks
Hot tea or coffee is the best way to warm up quickly on the slopes. Take a high-quality thermos that keeps heat for 6–12 hours.
🎯 Tip
Rinse the thermos with boiling water before use to keep your drink hot longer.
🧴 11. Sunscreen and lip balm
In winter, the sun is particularly harsh on ski slopes, reflecting off the snow. SPF 30–50 is a must, as is moisturising lip balm.
🎯 Tip:
Apply cream and lip balm several times a day, even in cloudy weather.
💊 12. Compact first aid kit
Be sure to pack a basic first aid kit:
● Painkillers and fever reducers
● Bandages, antiseptics, gauze
● Remedies for colds and runny nose
🎯 Tip:
Don't forget your personal medication and insurance policy covering winter sports.
🎒 Final checklist for convenience
● Thermal underwear and layered clothing
● Warm socks and shoes
● Ski gloves and spare mittens
● Eye mask
● Buff or balaclava
● Ski helmet
● Powerbank and batteries
● Useful mobile apps
● Thermos flask with hot drink
● Sunscreen and lip balm
● Compact first aid kit
📸 What you shouldn't forget to photograph
● Your carefully assembled gear before the trip.
● Happy selfies with a buff on your face against the backdrop of mountain peaks.
● Your cosy picnic with a hot drink from a thermos right on the slope.
Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Use this amazing checklist to make sure your winter trip to Norway is nothing short of perfect! With the right equipment, your holiday is going to be absolutely unforgettable!
💬 Share your experience!
I would absolutely love to know: are there any items that have become your must-haves for a winter holiday? We can't wait to hear from you and see your amazing life hacks and photos!
We can't wait to share the most useful recommendations from our readers with you in future articles in our Norway catalogue!
