Switzerland Winter Packing List for December: The Ultimate Guide for Cozy Alps Adventures

December in Switzerland is like stepping into a snow globe—think alpine charm, Christmas markets, snow-covered chalets, and ski-ready peaks. From Zurich to Zermatt, you’ll face cold temperatures, stylish locals, and world-class mountain adventures. The secret to a great trip? Pack like a pro.

Pin

Switzerland in winter demands layers, waterproof gear, and cozy après-ski essentials. Whether you’re skiing the Alps, strolling Lucerne’s medieval streets, or riding the scenic Glacier Express, warmth and versatility matter.

📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Switzerland in winter in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• 🏔️ Zermatt/Alps: -8°C to 2°C (17°F to 35°F), heavy snow and wind.
• 🌆 Zurich: -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F), cold, dry, and often snowy.
• 🏞️ Lucerne/Geneva: -1°C to 6°C (30°F to 43°F), cold with occasional snow/rain.

What to Pack for Switzerland in Winter in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• 🧳 Hard-shell suitcase – Withstands snow, slush, and train transfers.
• 🎒 Daypack with snow cover – For city walks and mountain hikes.
• 🧩 Packing cubes – Ideal for layering and ski gear.
• 👟 Shoe bags – Keep your ski boots separate.
• 🧼 Toiletry bag – Cold-weather care, all in one place.
• 📂 Travel document organizer – Train tickets, lift passes, and IDs.
• 👜 Foldable tote – Perfect for markets and extra gloves.
• 🧺 Dirty laundry pouch – Especially for sweaty thermals.
• ⚖️ Luggage scale – Keep gear under control on Euro flights.
• 🔒 Lock – For hostel or ski lodge lockers.
• 🎒 Zip pouch – Heat packs, lip balm, and cash.
• 🧻 Travel towel – Useful for alpine spas or guesthouses.
• 💤 Neck pillow – Long scenic train rides = nap time.
• 😴 Sleep mask – Mountain lodges can get bright early.

👗 Clothes

• 👕 Thermal tops (3-5) – Essential alpine base layer.
• 🧥 Fleece/wool sweaters (2-3) – Cozy and chic.
• 🧥 Down or ski jacket – Waterproof and insulated.
• 👖 Thermal leggings – Wear under jeans or ski pants.
• 👖 Waterproof pants/ski trousers (1-2) – For snow sports or hikes.
• 👚 Layering tees (2-3) – Indoors or under sweaters.
• 👗 Warm dress – For Swiss dinners or city outings.
• 🧦 Wool socks (6+) – Cold feet? Not on this trip.
• 🧤 Waterproof gloves – A must for skiing or snow play.
• 🧢 Thermal beanie – Heat escape-proof your head.
• 🧣 Oversized scarf – Stylish and insulating.
• 👘 Pajamas – Opt for flannel or thermals.
• 🩲 Underwear (5-7) – Comfort is layering gold.
• 🧴 Supportive bras – For cold days and active trips.

💆 Skincare

• 🧼 Cream cleanser – Gentle and hydrating.
• 💦 Hydrating toner – Helps fight altitude dryness.
• 🧴 Rich moisturizer – Combat snow-burn and wind.
• 🧴 SPF 50 – Yes, even in snow and clouds.
• 🧽 Oil-based remover – Works better in cold weather.
• 🧴 Exfoliator – Keep skin fresh, use sparingly.
• 👁️ Eye cream – Soothing for ski goggles aftermath.
• 🌫️ Face mist – Revive skin mid-mountain.
• 🎭 Sheet masks (2-3) – Moisture rescue after long days.
• 💄 Lip balm (x2) – Cold will eat your lips alive.
• 💊 Spot treatment – Breakouts don’t take ski breaks.

💄 Makeup

• 🧴 Moisture-rich foundation – Dry air won’t win.
• 🖌️ Concealer – Brighten up post-travel under eyes.
• 🧼 Mattifying powder – Set and forget, even in snow.
• 💗 Cream blush – Looks more natural in cold air.
• ✨ Subtle highlighter – Glow in snowy light.
• 🟤 Bronzer – Balance pale winter skin.
• 🎨 Shadow palette – Neutral for day, shimmer for nights.
• ✒️ Waterproof eyeliner – Great for snowball fights 😉
• 👁️ Volumizing mascara – Cold air = dramatic lashes.
• 🧴 Brow gel – Windproof grooming.
• 💄 Lip stain + balm combo – Color + care.
• 💦 Setting spray – Hold it all together.
• 🖌️ Travel brush kit – Light and packable.

💇 Hair Care

• 💇 Brush + detangler – Tame static hair.
• 🧷 Hair ties – High pony for ski days.
• 🧴 Moisturizing shampoo + conditioner – Cold = dry scalp.
• 🌬️ Dry shampoo – Cold = fewer wash days.
• 🔥 Heat protectant – Especially for high altitude styling.
• 🧴 Leave-in cream – Smoother beanie hair.
• 💨 Mini dryer – For chalets without hair tools.
• 🪞 Flat iron or wand – Go glam après-ski.
• 💧 Hair oil – Shine + anti-static.
• 🎀 Accessories – Barrettes, clips, headbands.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• 🥾 Waterproof boots – Walk through snow and slush in style.
• 👟 Sneakers – For indoor sightseeing days.
• 🥿 Elegant flats – For city restaurants or shows.
• 🧤 Thermal gloves – Can’t have enough hand protection.
• 🕶️ UV-protective sunglasses – Sun off snow is blinding!
• 🧣 Headband/earmuffs – For ski resort strolls.
• 👜 Day purse – Crossbody with zip = ideal.
• ☂️ Umbrella – Drizzle in cities like Geneva.
• ⌚ Watch – Train punctuality is Swiss-level.
• 💍 Minimal jewelry – Keep it fuss-free.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• 🛂 Passport + EU entry documents.
• 📄 Visa (if applicable) – Schengen zone rules apply.
• 🆔 Travel insurance – Mandatory for skiing.
• 🎟️ Train and lift passes – Book ahead.
• 💳 Credit/debit cards – Switzerland is cash-light.
• 🧾 Copies of bookings – Trains, hotels, events.
• 🗺️ Offline map – Signal drops in mountain towns.
• 📒 Receipt keeper – For tax-refund eligible purchases.
• 👛 Secure wallet – RFID if possible.

🚑 First Aid

• 🩹 Blister pads – For long ski boots days.
• 🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Always good to have.
• 🩺 Thermometer – For fever in alpine lodges.
• 🧽 Cotton balls + Q-tips – Multipurpose.
• ✂️ Mini scissors – Cuts, tags, first aid.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• 💊 Daily meds – Bring extras due to remoteness.
• 💢 Painkillers – Cold weather aches are real.
• 🤧 Decongestants – Cold + altitude combo.
• 🚗 Anti-nausea – For winding mountain rides.
• 💊 Immunity boosters – Altitude can drain you.
• 🧴 Sanitizer – On trains, buses, and slopes.
• 🧻 Pocket tissues – Use everywhere, carry always.
• 🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Winter freshness.
• 🪒 Razor – If needed.
• 🌬️ Fragrance – Compact perfume stick.
• 🧽 Feminine hygiene – Bring preferred brands.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• 📱 Phone – Lifeline and camera.
• 🔌 Type C adapter – Switzerland plug style.
• 🔋 Power bank – Cold temps zap batteries.
• 📸 Camera – Epic Alps deserve it.
• 💻 Laptop/tablet – Only if necessary.
• 🎧 Headphones – Train rides, snow walks.
• 🗺️ Swiss map + train app – Offline ready.
• 📶 eSIM or local SIM – For remote access.

🎧 Entertainment

• 📖 Winter novel – Think snowy mountain vibe.
• 🎧 Spotify/Podcasts – Long scenic rides.
• 📝 Travel journal – So many mountain thoughts.
• 🎲 Card game – Lodge downtime fun.

🎁 Extras

• 🍫 Swiss chocolate stash – For the road or gifts.
• 💧 Thermal water bottle – Refill with mountain spring water.
• 🛍️ Tote for gifts – Handmade Swiss souvenirs!
• 🧺 Sink detergent sheet – Wash thermals mid-trip.
• 🧵 Sewing kit – Fix ski gear or gloves.
• 🧦 Toe warmers – Slopes or strolls.
• 👃 Foot spray or powder – Boots = sweaty feet.

🌍 Travel Tips

• 🚆 Swiss rail pass may save you big.
• 📲 Download SBB Mobile + MeteoSwiss apps.
• 🎿 Book ski rentals in advance for savings.
• 🧥 Always carry an outer shell—it changes fast.
• 💳 Alert your bank for international card use.

🛂 Visa Tips

• 📄 Schengen visa required for many non-EU travelers.
• 📸 Carry a copy of passport and visa in day bag.
• 📅 Proof of return flight and bookings.
• 🛃 No restricted items—check customs for food rules.

⭐ Must-Haves

• 🛂 Passport, visa (if needed), insurance.
• 📱 Phone + charger + Swiss adapter.
• 🧥 Warm waterproof jacket + boots.
• 🧴 Moisturizer, SPF, lip balm.
• 💳 Credit cards + backup cash.
• 🧤 Gloves + beanie + scarf.

👍 Good-to-Have

• 💤 Eye mask + earplugs for hostels/lodges.
• 🔖 Foldable tote for shopping.
• 🧦 Backup thermal socks + gloves.
• 🧼 Shoe freshener + foot warmers.