Planning a winter trip to Yellowstone National Park? It’s a magical time—snow-covered landscapes, steaming geysers, and far fewer crowds. But winter in Yellowstone is extreme, so smart, layered packing is essential for staying warm, safe, and comfortable.
Whether you’re wildlife watching, cross-country skiing, or taking a snow coach to Old Faithful, the key to a successful trip is insulation, waterproof gear, and proper cold-weather accessories. And don’t underestimate how remote the park can be in winter!
Bundle up, plan ahead, and pack with purpose—you’ll thank yourself when the temps drop below freezing and the snow starts to fall.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Yellowstone in winter. 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 🌦️
- 🌡️ Average daytime: -5 to -1°C / 23–30°F – frigid and snowy
- ❄️ Night temps: as low as -20°C / -4°F – extremely cold
- 🌬️ Wind chill: feels colder, especially near geyser basins
- ☃️ Snowfall: heavy snow covers most areas, snow tires required
Prepare for sub-zero conditions. You’ll need thermal base layers, a serious winter coat, snow boots, and plenty of accessories to protect exposed skin. Snowmobiles and coaches are common transport methods—dress like you’re heading into the Arctic.
What to Pack for Yellowstone in Winter
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Durable rolling suitcase – handles icy lodge paths 🧳
- Duffel bag – flexible for snow coach storage 🎒
- Daypack – waterproof with chest and waist straps 🎿
- Packing cubes – separate thermal layers 🧩
- Shoe bags – for wet, muddy snow boots 👢
- Toiletry bag – weatherproof zippers 🧼
- Document pouch – weather-resistant for permits 📁
- Foldable tote – for lodge runs or groceries 🛍️
- Laundry kit – for base layers 🧺
- Luggage scale – optional, for flight prep ⚖️
- Lock – secure gear at lodges or cabins 🔒
- Compression sack – for bulky outerwear 📦
- Quick-dry towel – for cabin or hot spring use 🛁
- Neck pillow – for long drives to/from park 💤
- Sleep mask – winter lodges can be bright indoors 😴
👗 Clothes
- Thermal base tops (2–3) – crucial first layer 🥶
- Long-sleeve shirts (2–3) – mid-layers for warmth 👕
- Fleece pullovers (2) – cozy, insulating layer 🧥
- Down or insulated parka – windproof + waterproof 🧊
- Snow pants – waterproof and lined for insulation ❄️
- Thermal leggings (2–3) – under snow pants or alone 🧦
- Wool sweater – for evenings or layering 👚
- Warm hoodie – casual and cozy option 🧶
- Jeans or pants – for travel days (not in snow) 👖
- Activewear – for cross-country skiing or hiking 🧘
- Insulated pajamas – lodges can be chilly 🛏️
- Swimsuit – for hot springs or lodge hot tubs 🩱
- Cover-up – walk to/from hot springs 🧖
- Thermal underwear (2–3 sets) – moisture-wicking base 🩲
- Sports bras (2–3) – stay comfortable during movement 👙
- Wool socks (5–7 pairs) – thick and warm 🧦
- Liner socks – for extra cold days 👣
💆 Skincare
- Hydrating cleanser – remove sweat without stripping 🧴
- Toner – helps balance skin in cold weather 💧
- Rich moisturizer – for dry, cracked skin 🧊
- Sunscreen – snow reflects UV rays! ☀️
- Makeup remover – gentle and non-drying 🧼
- Exfoliator – use sparingly in dry air ✨
- Eye cream – avoid puffiness or fine lines 👁️
- Facial mist – add midday hydration 💨
- Sheet masks – repair skin after cold days 😌
- SPF lip balm – wind + sun = cracked lips 💋
- Spot treatment – cold weather breakouts ⚕️
💄 Makeup
- Tinted moisturizer – light coverage + hydration 💄
- Concealer – for dark circles or blemishes 🎯
- Setting powder – for light touch-ups ⚪
- Cream blush – adds life to winter skin 🌸
- Highlighter – subtle glow ✨
- Neutral palette – simple winter looks 🎨
- Waterproof eyeliner – protect from tears or snow 🖊️
- Waterproof mascara – don’t let flakes smudge 💧
- Brow gel – tidy windblown brows 🪄
- Tinted lip balm – color + moisture 💄
- Mini brush set – compact & easy to clean 🧽
- Setting spray – keep it locked in 💦
💇 Hair Care
- Comb or detangler – hat hair is real 💇
- Hair ties/clips – secure for windy trails 🧷
- Travel shampoo/conditioner – hydrating formula 🧴
- Dry shampoo – refresh between washes 🚿
- Heat protectant – for styling tools 🔥
- Hair oil or serum – fight frizz and static 🌬️
- Mini dryer – most lodges don’t provide 💨
- Compact straightener – optional 💁
- Headbands or beanies – function + style 🎀
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Insulated snow boots – waterproof, grippy soles 🥾
- Hiking boots – if planning snow hikes 🥾
- Indoor slippers – for cabin comfort 🥿
- Wool hat – traps warmth without itch 🧢
- Neck gaiter or scarf – protect face from cold wind 🧣
- Thermal gloves – waterproof outer + liner 🧤
- Sunglasses – snow glare can be intense 😎
- Watch – for wilderness timekeeping ⌚
- Mini backpack or crossbody – for short walks 🎒
- Ice grips – add to boots for icy trails 🧊
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Park pass – printed or saved digitally 🎫
- Photo ID – for permits and check-in 🪪
- Hotel/lodge confirmation – print as backup 🏨
- Health insurance info – winter safety is a must 🏥
- Credit card + cash – some spots are cash only 💳
- Emergency contact sheet – printed and digital 📞
- Offline maps – cell service is limited 🗺️
- Notebook + pen – for journaling or tracking sightings ✍️
- Passport – if international 🌍
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – for blisters or scrapes 🩹
- Antiseptic wipes – clean any cuts 🧼
- Gauze and tape – quick field bandage fix 🩺
- Tweezers – for splinters or ticks 🔧
- Thermometer – monitor illness or frostbite 🌡️
- Small scissors – TSA-checked only ✂️
- Cotton swabs – multipurpose 🧽
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescription meds – bring extras 💊
- Painkillers – for altitude or activity aches 🩺
- Allergy meds – pine and dust reactions 🌲
- Motion sickness pills – for snowy roads 🚗
- Vitamins – immunity boost 💪
- Feminine products – availability limited 🩸
- Hand sanitizer – use often 🧴
- Body wipes – good for lodge days 🧻
- Bug spray – occasional even in winter 🦟
- Eye drops – dry wind = dry eyes 👁️
- Toothbrush + paste – always essential 🪥
- Floss – post-trail snacks 😁
- Deodorant – solid type preferred 🧼
- Razor – for spa days 🪒
- Nail clippers – hangnail saver 💅
- Mini perfume – solid or roll-on 🌸
- Tissues – for cold noses 🚽
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charging cord 📱
- Portable charger – very important in cold 🔋
- Camera + batteries – cold drains power fast 📸
- Headlamp – early sunset means dark trails 🔦
- Universal adapter – if traveling internationally 🌍
- Offline map app – no cell signal 🗺️
- Walkie-talkies – great for groups in remote areas 📡
- Memory cards – for wildlife photos 📷
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – long winter nights 📖
- Downloaded shows or movies – offline Netflix 📺
- Podcasts – great for lodge time 🎧
- Journal – for nature notes and reflections 📓
- Card or board games – fun by the fire 🃏
- Magazines – cozy cabin reading 📚
🎁 Extras
- High-calorie snacks – trail bars, nuts, chocolate 🍫
- Reusable water bottle – insulated 💧
- Electrolyte packs – stay hydrated in dry air 🧂
- Lip heater pack – for gloves and boots 🔥
- Foot warmers – essential for snowshoeing 🦶
- Detergent – wash thermals at lodge 🧺
- Sewing kit – small fixes on the go 🪡
- Whistle – emergency alert 📣
- Hand warmers – pack extras 🙌
- Sleep aid – melatonin or earplugs 🌙
🌍 Travel Tips
- Book park transport in advance – limited options 🚐
- Download offline maps – service is spotty 📱
- Start early – daylight is short in winter 🕒
- Dress in layers – don’t trust the forecast alone 🧥
- Keep valuables close – theft is rare, but caution is wise 🔐
- Always carry snacks and water 🥤
- Let someone know your trail plan 📩
🛂 Visa Tips
- Check U.S. visa requirements based on your citizenship 🌍
- Bring printed visa/ESTA confirmation if applicable 🖨️
- Have a return ticket and address for immigration ✈️
- Customs paperwork may ask about gear declarations 🧳
⭐ Must-Haves
- Park pass + ID 🎫
- Insulated boots and coat 🧥
- Wool socks + thermal layers 🧦
- Gloves, hat, and scarf 🧤
- Waterproof daypack 🎒
- Camera + extra batteries 📸
- Offline maps + emergency numbers 🗺️
- Snacks + water bottle 🍫
- Phone + power bank 🔋
👍 Good-to-Have
- Gaiters – protect pants in deep snow ❄️
- Thermal mug – keep drinks hot ☕
- Multitool – fix gear on the trail 🛠️
- Neck warmer – better than a scarf in wind 🧣
- Reflective vest – if hiking at dusk 🌗
- Extra gloves – wet gloves = cold hands 🧤
- Foam pad – sit on snow during wildlife stops 🪵
