Italy is home to some of the most breathtaking ski resorts in the world, and one of the best destinations for winter sports enthusiasts is Val Gardena in the Dolomiti region. Nestled in the stunning Dolomites of northern Italy, Val Gardena offers incredible slopes, jaw-dropping views, and a distinctive alpine atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. Located within a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Fun fact: Val Gardena is part of South Tyrol, a region that was once Austrian territory before World War I. Because of this history, you’ll experience a unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin cultures—reflected in everything from the food to the architecture.
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| My Favorite Travel Links |
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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links at no additional cost to you.
- Flights – I use Skyscanner to find amazing flight deals.
- Accommodation – Book your hostel with Hostelworld. For the best guesthouse and hotel rates, use Booking.com.
- Rent A Car – Discover Cars and Rental Cars are great booking and comparison sites for rental car deals.
- Fun Activities – Get Your Guide and Viator provide ease of discovering and booking a wide range of activities like walking tours, fun excursions, private guides, and more.
- Protect Your Trip – Don’t forget travel insurance!
Packing for a Multi-Destination Adventure
This snowboarding trip was the final leg of a month-long journey across Portugal. Before heading to Italy, I attended a week of wedding celebrations on the southern coast, surfing in Porto Covo, and exploring Alentejo, Porto, and Central Portugal. With so many different climates and activities, my packing had to be both strategic and efficient. I had just one 70L backpack to fit everything I needed for an entire month, including my snowboarding gear.
Looking back, there were items I could have left behind and a few things I wish I had brought. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what I packed for my week of snowboarding in Val Gardena, along with some lessons learned.
What I Packed for a Week of Snowboarding
Essential Snowboarding Gear
- Snowboard pants – Waterproof and insulated, a must-have for staying dry on the slopes.
- Snowboard bib – A great alternative to pants for extra coverage and warmth.
- 3 sets of base layers – Kept me warm under my outerwear; layering is key in cold weather.
- 1 pair of mittens – Essential for keeping my hands warm in freezing temperatures.
- 1 pair of goggles – Crucial for visibility and eye protection against snow glare.
- A pair of knee braces – Helped with keeping my knees safe, stability, and support while snowboarding.
- A pair of knee pads – Useful for cushioning falls, especially as I was still improving my technique.
Clothing & Accessories
- 2 sets of fleece-lined yoga pants – Wore them when lounging or layering under snowboard gear.
- 2 sets of regular yoga pants – Didn’t end up wearing these at all.
- 5 t-shirts – More than I needed for a snowboarding trip.
- 1 thick balaclava – I didn’t wear this one, but…
- 3 neck gaiters/balaclavas – These were lifesavers in protecting my face from the cold.
- 3 hoodies – Only needed one; extra layers took up unnecessary space.
- 1 insulated jacket – The perfect outer layer for warmth and wind protection.
- 4 pairs of merino wool socks – In hindsight, 2 pairs would have sufficed since I could have washed them in rotation.
- Pair of all-weather boots – Great for walking around the town and off the slopes.
Gear & Extras for Comfort
- Day bag – Carried my essentials like snacks, a water bladder, a hand warmer, and my wallet.
- Thermos – Used it daily for tea to stay warm between runs.
- Water bladder – This was a game changer, making it easy to stay hydrated without stopping.
- 4 sets of hand warmers – I ended up not using these, as my mittens kept my hands warm enough.
Toiletries & Skincare
- Body oil – Helped combat the dryness from the cold weather.
- Body wash – A travel-sized essential for post-snowboarding showers.
- Lip balm with SPF – This kept my lips protected from the cold wind and sun exposure on the slopes.
- Detergent – Handy for washing base layers and socks, reducing the need for overpacking clothes.
What I Would Change Next Time
Looking back, there are things I could have done differently. Here are my biggest takeaways:
What I Could Have Left Behind:
- Extra hoodies and t-shirts – I could have packed lighter and worn base layers under my outerwear instead.
- Regular yoga pants – They didn’t serve much purpose in a snowy environment.
- Extra socks – Since Merino wool dries quickly, I could have managed with two pairs instead of four.
- Thick balaclava – My lighter neck gaiters were more practical.
- Hand warmers – My mittens kept my hands warm enough without them.
What I Wish I Had Packed:
- Snowboard boots – I rented boots at an amazing shop in Val Gardena, but my feet and experience suffered from it. I should have brought mine instead.
- Snowboard – I rented a fun camber board but would have had a much better time with a board I was more comfortable with.
- More mid-layers – A lightweight fleece or an insulated vest would have provided extra warmth without adding bulk.
- A second pair of gloves – Just in case my mittens got wet or lost.
Final Thoughts
Packing for a snowboarding trip—especially when it’s part of a longer multi-destination adventure—requires a balance between having the essentials and avoiding unnecessary weight. Despite a few miscalculations, my packing list served me well overall. Next time, I’ll refine my choices even further, keeping in mind that layering and versatility are key.
If you’re planning a snowboarding trip to Italy or anywhere else, I hope this packing guide helps you make smart choices! Have you been snowboarding in Europe? What are your must-pack items? Drop a comment below!
