If you’re looking for a Winter Packing Guide, check HERE!
Ready for mountain adventures this fall? As you pull out the trail maps and start planning your leaf-peeping getaway to the Rockies, you’re going to want to pack appropriately for high-altitude adventures. Read on for a travel guide to help make sure you pack all the essentials:
Fall Clothing For Winter Park
Fall in Winter Park is a season of fluctuating temperatures, with warm sunny afternoons and chilly evenings. To stay comfortable throughout your stay, pack plenty of versatile clothing that can be easily layered. Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry, add a mid-layer for insulation, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer shell to protect against unexpected rain or snow.
Base Layer
If you plan to do any hiking, you’ll likely want comfy and durable athletic gear. We recommend moisture-wicking material like polyester and polypropylene to keep you dry. A few types of gear you may find yourself wearing on the trail includes long-sleeve shirts, short-sleeved shirts, or athletic pants.
Looking to add to your mountain adventure wardrobe? The North Face has perfect moisture-wicking athletic gear for any outdoor adventure.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pack a pair of jeans! Mountain towns are casual, but you might still want to freshen up for dinner. (Bonus: pair that with a flannel and you’ll be considered “mountain chic.”)
Mid Layer
Grab a mid-weight down or fleece layer to go over your base and under your outer layer for when the sun goes down or during any brief weather changes. (Bonus points if your jacket can be easily packed down to put inside a bag for when you don’t need it anymore!)
Outer Layer
When you’re at high altitude, the weather can change quickly. One moment it can be sunny and the next, rain clouds can roll in. Pack a light rain jacket that you can stuff in your backpack and is easily accessible. The North Face has plenty of lightweight, comfortable, and stylish rain jackets to keep you dry on the mountain. When outside in the rain though, make sure to be wary of lightning storms. The US Forest Service has more on what to do if you get caught in a lightning storm.
Extras
Don’t forget to pack some of your favorite fall essentials, such as cozy sweaters, scarves, and beanies. These items not only keep you warm but also add a touch of seasonal style to your outfits.
Fall Footwear for Winter Park
If you’re going to be adventuring outside, you’ll need hiking boots. Hiking boots provide more stability so you can easily troop over sticks, rocks, and other mountain obstacles with ease. You may want to opt for waterproof footwear to keep your feet warm and dry during outdoor activities. Additionally, pack a pair of casual shoes for exploring the Village as well as shops, breweries, and restaurants around the town of Winter Park.
Pro Tip: On the note of socks– we’re not saying your feet are smelly, but they might sweat a little more when you’re adventuring all day. Nothing’s better than putting on a fresh pair of Darn Tough socks after a day of outdoor adventuring. We recommend moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet cool and dry.
Other Trip Necessities
Baseball Cap or Hat
You came to the mountains to enjoy the outdoors and bask in the sunshine! Chances are, you’ll be outside for most of your trip. Pack a hat to keep the sun off your face.
Sunglasses
Your hat should keep the sun off your face, but sunglasses can help keep the sun out of your eyes. While it may be fall, the sun in Winter Park can still be quite intense, especially at higher altitudes. Don’t forget to pack a pair of sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays and enhance your outdoor experience. Spending all day outside can be straining on your eyes, so splurge on the Polarized lenses. Find the perfect pair at Smith Optics.
Backpack
You’ll want to have layers and snacks on your adventures, and a Dakine backpack is the best way to store it.
Reusable Water Bottle
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water! Pack a re-usable water bottle to cut down on plastic waste (or pick one up in one of our Village shops!). Plus, it’s easy to refill while you’re out adventuring.
Sunscreen
Just like any other mountain getaway, you’ll want to protect your skin regardless of the season!
Snacks
You’ll be doing a lot of physical activity, so pack some healthy snacks to keep yourself fueled. CORE Bars, trail mix, or dried fruit are the perfect summit snack.
Camera
We all have phones with, honestly, really great cameras! But keeping a charge on a long day can be a challenge. We recommend bringing a back-up camera to allow you to disconnect from your phone while still capturing all those mountain memories. Something durable and waterproof, like a GoPro, can also allow you to document your adventure hand-free with the right accessories.
Fall Pre-Trip Prep
Your packing and trip prep starts before you even leave! Check out our pre-trip bonus tips.
Drink Water
If you haven’t spent much time at high altitude, your body will need that extra dose of H2O. Start hydrating before you leave and bring water with you on all your adventures. (You can grab a branded re-useable water bottle in the Village when you arrive!)
Get Plenty of Rest
Don’t start your trip off exhausted. Get in bed early and get ready to seize the day! And it’s easy to wake up and get out early when you stay where you play. Book lodging with us, and you’ll wake up just steps away from adventure.
Check the Weather
Check the weather within a day or two of leaving for your mountain getaway, so you make sure to pack the appropriate clothing. If you forget anything though, don’t sweat it! You can find everything you need in the Winter Park Village.
Embracing the fall season in Winter Park is a truly memorable experience. And now that you have the dull download on how to be prepared, you can fully enjoy the joy of being in the mountains during this season. So gather up your layers, pack your essentials, and get ready to be enchanted with some autumn magic!