Packing List
Improver Cross Country Ski & Yoga Retreat | Sweden
The weather is likely to be cold and changeable. Of course we cannot predict the weather on any given week, but temperatures around -10°C are considered perfect for cross country skiing, and we may sometimes have temperatures of more like -20°C. This sounds cold, however, for most of the winter in Sweden it is a “dry” cold which tends to feel less cold than “damp” cold. You do need enough clothes to stay warm and comfortable though! Please read our blog post for more information on what we recommend you wear whilst cross country skiing!
Please also use the weather forecast here to inform your packing. If it is cold, you will need more layers and warmer outer layers!
We provide:
Cross country skis
Ski boots
Ski poles
What to Bring:
Cross country ski kit - for more info see our blog post:
25 litre backpack
Base layers (a selection - you might want to wear more than one on a cold day)
Long johns
Fleece
A breathable, waterproof shell jacket - a hiking waterproof is ideal
Soft shell winter hiking trousers (windproof, water repellent, breathable)
A warm packable insulated / down jacket
A selection of socks of different thicknesses to help you get the best fit in your hire boots (wool is best)
Sunglasses (ideally polarised)
Warm hat
Buff (you might want two - one for your neck, one as a headband)
Ski gloves (2 pairs, ideally, in case one gets wet - normal ski gloves will do - warm mittens are best if you are prone to getting cold)
Thinner gloves in case it is warm (you will get hot if you’re working hard!)
Glove liners and/or disposable hand warmers if you suffer from cold hands
Waterproof trousers (optional - recommended for a cold / snowy week or to keep your legs warm if you have thin trousers)
Off the skis:
Yoga wear
Casual evening clothes
Night wear
Toiletries
Swimwear for the sauna if you wish (Swedes will happily go nude!)
Neoprene booties if you want to ice dip (optional!)
Sunscreen (high factor)
Any prescription medication
Other medication (paracetamol/ibuprofen) is significantly more expensive in Sweden so bring some if you need to
Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!
Slippers for the hotel
Sturdy hiking boots (these are important as you will need to attach snowshoes to them for the snowshoeing day. They should be waterproof and have good ankle support).
Other Suff:
Camera
Dry bags for inside your day pack to keep stuff dry
Waterproof case for your phone might be handy
Snacks
Thermos so you can take hot drinks out on the trails
Lunchbox for taking lunch out on the trails
Water bottle (not a camelbak style bladder which will freeze)
English tea bags if you’re a tea drinker!
If you’re packing light, you could bring soap flakes/wash to hand wash thermals if required