Packing for a place like Zermatt needs some thinking. Here are the do’s and don’ts.
What to avoid :
Whether you visit during the summers or winters, you have to avoid carrying summer clothes of thin material or cotton. It is all going to be useless in such a high altitude and you are going to feel like a fool for carrying all that extra luggage without doing some decent thinking. Also avoid carrying stilletoes or any other form of high heels. Your fashion has no place for Zermatt. Be prepared to wear comfortable footwear which will keep you warm and you can walk easily in instead of your fashionable shoes which will have no purpose there.
When you take scarves and hats as well, compromise on style and wear those which will keep you warm instead of choosing ones which are fashionable but provide no warmth if you do not want to freeze to death there. Same goes for all your party wear and dinner date dresses as well. Pay attention to the clothes and materials.
What to take :
Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Warm clothing, a windproof jacket, a walking stick and solid footwear are a must, whatever the time of year. And, of course, don’t forget your sunglasses, sun cream and your cap/hat . Bring warm, sporty clothes. In winter, everything is about apres-ski so unless you want to join the fur wearing crowd, you’re ski jacket and some trousers is the best choice for all hours.
Warm gloves and a bennie or hat is a must especially at the ultra cold evening hours.
For shoes we ended up wearing our trainers most of the time with some thermal socks. For fashion conscious women a great choice is some fur lined, suede boots.
A couple of chunky wool sweaters and some long sleeved cotton shirts underneath will keep you warm outsides but will allow you to strip to something cooler when you’re in the heated indoors. Stout shoes/hiking boots are a good idea in such a beautiful hiking area….plus you need to escape the crowds in the town.
Shoes-comfortable walking/hiking
Hats and other accessories -Warm hat, gloves and socks.
For dinners– Take along some nice clothes to go to dinner or out for the evening.
Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: Bring warm ski clothes, warm mountain underwear for under your ski clothes it is cold up there!!
