5 Packing Tips for a Gatlinburg Winter Vacation

The city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the very best winter destinations in the Southeast! Located at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers breathtaking scenery, endless entertainment, and excellent skiing. If you’re planning a Gatlinburg winter vacation, you’ll want to be totally prepared for the season. To help you with your packing, Alpine Chalet Rentals has put together some convenient advice for what to bring when you stay with us this winter.

1. Check the Forecast, But Prepare for Everything

Before you leave home, be sure to pull up your favorite weather website to check the forecast for the week of your trip. Knowing if the temperature will be unseasonably warm or cold is always helpful. Of course, you’ll also want to know if the experts are predicting snow during your vacation!

While checking the weather in advance is important, we suggest being prepared for everything. The winter climate in Gatlinburg is typically moderate, but it can vary greatly from day to day. Highs are generally in the low 50s and lows are usually in the high 20s. Nevertheless, we’ve had winter days where the temperature has reached 70°F and other days where the highest elevations of the mountains were in the negatives. Trust us, it never hurts to bring a coat that you end up leaving in your suitcase throughout the trip!

2. Dress in Layers

The easiest way to stay comfortable throughout the day is to dress in layers. Your early morning hike may warrant your heaviest winter jacket, but by the time lunch rolls around, a sweater might be all you need to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some of the items that are perfect for layering on your Gatlinburg winter vacation:

Winter coat
Light jacket
Scarves
Hats
Gloves
Jeans
Sweaters
Sweatshirts
Long-sleeved shirts
T-shirts
Thermal underwear

3. Good Shoes and Socks are a Must

Humans lose lots of warmth through their feet, so if you don’t have good shoes and socks, you’re going to be cold this winter! To keep your toes from getting frosty, pack your warmest practical shoes or hiking boots. Try to bring a pair that is comfortable and has good arch support.

As far as socks go, we recommend avoiding ones made from cotton or wool, because they take forever to dry when they get wet. If you step in some snow or a puddle during a hike, the rest of your trek is going to be miserable if the inside of your boot is soggy and cold. Instead, bring a few pairs of socks made from Dri – FIT. This water-resistant material is ideal for anyone who plans to explore the national park during their trip to Gatlinburg.

4. Take Care of Your Skin

The winter wind can leave your skin and lips feeling dried out. To avoid this, be sure to bring some moisturizer and chapstick. Lotion is especially important for your hands, which can get cracked from repeated washing.

Believe it or not, sunscreen is another must-bring item. Even during the winter, the UV rays can burn your skin, so be sure to apply some sunscreen to your face if you will be outside for an extended period.

5. Don’t Forget Your Bathing Suit

While a bathing suit might not be the first thing that comes to mind when packing for a Gatlinburg winter vacation, you’re definitely going to want to bring one! Most of our cabins come with outdoor hot tubs, so you can enjoy beautiful mountain views while soaking on the deck.

To start planning your getaway, check out our complete selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals!