Quick answer
Pack for -5°C to 9°C in most of Europe from December to February: two or three sets of thermals, two warm sweaters, an insulated waterproof coat, gloves, a beanie, a scarf and waterproof boots with grip. Layer so you can strip down in heated trains, museums and shops. Buy thermals and jackets in India before you go; they cost far more in Zurich or Paris.
Documents & money
- Passport and Schengen visa
- Printed hotel vouchers and return ticket — Immigration at your first Schengen airport can ask for them.
- Travel insurance certificate — At least EUR 30,000 of medical cover; add winter sports cover if you will ski.
- Forex card, credit card and some euros — RBI rules cap foreign currency notes at USD 3,000 per trip.
- Rail and ski passes saved on your phone
- Indian licence and International Driving Permit (if driving) — Alpine rentals usually come with winter tyres; confirm when you book.
Clothing
- Thermal tops and leggings, two or three sets — Wear them under normal clothes on cold days; nobody sees them.
- Wool or fleece sweaters, two
- Insulated waterproof coat with a hood — The one item worth spending on; knee-length if you can.
- Thin down vest — Packs small and adds warmth under the coat on the coldest days.
- Warm trousers or fleece-lined jeans
- Light layers for heated interiors — Trains, museums and shops are heated to about 20–22°C.
- Smart sweater or jacket for dinners
- Ski jacket and trousers (rent at the resort) — No need to buy them for one or two snow days.
Footwear & accessories
- Waterproof boots with rubber grip soles — Pavements ice over, and Christmas-market squares turn to slush.
- Wool socks, five or more pairs
- Touchscreen-compatible gloves
- Beanie that covers your ears
- Scarf or neck warmer
- Compact umbrella — Paris, London and Amsterdam winters are wet more than freezing.
- Disposable hand warmers
- Sunglasses — Snow glare in the Alps is strong.
Health & skin care
- Prescription medicines in original packs, with the prescription
- Paracetamol, throat lozenges and a codeine-free cold remedy
- Heavy moisturiser and hand cream — Heated indoor air is very dry.
- Lip balm
- Saline nasal spray
- Sunscreen for snow days
- Spare spectacles or lenses
Electronics
- Universal adapter — Type C/F in most of Europe, Type G in the UK, Type J in Switzerland.
- Power bank — Cold drains phone batteries quickly; cabin baggage only.
- Europe eSIM or roaming pack — Check that Switzerland is included if it is on your route.
- Phone with offline maps and rail apps
- Earphones
- Camera with spare batteries — Keep spares in an inner pocket so the cold doesn't drain them.
Food & snacks
- Khakhra, mathri and namkeen
- Dairy-free ready-to-eat meals — Dal, rajma or chhole packs; skip paneer-based ones.
- Instant poha or upma cups
- Tea bags and instant coffee sachets
- Compact travel kettle — Many continental hotels don't put kettles in rooms.
- Dry fruits and chocolate
- Leave behind: ghee, paneer and milk sweets — The EU bars personal imports of meat and dairy from outside the EU.
How cold is Europe in winter?
From December to February, Paris and London see days of about 5–9°C and nights near freezing, with frequent rain. Vienna, Prague and Berlin hover between -3°C and 4°C, and the Swiss and Austrian Alps drop to -10°C or lower. Daylight is short too: about eight hours in Paris in late December, less in Scandinavia. Plan sightseeing for the light hours and pack for wet cold, not only dry cold.
How should you layer for heated interiors?
Trains, museums, shops and restaurants are heated to about 20–22°C, so a heavy sweater under a heavy coat leaves you sweating indoors and chilled when you step out. Wear a thin thermal base, a wool or fleece middle layer and an insulated waterproof coat you can take off and carry. Gloves, a beanie and a scarf do more work than a second sweater.
Buy in India, rent in the Alps
Thermals, fleece and down jackets cost far less at Decathlon or Uniqlo in India than in Zurich or Paris, so buy before you fly. Don't buy ski jackets, ski boots or skis: resorts rent full kits by the day, and a waterproof shell over your layers works for a single snow day.
Bulky clothes and baggage limits
Economy fares from India to Europe usually include 23–30 kg of checked baggage; check your ticket. Wear your coat and boots on the plane, roll thermals into packing cubes and leave room for Christmas-market shopping. Low-cost flights inside Europe allow only a small under-seat bag on basic fares.
Food at customs
The EU bars personal imports of meat and dairy from outside the EU, so leave ghee, paneer and milk sweets at home. Dry vegetarian snacks are fine.
Read the Schengen visa guide, check Switzerland's winter weather, choose travel insurance with winter sports cover if you'll ski, and see other packing lists.
Frequently asked questions
Is a down jacket enough for Europe in winter?
Should I buy winter clothes in India or in Europe?
Do I need snow boots for Europe in December?
How we checked this page
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.