Grindelwald in February

[LadyFlumpalot]

Hi all,

Just been told that I'm being taken to Grindelwald in February for my 40th. Obviously I'm very excited, grateful and thrilled but I'm slightly worrying about what to pack to keep warm! The coldest weather I've ever experienced was the 2 days of snow in 2018 with the Beast from the East.

Reading and researching has suggested that sweat wicking layers, a good base layer, a wind and waterproof coat and trousers are a must. I've also seen mention of salopettes and ski jackets. We won't be there to ski, mostly hike, wander around and enjoy the scenery. Would ski clothes be overkill for someone not skiing? We may have a go or go sledging.

I've also read that even though it's COLD it's not damp like the UK so it doesn't feel as cold.

Added complication - I have Raynauds syndrome. I do have excellent gloves which do a cracking job of keeping my hands warm, but I do tend to run cold at the best of times.

Can anyone recommend anything in particular for wearing to keep warm, or have any experience of Grindelwald in winter than they can share practical advice about?

Good outdoor clothing, wind and waterproof, and footwear is fine. Hat, gloves(maybe with liners), neck gaiter, thick socks, sunglasses, not necessarily skiwear. It is not particularly high altitude unless you take the train up the Jungfraujoch. Smart casual is order of the day in town.

Ahhh brilliant, thank you - I'll make sure to pack some normal, but warm clothes as well as Mountain Warehouses finest then!

I am so jealous! One of the most beautiful places i've ever been. Be sure to go to the Crystal Restaurant at the Top of Europe at Jungfraujoch, it is so good- the fondue is to die for!

Add in good hiking boots and socks . Resort boots for walking in the village. (Check hiking routes are open). Base layers and fleece and then jacket. Ski jackets do the job well. Ski trousers ditto. Not salopettes. Ski trousers repel snow. Tight fitting hat if your ears get cold. Hood is useful as is a high collar on the jacket. Waterproof gloves that are padded. Mountain warehouse has good enough.

It’s pretty there. Do use the mountain railway though. You can get to Wengen too. Very much worth it.

It's not that cold, it's still Switzerland, not northern Sweden. Usual winter clothes up the mountain. Last time I was there in February (friend has a chalet just next to ski lifts) I was walking around town in a t-shirt.

Hand warmers that go inside your gloves - they can last a good few hours

A really really good hat. And socks. You do need to be careful if you have Raynaud's.

Of helpful but I am so jealous. You lucky thing

Oh sorry everyone, didn't get a chance to come back over the weekend!

Thank you for all the recommendations! I have a good collection of warm hiking things as it is, so I reckon that if I layer up I should be ok. I'm a HeatHolders fangirl so have asked for extra gloves, another hat and more socks for Xmas.

@Orangello - I rarely wear just a t-shirt even in the summer in the UK. I'm a lizard at heart. A lizard with circulation issues and no innate ability to regulate my body temperature effectively.

I am very very excited!

I have a ski jacket I use for hiking in the snow around there and it is great. Cheap from Lidls. What you have suggested sounds fine, but if you do decide when you are there that you want something warmer there are plenty of shops to choose from including a large supermarket in interlaken which will sell reasonably priced one.

A three in one jacket plus additional fleece and then a merino wool base layer for top, base layer hiking trousers and waterproof over trousers for bottom. Waterproof hiking boots with decent ankle support thermal hiking socks and silk inner socks for your feet, gloves, inner gloves, multi-way scarf (that can go over face) and hat.

This has done me to minus 15 (top of Cairngorm mountain in February) and I was too warm!

I have reynauds too

From someone currently on holiday somewhere very cold - if you can get decent gloves with tech fingertips so you can use your camera without taking off your gloves this is a major bonus I think!

Also, take your facial recognition off your phone and use a pin - it doesn't work when you are layered up and you don't want to have to undo your jacket for your phone to work!