Camping in winter - some things to bear in mind

15/05/2025, 16:39 Gastbeitrag

With good preparation, the camping season can easily be extended into winter. Here you can find out what you need to bear in mind and how to avoid the most common mistakes when winter camping.

Even the most die-hard camping enthusiast will probably remember their «first time» and everything that went wrong: packing the wrong equipment, forgetting something here and there, and freestyling for the rest of the holiday . . . But anyone who thinks they can head off on their winter camping holiday with a similarly fatalistic attitude is mistaken: Winter in particular requires different and sometimes very special camping equipment. And if you do forget something, improvising in sub-zero temperatures is not always easy, and definitely not pleasant.

Below are our tips on what to equip your vehicle with, as well as useful information on winter camping in general. We have also summarised the most important points in this checklist.

Pack sensibly

Winter gear takes up a lot of space (thick jackets, trousers, boots, etc.). Especially when travelling in a compact camper, clothing and equipment should be as versatile as possible. The «onion principle» has proven itself here for thermal insulation.

Insulation mat for the driver's cab (motorhome)

Insulating the windscreen of the motorhome or the entire driver's cab prevents cold air from entering the vehicle. This is particularly noticeable at the windscreen. Insulation mats help to keep your feet warm (if there is no underfloor heating).

Roof chimney extension (caravans)

Caravans have the heating chimney on the roof. If there is a lot of snow, the chimney can quickly become covered. With the roof chimney extension, it remains clear even with 20 cm of fresh snow and ensures exhaust air.

Winter cover for refrigerator (motorhomes and caravans)

The refrigerator grilles on the outside of the vehicle are used for air intake and exhaust. In winter, however, a lot of cold air also enters the vehicle through these grilles. Special winter covers for these grilles provide a solution.

Drive-on ramps, boards

To prevent the vehicle from sinking into snow or mud during thawing, we recommend placing wooden boards or drive-on ramps underneath it.

Heating with electricity?

Comfort is an important factor when winter camping: when you come in from outside, your vehicle should ideally be cosy and warm. Most motorhomes and caravans are equipped with gas or diesel heating. However, some campers prefer to heat with electricity. Be sure to keep an eye on your electricity costs, because unlike in summer, many campsites charge for electricity based on consumption rather than a flat rate in winter. This can quickly become quite expensive when heating with electric heating.

Sufficient gas supply

Gas consumption is particularly high in winter, and two gas bottles are easily needed for heating over a weekend. Therefore, be sure to take sufficient reserves with you.

Please note that in Switzerland refilling foreign gas cylinders is only permitted in exceptional cases. It is therefore advisable to find out about the relevant regulations locally and either bring sufficient supplies yourselves or rent a Swiss bottle with pressure regulator.

Make sure that all adapters used comply with European safety standards and are certified for the intended purpose. Check that your pressure regulator is compatible with the adapter and gas cylinder to ensure safe operation.

Departing without a reservation

Anyone who thinks winter camping is only for die-hards, and that there aren't that many of them, is mistaken. Winter camping is becoming increasingly popular, and especially among new campers, being on the road with their own vehicle is an exciting experience, even in the coldest months of the year. The increased demand is now also leading to bottlenecks at campsites in winter, especially on weekends and public holidays. If you are travelling for winter sports and want a spot with guaranteed snow close to the ski slopes, you should definitely book in advance. Spots can already be scarce in autumn, as the very popular sites in winter ski resorts are often already well booked in summer. Only with a reservation can you be really sure of getting a pitch over Christmas and New Year.

Be sure to stick to the reception opening hours: it gets dark early in winter, which can make it difficult to move into your pitch.

Keep an eye on costs

The myth that camping holidays are always ‘cheap holidays’ is long outdated: camping is not cheap, especially in winter. Compared to summer camping, costs quickly add up in terms of electricity and gas consumption as well as winter equipment. Anyone considering winter camping should take this into account when purchasing a vehicle (insulation, equipment).

Summary

Winter camping requires good and thorough preparation. It is important to plan your trip, reserve a campsite, gather the right equipment and stock up on supplies. Once you succumb to the fascination of winter camping, you won't be able to get away from it so quickly. A cheese fondue in front of the camper in freezing temperatures has its own charm and is sure to remain an unforgettable experience.