How to score the best Ski Clothing for Kids

What to Look for In a Ski Jacket

Let’s start with perhaps the most important clothing item to consider when preparing for your child to go skiing: a ski jacket. There are three styles you can choose from: insulated, shell and 3-in-1 jackets. An insulated jacket is a ski jacket with built-in insulation, which provides both warmth and water resistance. Shell jackets are windproof and waterproof but don’t include insulation, so they can be worn with another layer beneath to provide warmth. They are also a good option for skiing in warmer areas or for more experienced kids who want to move more easily in their jackets. A 3-in-1 jacket is essentially an insulated and shell jacket combined, equipped with a zip-in insulating layer that can be removed so that the jacket becomes just the shell.

Which is Best: waterproof ski pants or ski bib?

Next up is choosing ski or snowboard pants, either pants-style or a bib (think: overalls). There are pros and cons to either option. However, a bib tends to be a better choice if your child is skiing somewhere particularly cold or if you think they’ll be falling a lot, since the broader coverage is better for keeping out snow and ice. Pants can be a good call if your child gets hot easily, and they are definitely easier to take off when it comes to bathroom breaks.

Ski gloves or mittens?

Gloves tend to be easier for kids to use, but some prefer mittens so that’s always an option. The most important thing to look for when shopping for gloves or mittens for skiing is a pair that’s waterproof and fits your child’s hands well. They should also cinch around the wrist to keep the hands warm and help limit the chances that snow or ice will get inside the glove or mitten.

Layer with Long johns

When choosing the right kids’ ski and snowboard clothing, don’t forget a good moisture-wicking base layer. A pair of long underwear will help your child stay toasty and warm on the slopes. (Tip: Look for a pair made of merino wool for extra warmth as well as a definite comfy-cozy factor.) Make sure the pants have well-fitting elastic at the waist and ankles, and that the shirt has elastic at the wrists, to help keep the warmth in and the garments in place.

ski socks that Stay Warm and Dry

Make sure you buy socks specifically made for skiing, because they are designed to keep the feet warm and dry as well as fit nicely in ski boots. You want to avoid cotton socks and look for a wool blend to keep your feet from getting cold or wet. Ski socks are usually long, and they have extra cushions for the toe and shin, making them more comfortable to wear in ski boots.

must-haves for Ski goggles and helmets

Although your child may complain about wearing head and face accessories at first, pushing them to wear ski goggles and a helmet is absolutely a good move. When it comes to the helmet, look for one that has an ASTM F2040 certification (it will be on a sticker inside the helmet). This will tell you the helmet is safe and designed for snow sports.

The goggles will help keep your child’s face warm and make visibility on the slopes much clearer as well. In the end, everyone will be glad they had goggles. When shopping for ski goggles, make sure you find a pair that’s compatible with your child’s helmet as far as fit. Qualities like anti-fog coating and impact-resistant lens materials should be priorities as well.

You might also consider a ski mask to keep your kiddo’s face shielded from the wind and cold. (Also, reminder: If your child suffers a serious fall, be sure to replace their helmet before they get on the slopes again.)

Smart Shopping for Ski boots

Though you might want to rent ski or snowboard boots for your child as they grow, if you plan on making skiing a more frequent activity for your family it might make sense to invest in a good-fitting pair of boots. If your child is a beginner, rear-entry ski boots will likely be your best bet, as they’re easy for kids to put on and take off. A front entry ski boot, however, is great for older kids or for more experienced skiers, since it allows for a more customized fit and slightly more control for the wearer.

One of the smartest ways to score deals on ski gear is to plan ahead and shop early. Like, crazy early—if you typically hit the slopes in November, start shopping in Spring or Summer.

So now that you’re ready to deck out your kids in their ski or snowboard clothing, and have planned what you’re going to pack for the trip yourself, you are ready to get out there and have a blast on the slopes!