There are few things more miserable than a cold, wet and uncomfortable child in a snowstorm. You cannot plan the weather, but you can prepare your children for it. So, how do you dress your kids for skiing? Here are our ski gear tips to keep your kids warm and dry on the slopes, so that they have every chance of falling in love with skiing too!

If you’ve spent any time skiing or snowboarding, you’ll know that cold wet hands are the worst. We recommend trading a little dexterity for the warmth of a mitt. Mitts are toastier and have fewer seams which might allow winter ingress. Look for mitts with durable leather or plastic palms and with a waterproof membrane/liner. Most mitts will have a leash/toggle which attaches to your child’s jacket’s cuffs for peace of mind.

Kids Can Overheat Too

Ensure you pack the right jacket for the weather.

While there’s nothing more snuggly than a lofty down jacket during the coldest months, from December to February, by March it’s getting warmer. If you’re planning a trip during the Easter holidays, then a puffy, heavily insulated jacket is likely to cause overheating. Instead, pack a lightly insulated jacket and warm base and mid layers which can be worn when needed, like a cosy fleece. A high collar and adjustable hood are important features that will keep your child protected in bad weather.

Ski Jackets & Pants

Top tip: Look out for ski features! Snow skirt, lift pass pocket, adjustable hood, fleece lined pockets - the list goes on!

Although the classic one-piece is having a retro resurgence, a ski jacket and pants still provides the best versatility. Start with a good pair of salopettes or bib pants which add a little extra protection from the elements above the waist. Combine them with an insulated ski/snowboard jacket which can be worn around town and on the flight out too (this is a great tip to save space in your luggage!).

Here’s the important part: The jacket should have a “snow-skirt” (also known as a powder skirt). This ingenious devise stops snow from getting into places you don’t want it, so your kids remain warm and comfortable on the slopes. After all, nobody likes snow up their back! Ski passes are expensive and easily lost, so, a dedicated lift pass pocket, where the card can be stored throughout the holiday is advisable.

We have a range of kid’s ski jackets packed full of great value pieces with thought-through ski-focused features.

Cotton is Not a Skier’s Friend

Choose the correct fabrics for your baselayers and midlayers. We recommend merino wool, bamboo and polyester.

When cotton absorbs water and perspiration, it loses its ability to insulate making it a useless fabric to ski in. Synthetic materials, wool and bamboo wick moisture away from the body and are credible insulators, even when wet. Synthetic base layers and midlayers from GO Outdoors are affordable and will provide great value for money long after you’ve returned home. We stock children’s ski base layers that offer great performance on a budget. For anybody concerned about longevity, synthetic fabrics are typically less delicate than wool and therefore harder wearing and easier to wash.

Add a fleece and an insulator jacket or gilet for an affordable boost of heat that will pack easily into a backpack.

Helmet and Goggle Fit Are Key

Making sure your child's helmet and goggle fit properly is essential to comfort and safety on the slopes.

The goofy kid with the poorly fitting helmet and oversize ski goggles might look cute, but a helmet that doesn’t fit correctly is uncomfortable and most importantly, unsafe! Ski helmets are NOT designed to have beanies underneath and should be fitted to a bare head. Most helmets are adjustable, but it is important to buy the right size. If, in the past, you have had trouble finding a bicycle helmet that fits your child’s head shape, you might have the same issue with ski helmets.

Different brands have different dimensions so try different options until you find the one that's right for your child.

Good goggle-helmet compatibility is often overlooked, but also important: A goggle should fit snuggly to the helmet without a significant gap on the forehead. If the helmet is rubbing the goggles or pushing them down on the child’s face, they’re a bad match. Look out for a non-slip silicone goggle band as it will prevent the goggles slipping out of place during skiing. Usually, goggles and helmets from the same brand are most compatible.

Make sure the goggles have a double-layer lens with a moderate “all-conditions” tint, this should prevent fogging and allow your child to see in most snow conditions. A heavily tinted or lightly tinted lens will often let too little or too much light in and are best avoided.

Wear Suncream!

Pack plenty of suntan lotion because like most things, sun cream in ski resorts isn’t cheap!

A common misconception is that because skiing is cold, you can't get burnt. Wrong! Sunlight in the mountains is reflected off the snow, significantly increasing its intensity. Apply it to any areas of skin which aren’t covered by clothing.

Invest in a Good Pair of Walking Boots

It's not just ski boots you'll need, winter walking boots are also an essential!

While it’s just plain good sense to hire ski boots, travelling to the mountains with a dependable pair of winter walking boots is a must-have! Whether it’s nipping out after skiing for fondu or exploring the resort on a bad weather day, you will not regret investing in a pair of quality walking or winter boots for your child. Make sure that the boots have a mid to high collar, thick-lugged soles, and a waterproof liner.

Thinking of going skiing but not sure which resort to go to? Check out our Top 5 Family Ski Resorts in Europe blog for some top tips and advice!