What to Pack the Kids for Skiing, Snowboarding or Snow Play
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A big discouraging factor for kids that are learning to ski or snowboard is if their hands are freezing. Make sure you invest in good waterproof ski mittens for them. Since they will probably be sitting on the snow and most likely, playing with it, you will want to make sure their hands stay warm so they can enjoy their winter activities to the fullest. What’s a snow day without being able to comfortably make a snowball.
Waterproof pants are essential for any snow activity. Think making snow angels, falling from skiing or snowboarding, snowball fights, sitting in the snow and gondola. You want to make sure your body stays warm and dry. Snow bibs I find to be quite useful for younger kids since it would be a lot harder for the snow or wetness to get underneath their jacket with more coverage from the snow bib. Since the straps are adjustable, they also have a longer lifetime usage, I can usually stretch out the kid’s snow bibs for at least two ski seasons. Only downfall, is when they need to use the restroom, you would need to remove their jacket first and then pull down the snow bib.
Pack a jacket that is high-quality, waterproof, light weight and flexible with good insulation and warmth. I usually like jackets that are brighter colors or prints so I can easily spot the kids out in the snow.
Layering clothes is crucial in cold weather for the kids and it makes it easier to add or remove articles of clothing as necessary, depending on the temperatures. I’ve never gotten complaints from the kids in the cold when they were wearing base layer long-sleeved shirts and base layer pants. I’ve found that merino wool base layers to have worked the best.
For the kids I really like the base layer sets from Helly Hanson. For me and my husband, we love going with Smartwool for 100% merino wool fabric for our base layers tops and for my base layer bottoms. Smartwool has kept us nice and warm and has lasted us years. The quality and functionality is definitely there and worth the investment.
Goggles are so essential to protect our eyes from the sun and all the reflections from the snow. It helps reduce glare, increase contrast to help read the terrain, protect your eyes from debris and the cold, and must stay in place during high speeds of activity. Good ski googles will have polycarbonate lenses. Make sure the straps can be adjusted long enough to go over the helmet when skiing or snowboarding.
Whitney loves using her Smith Optics Rascal Youth Snow Winter Goggles.
Snow boots
For snow play and walking to and from the slopes when not wearing ski or snowboarding boots, waterproof snow boots are essential. You’ll want to find boots that have extra grip, is lightweight, flexible for easy walking, insulated, breathable and taller in height. I’ve found Bogs to make reasonably priced, durable, slip-resistant boots for the little ones. I’ve also been happy with Sorel and The North Face which also make toddler snow boots with good quality, comfort and style.
Don’t cut corners on this one and use regular socks. Using proper ski socks really makes a difference when skiing. It’s supposed to be a thin ski sock and just the ski boot, no bulk. Ski socks are made to be worn with ski boots and are meant to keep you warm and dry and are moisture-wicking.
These kids’ wintersport merino wool socks by Smartwool are my favorites for the girls.
Ski Helmet
If your little ones will be skiing or snowboarding, helmets are a non-negotiable must wear. Helmets can easily be rented at the Ski Resort but if you plan on going often, I would recommend just investing in one. I’ve found the ones from Smith to be reasonably priced and of good quality.
Bring some sort of neck covering to help keep them warm and protected against the wind and chill.
When wearing a helmet, you can also wear a ski cap underneath it to keep you extra warm. A beanie is helpful for that helmet hair afterwards and provide warmth off the slopes.
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