How to Dress Your Kids for Skiing

Skiing is an exciting family adventure that you won’t soon forget! But before you hit the slopes, you want to make sure your little ones are dressed properly. In this post we share our best tips for how to dress your kids for skiing to make sure they stay warm and dry on their ski trip so the whole family can have an enjoyable experience on the slopes.

Layering is key when dressing your kids for skiing

When considering how to dress your kids for skiing, layering is one of the most important things to do. This not only helps keep them warm, but it also allows them to adjust their clothing depending on how cold or warm it is outside.

Start with a good base layer that will keep your kids warm but breathable. Merino wool is great for this because it wicks away moisture and helps regulate body temperature. Even if they find wool itchy, there are good brands making very soft and non-itchy base layers. However, synthetic materials will work as well. Both wool and synthetic material wick away moisture and keep your kids warm even if they get wet from snow or sweat.

Next, add a mid-layer such as a fleece jacket or sweater. This will provide extra insulation against the cold air and help keep your kids warm while they’re on the slopes. Lastly, add an outer layer that can be easily removed if your kids get too hot while skiing or when they come inside after a long day. A waterproof jacket and snow pants are ideal for keeping them dry and comfortable during their ski trip. Make sure everything fits snugly and not too tight, so that air can circulate underneath layers without making them feel restricted.

Accessorize Wisely

Don’t forget about accessories! Hats, gloves, and scarves are essential when skiing because they will trap in heat and protect your kids from getting too cold. Make sure these items are waterproof so they stay dry even if your kids fall in the snow!

All clothes and accessories should be breathable so that they provide adequate protection against the elements without making your child too hot while skiing down the slopes. Additionally, consider having an extra set of clothes available in case your child gets wet or cold on their adventures.

Finally, make sure that everyone has proper footwear such as insulated boots that fit comfortably but snugly (not too tight). Sunglasses or goggles are also a must-have to protect eyes from snow blindness and windburns caused by UV rays reflecting off of the white snow.

Safety First

Finally, remember that safety should always be your top priority when you dress your kids for skiing in the mountains. Bring helmets and make sure everyone wears them at all times while on the slopes. Also, ensure that all of the gear fits properly and is designed specifically for winter activities such as skiing. Sunscreen should be applied daily regardless of weather conditions to ensure no one gets a sun burn while having fun on the slopes! Additionally, make sure their outerwear has reflective details which help increase visibility at night or during foggy weather conditions – this will help ensure everyone’s safety while enjoying their time on the slopes!

It’s always a good idea to bring a first aid kit when you go traveling as a family. Here you can see what we normally bring. For skiing trips we add in a couple of elastic bandages that can be used in case someone sprains something.

Stock up at the destination

If you are going skiing and find that you are missing some clothes or equipment when packing, don’t worry. It’s easy to stock up at most skiing destinations – even at the smaller ski resorts. If you are going skiing in the French Alps or other European places, you might even find yourself close to a Decathlon store which sells everything in sports clothes and equipment at extremely reasonable prices.

Should you buy or rent ski equipment for your kids?

We bring skis and boots for the adults of our family when going on skiing trips but we actually prefer to rent skis and boots for our kids. To us, this makes a lot of sense as renting the equipment is not so expensive and that way we don’t have to change it all the time because our kids are growing so fast. They would probably need a need set of skis and boots for every trip we go on if we were to keep up with their growth. We also don’t have to maintain their equipment so this is a no-brainer.

Packing list to dress your kids for skiing

Here is a list of the items should consider packing for each of your kids (and yourself) when going skiing:

• Skis of the right size (you may want to rent them)
• Ski boots (you may want to rent them)
• (Ski poles – not recommended for beginner skiers)
• Ski helmet
• Goggles and sunglasses
• Waterproof ski jacket
• Waterproof ski pants
• Ski socks (merino wool)
• Underwear
• Thin base layer (pants and blouse) of wool or synthetic fabric
• Sweater or thin fleece jacket
• Gloves or mittens
• A neck warmer or scarf
• A hat or beanie
• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Nourishing moisturizer and hand cream to combat the dry mountain air

Pack the items in a duffel bag for each person. This makes everything accessible and easy to keep an overview of each person’s items.

Keep your travel plans and packing lists organized with google sheets

Invest in an online planning tool to keep your travel plans organized and have a packing list you can update every time you remember items you need to bring as well as keeping your budget. You can make your own in google sheets but we really like this affordable one that you can buy on Etsy and instantly download.

Final words

Skiing with kids can be fun if you take prepare well for choosing their clothing and accessories! Layering clothing is key, as well as making sure all accessories (hats, gloves, etc.) are waterproofed against melting snow or rain. Start with a base layer and layer up according to weather conditions outside. And remember to remove a layer or two if you get too hot during the day. With these tips in mind you can rest assured knowing you and your children will have an enjoyable experience on the slopes this winter season. The whole family will have an unforgettable time in the mountains!