We are about to visit the North Pole in Finland where the average temperature in December and January ranges from -25° up to -40°. If you are heading to ski around Europe, the maximum that you will get is -5° to -10°. But if you live in such a place as the UK, it may seem quite challenging to find the right winter clothes for toddlers and proper ski wear for kids. So, what to pack for a ski trip and snow fun activities?
We made our research!
The truth is that if you really want to be prepared and prepare your kids for the winter experience, you should learn a few extremely handy tricks and choose kids’ clothes for winter wisely. The era of “wearing underneath five woolen sweaters” has disappeared. There are nice, high-quality, and super affordable ski clothes for kids and the family as a whole. Download our free and digital interactive packing list for a ski trip.
Whether your child is about to conquer the mountains or visit one of the coldest countries in the world, he will move a lot in any case. This means that snow will be all over him trying to squeeze inside the layers. But that doesn’t mean that packing for the snow is a daunting task. In fact, there should be only a few things to pack for a ski trip or snow fun.
When you are about to go skiing with toddlers, think carefully when choosing the toddler ski jacket and winter salopettes or ski pants.
What ski brands should I consider?
Depending on your location, there are plenty of popular, high-quality, and affordable brands that you may consider.
Winter clothes for kids in the US market
Make a thorough research on a brand that you prefer. Keep in mind that winter ski clothes for kids last for years, so sticking to a couple of brands that you really like sounds like a great plan.
We suggest looking into the following options:
- The North Face
- Patagonia
- Helly Hansen
- Outdoor Research
- Columbia
- Arc’teryx
- Norrøna
- Flylow Gear
- Spyder
Winter clothes for kids in the UK market
Based in the UK, we have noticed it is a huge problem for the residents to find the right store. Go Outdoors and Outdoor Gear are two perfect locations for the family.
Not many people know but the best deals for ski wear and gear start in November. This is one of the best months to buy kids’ clothes for winter as you may find prices are down up to 50%.
We suggest looking into the following options:
- Dare2B
- The Edge
- Helly Hansen
- Norrøna
- Salomon
- Giro
- Oakley
- Bridgedale
What to pack for a ski trip for my child?
Warmest jackets for kids
One of the most important items in your ski trip checklist surely is a winter coat.
Important features to consider
- The best winter coats for kids offer a fixed snow skirt because this is exactly what will protect your child from entering snow underneath their shirts.
- Waterproof/ DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- High loft insulation
- Breathable fabric
- Adjustable hood
- Multiple zipped pockets, including internal and ski pass pockets
- Reflective detailing – for enhanced visibility
- Adjustable cuffs
Salopettes or ski pants
When you consider what to pack or a ski trip, snow pants come to mind first.
Important features to consider
- The best toddler snow pants or salopettes offer integral snow gaiters to prevent snow from entering underneath.
- Waterproof/ DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- High loft insulation
- Breathable fabric
- Adjustable and detachable braces
- Multiple zipped pockets
- Reflective detailing – for enhanced visibility
- Adjustable waist
- Grow cuffs at hem
- It is recommended to have a slightly baggier style fit at the bottom which will be great for slipping over clunky ski boots.
Baselayers
Think twice about what you put underneath!
- Avoid any sort of running-type shirts or leggings made from 100% polyester
- You should not wear anything underneath that will make you cold. Instead, wear something that will keep you warm, such as merino baselayers. They are thin, close to skin fit, and extremely comfy.
Merino wool provides a soft touch, regulates your body temperature, and naturally resists any odor. Another great fact is that it dries very quickly.
Since children are always on a move, it would be a great choice to get two pairs of base layers (top and bottom).
- Don’t forget to download our FREE travel packing list with the details on what to bring on ski trip.
Socks
Don’t underestimate the choice of socks. Here is how to keep your feet warm while skiing.
Pick merino wool socks!
Of course, you would like to have a few pairs of socks for your little one. We recommend considering the following two types:
- Heat holders – comfier and softer from the inside, will hold as much heat but are not resistant to sweat. These types of socks are good for low movement activities, e.g. when you have to spend lots of hours playing in the snow or walking in the forest.
- Ski mountain boot socks – the advantage of this type of socks is that they are designed for mountain skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. The difference with the heat holders is that they do not hold as much heat but they are resistant to sweat.
- Both options should have an over calf height.
When we were planning what to wear in Lapland, the heat holders did a great job for all of us. We were literally bathing in the snow every day and managed to stay completely dry.
Read More: How To Visit Santa in Lapland On A Budget
Mid-layers: sweater & fleece
Do not overthink with the mid-layer when thinking about what to pack for a ski trip. There is no need to add layers of woolen sweaters. Instead, find a fleece that is made from micro-fleece. This serves as an ideal mid-layer. The fleece should be thin and comfy to keep off the chill of cooler evenings and misty mornings.
Gloves and mittens
What else should there be on your snow trip packing list? Well, one of the biggest problems for kids is gloves and mittens. Not that they usually get lost, but they always end up wet. If you go somewhere cold with extreme temperatures, bring a couple of pairs.
There is a trick though, and it also refers to adults.
Get two layers!
- Insulated snow gloves that are waterproof and breathable, with wrist and cuff end adjusters, warmth rating 4 or 5.
- Any other kind of thin glove underneath. We recommend getting sweat resisting gloves.
Such arrangement should keep you warm for a while.
- For smaller kids, mittens work best
Other winter clothes and accessories
Hat
There is such a variety, the choice is yours. However, it is important to think of the TOG (thermal overall grade) and insulation lining.
Scarf
Same story with scarves. If you are fully equipped with the clothes mentioned above, a scarf is not necessary. Your call.
Multi-functional headband
This can come in very handy on a windy day or when you are flying down the mountain. Headbands can protect your face from weathering or sunburning your face. Besides, it can act as a neck warmer, hair band, headband, wristband, balaclava, scarf, hair cap, or beanie.
Get more ideas and accessories for the snow fun, such as helmets, goggles, and snowfall winter boots.
Watch this video to see what we used to wear during our winter holidays:
Precautions
Always write your child’s name and emergency contact to leave with them. We recommend considering the following options:
- Wristband
- Label to hang around the neck
- Note hidden in the front pocket
- The label on the outer jacket
Enjoy your family trip filled with snow and joy! Stay dry and warm!
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