What Your Kids Actually Need to Wear to Go Skiing

When you’re planning a family ski trip, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the gear out there. Kids grow so quickly, and ski clothing isn’t exactly cheap. Do they need multiple pairs of thermals? Should you double up socks? What about fancy accessories? We’ve been through it with our two boys, and here’s what we’ve learnt about what your kids actually need to wear on the slopes, and what you can skip.

Start with the right base: thermals

Thermals are your best friend on a ski holiday. Go for two good quality sets rather than buying six cheap ones. They’ll stay warmer, dry quicker, and feel more comfortable against the skin. I always recommend something with Merino Wool in it. It’s breathable, keeps the kids warm without overheating, and doesn’t need washing every day.

Tip: Rotate the two sets so one can dry out overnight while the other is being worn.

Socks: less is more

One mistake many people make is doubling up on socks. Don’t. It just cuts off circulation and makes little feet colder. Invest in a few pairs of proper ski socks, and that’s all you need. They’re padded in the right places and designed to keep feet warm inside ski boots.

Mid layers: optional but useful

On top of the thermals, you may or may not need a mid layer depending on the weather and your child. For our youngest, I always add one because he feels the cold more than his older brother. A fleece or thin insulated top works well. If it’s milder (like Easter skiing), you can skip it. If it’s colder, a mid layer is essential.

Salopettes or snowsuit?

This is one of the big questions for parents. My advice:

• Under 5s - go for a snowsuit. It keeps the snow out much better, especially when they spend half the day falling over or sitting down (rolling around) in the snow.

• Older kids - separates, so a ski jacket with a snow skirt and salopettes (with shoulder straps to hold them up) are a great option and make bathroom breaks a bit easier.

  
  

Jackets matter

A proper ski jacket is worth it, mainly because it has an inner snow skirt. This little feature stops snow sneaking in when they fall or when you’re helping them back up.

Accessories

• Mittens over gloves: mittens keep kids’ fingers warmer. I always attach them to jackets so they don’t get lost.

• Helmet: non-negotiable. Safety first and ideally your own so you know it's not been in an accident.

• Goggles: these protect from glare and wind. For warmer days, they may prefer to switch to sunglasses but speed demons may find the wind makes their eyes water!

• Hand warmers: pop these into pockets on extra cold days - kids love them. You can buy reuseable ones.

• Add a snood or neck warmer for colder days.

• Back protectors - these come in 3 types - hard shell which is rigid and provides maximum protection, soft shell thats more comfortable but provides slightly less protection, and integrated vests which have built in protectors and are easier to wear.

  
  

Borrow, don’t buy new

Here’s the biggest money-saving tip: don’t buy everything brand new. Your child is unlikely to fit into the same ski kit the following season, so it really isn’t worth splashing out. Borrow from friends if you can, or look for pre loved bargains.

Most of our boys’ ski gear has come either handed down by friends or from Vinted often for under £5 per item. And honestly, it’s been just like new. Ski clothes are usually worn for a week or two each year, so they don’t get much wear and tear.

Adapting for the weather

The kit you need will depend on the time of year and location:

• Cold conditions: add an extra mid layer, maybe a balaclava or snood and hand warmers.

• Warm conditions (like Easter skiing): drop the mid layer and use sunglasses instead of goggles - if you're child prefers.

Being flexible with layers is the key and a few thin layers is much better than one big bulky jumper.

Final thoughts

Packing for a kids’ ski trip doesn’t need to be stressful or expensive. Stick to a few good quality basics, layer sensibly, and don’t overcomplicate it. With the right kit, your kids will stay warm, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the slopes - without you needing to pack half a suitcase of extras.

And remember: mittens on clips are your best friend. Trust me, they save a lot of lost-and-found drama at the end of the day.