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Children get cold faster than adults, and a cold child is an unhappy child. They also spend a lot of time sitting and rolling in snow. Dress them right and they’ll ask to stay out longer.
One-piece suit or jacket and trousers?
- One-piece ski suit: best for toddlers and under-6s. No snow gets in at the waist, very warm. Harder for toilet trips.
- Jacket + salopettes (bib trousers): more versatile for older kids; the bib keeps snow out.
- Look for 10,000 mm+ waterproofing, reinforced knees and seat, a powder skirt, and reflective details.
- Bright colours help you (and instructors) spot them on the slope.
Layers for kids
- Synthetic or merino base layer (no cotton pyjamas!).
- Thin fleece mid layer; add a second on very cold days.
- Waterproof outer layer.
Hands, feet, head
- Mittens with long cuffs and wrist leashes — warmer and easier to put on than gloves.
- One pair of kids’ ski socks.
- Helmet — mandatory for children in many resorts and countries. Check the fit with goggles.
- Goggles — kids’ sizes; category S2 lens for most conditions.
- Balaclava or neck warmer.
Sun protection
Children’s skin burns quickly at altitude. SPF 50 on all exposed skin, lip balm, and goggles or sunglasses even on cloudy days. See sun and altitude.
Practical tips
- Put your phone number on a card in the child’s pocket or on the helmet.
- Dress them in the room, then boots on at the ski locker — they overheat and get grumpy otherwise.
- Pack a spare set of gloves and socks in your backpack.
- Snacks and a warm drink in a thermos solve most crises.
- Buy second-hand or use seasonal rental — kids grow every year.
Toddler checklist
- ✔ One-piece suit
- ✔ Base layer + fleece
- ✔ Mittens with leashes
- ✔ Helmet + goggles
- ✔ Ski socks
- ✔ Balaclava
- ✔ SPF 50 + lip balm
- ✔ Snacks and water
- ✔ Name and phone card
