I am preparing for a family ski trip so I have been busy planning and packing! It takes preparation to ensure we are all well equipped to face the cold weather. I want my kids to love skiing so I have put a lot of effort into picking out the best kids ski clothes for them. In this way, they will stay warm and dry and focus on the fun of zipping down the mountain.
Kids Ski Clothes- What To Pack For Your Family Ski Trip
I remember my first ski trip and how ill prepared I was. I packed layers but my pants weren’t waterproof and I spent a lot of time falling in the snow so I quickly became wet and cold. Also, my layers were just cotton long underwear, jeans, and running pants- a far cry from the snazzy quick dry, insulating materials they have on the market these days. So for my kids, I wanted to pick kids ski clothes with all the latest advances in comfort. I did some research online to find the some of the best kids ski clothes and the brand I turned to was Columbia since they are tested tough since 1938! Columbia did agree to provide samples in order to facilitate my review.
It is easy to see why Columbia is an industry leader in outdoor apparel- they have a huge selection and they are a one stop shop kids ski clothes. My daughter is going to be 12 for her first ski trip so she is still in the kids section. I wanted to makes sure her clothes would perform just as well as adults and Columbia has all the important outdoor features in their kids clothing too. At 12, being fashionable is also high on the priority list and these kids ski clothes look fabulous and don’t make her feel like a little girl (because she is obviously a big girl!) Here are the essential kids ski clothes to pack for your family ski trip.
Kids Ski Clothes Must-Haves
When it comes to purchasing ski clothes for kids, it’s essential to ensure they stay warm, dry, and comfortable while enjoying their time in the snow. Here’s a list of essential ski clothing items for kids.
Kids Waterproof Ski Jacket
Waterproof is the most important feature to look for in a ski jacket if you ask me. I chose the Columbia GIRLS’ BUGABOO™ INTERCHANGE JACKET for my daughter and it has lots of great features in addition to being guaranteed waterproof. It includes Columbia’s patented thermal-reflective technology, which reflects body heat for warmth while maintaining a high level of breathability.
This jacket also serves as 3 in 1— a waterproof-breathable and seam sealed shell; an ultra-warm, thermal-reflective microfleece jacket (basically a mid layer that zips in and out of the outer jacket); and a combination of both to keep her supremely toasty and dry. All the features are so functional and well thought out. For example, the hood is made so that it comes out a bit over the forehead to provide protection from wind and rain and yet a bit fitted so it fall back. Parents will be amazed at the OUTGROWN™ grow system which basically means that you can easily let out a sewn in seam next year so the jacket will fit even longer. Genius, really.
Kids Waterproof Ski Pants
Good Ski pants are super important as you can tell from my personal story above of what it is like to ski without them. I chose the Columbia STARCHASER PEAK™ PANT for my daughter and it features Omni-Shield® technology that makes these warm, insulated pants resistant to rain and stains (and snow!) These ski pants also feature the OUTGROWN™ grow system so I can just let out the hem and they will fit her next year too!
Kids Mid Layer
If you kids ski jacket does not have a built in mid layer like the one I mentioned above, then I would suggest making sure you have one. You could use a bulky sweater, a sweatshirt or a fleece jacket. Make sure there is no hood. Something like the Columbia STEENS MT™ II FLEECE works great with a nice high zip neck.
Kids Baselayer Top
You need a baselayer next to your skin to keep you warm and soak up any sweat because skiing is actually quite vigorous activity. I chose the Columbia YOUTH BASELAYER MIDWEIGHT CREW 2 because it features Omni-Wick™ fabric with an antimicrobial treatment and Omni-Heat™ thermal reflective interlock to trap heat and keep her warm and dry.
Kids Baselayer Pants
Made of 100% Omni-Heat™ thermal reflective interlock polyester, the Columbia YOUTH MIDWEIGHT TIGHT 2 is all-purpose baselayer pant built for action. An ideal lightweight layering piece packed with thermal reflective heat-trapping and sweat wicking qualities to match the baselayer top I mentioned above.
Waterproof Gloves or Mittens
Warm dry hands are essential to enjoying the snow to it’s fullest so you can stay out and enjoy the outdoors longer. Columbia YOUTH WHIRLIBIRD™ MITTEN is one choice for guaranteed waterproof protection. Plus, this chill-defying mitten is packed with thermal reflective technology to keep little hands warm as well as dry.
Warm Winter Hat
Since you probably want your kids to wear a helmet while skiing, you will need a nice warm winter hat that doesn’t have a puff on top and that will cover their ears. I chose the Columbia YOUTH WINTER WORN™ PERUVIAN which features a sweat-wicking ear band that keeps little heads dry and snug. This hat is great for everyday wear as well.
Neck Gaiter and/or Balaclava
To pair with the winter hat, you will probably want a nice warm fleece neck gaiter like the Columbia Youth Fast Trek™ Neck Gaiter. Or you may want to go with a Jr. Balaclava like the sample that Seirus provided me with as a great all-in-one option. I predict that my daughter uses the Seirus balaclava on the ski slopes and the Columbia winter hat and neck gaiter for the rest of the time we spend outdoors.
Then in addition to all these great kids ski clothes, you will need to remember a few extra things for your ski trip- like ski goggles (I got mine at smithoptics.com) and ski socks. You will also want to pack winter boots for when they aren’t skiing but are doing outdoors things like snow tubing and building snowmen.
Ski Socks
Thick, moisture-wicking socks that go up to the calf are essential to keep feet warm and dry. Avoid cotton socks, as they retain moisture and can lead to cold feet.
Kids Waterproof Boots
Columbia has some great winter footwear options for youth, children, and toddler sizes. My daughter fell in love with the YOUTH MINX™ MID II WATERPROOF OMNI-HEAT™ BOOT. They are super stylish and cute while being waterproof, insulated and lined with thermal reflective dots to keep toes toasty. They also provide great traction to deal with the ice, slush, and snow.
Conclusion
Remember to consider the fit and size of each item, allowing for some room to layer clothing underneath without being too tight or restrictive. Additionally, ensure that the clothing is breathable to prevent overheating and that it allows for easy movement to make skiing or playing in the snow more enjoyable for kids. As far as ski gear goes, they will also need ski googles and a helmet. I hope you find these kids ski clothes suggestions helpful when you pack for your next family ski trip. You can visit columbia.com to see all the kids ski clothes available.
Do you have any Columbia clothes that you have #TestedTough? My favorite is a purple Columbia fleece I got from my sister-in-law as a Christmas present. I wear it almost 24/7 inside and out all winter long!
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