Having the right clothing is just as important as having the right skis. Cold kids mean unhappy kids, so dressing properly can make or break the experience. We’ve learned that dressing for skiing is all about layering.
Here is quick list of what you will need: a base layer, tall socks, a mid layer, a ski jacket, snow bibs, balaklava, a neck tube (on occasion), solid gloves and ski boots
Base Layers
The right type of fabric for your child is super important, let’s face it as your child is still learning and you are mainly doing the work, you are not going to deal with any sweat here, it’s all about comfort and warmth. Don’t miss out on the fun prints too for added excitement.
- Merino wool – commonly used for adults and widely available for children, however, many times children complain about itchiness (even for the ones labeled and marketed “anti-itch”). If you still prefer the natural fibers, here are a few lesser known ones to check out: Icebreaker, Hally Hansen, Woolino, Reima and of course SmartWool .
- Thermal synthetic type – many great options here, however, I did not find them warm enough for a child. These types of base layers tend to focus on moisture-wicking fabrics, which is not a priority.
- Fleece/Polyester brand – has my pick for all ages – super soft fabric, never shrinks, children never want to take it off, and it is clear why – the fabric just feels like a nice blanket wrapped snugly around your body. Burton fleece is my go to (always sold out of sizes, look for it early in the season, runs up to two sizes larger than usual, recommend to size down). A nice alternative is LL Bean Wicked Warm Underwear sets (also fleece feel fabric on the inside with a smooth finish in the outer body, great choices for younger skiers starting at 12 to 18 months, love the two- piece they offer for babies).
It may be trial and error buying the right type of base layer, but do ensure that you size appropriately, don’t hesitate to exchange/return for the right fit as you figure out sizing (order from reputable sites first for easy process). Both the top and the bottoms should have a snug feel, but loose enough to easily pull down in a pinch, we do not want Yoga Pant Squeeze here.
Additional layers
- Thicker base fleece (half zip) – sweaters and vests are all good add ons that you probably already own. Coordinate these based on the outside temperature and wind.
- Thin down jackets – part of the base layer – another preferred method for layering and staying lightweight and warm. You may choose anywhere from 500 to 650 down fill and still layer it under the ski jacket. LL bean, Cotopaxi, and Patagonia make great options, expensive, but they do last for two to three seasons and can be used as a light jacket for other activities even in the summer. Down is a great insulator when dry but performs poorly when wet so keep that in mind.
Kids Hooded Down Jacket by Patagonia
- Ski Jackets – there are too many options to choose from and I will leave it up to you to make the right decision for your child, but here are a few tips that I learned to consider:
- Internal ski jacket skirt : while it sounds useful, children never take the step to button it and frankly I doubt its effectiveness in the snow for kids, an extra step of getting dressed that you can skip for sure.
- Neck zip closure : love the added warmth from fleece or any other soft material.
- Pockets : don’t let those be a deciding factor, extra pockets are not necessarily good, children often forget.
- Wrist and index finger jacket sleeve : is there one? Is there a velcro opening at the bottom of the sleeve?
Socks
For socks, a single quality pair of wool or synthetic ski socks, rather than multiple layers, prevents cold toes without cutting off circulation. Children’s tall ski socks are a must and should reach right below the knee and never fall victim to falling inside the boot itself. This same principle applies for the bottom of the baselayer pants: do not tuck inside the boot, the bottom needs to be pulled up to knees and layered over top of the boots or folded right below the knee.
Wool socks mainly dominate the market – SmartWool, Darn Tough and Reima are all good choices. Consider less picture/theme wild ones, as they all tend to have a messy fabric on the inside of the sock, which may be another source of complaint. I would stick to plain colors when possible.
Kids “Ski Over Calf Socks” by Smartwool
Boots
One of the most important pieces of gear—one that must fit correctly (!!)—is ski boots. Read more on boots here: Baby’s First Ski Boots The smallest ski boots available today are size 15.5, which is about a U.S. kids’ size 8 or EU size 25, which honestly makes more sense. I started thinking about ski boots for Isaac this past spring and made a note to buy in the summer (off-season), focusing on two solid options: the Head J1 and the Fischer Junior One.
Fischer One by Fischer
The Fischer Junior One is a great option for the youngest skiers because it offers a soft, flexible shell for natural movement, a warm, cushioned inner lining to keep little feet cozy, and a single-buckle system for easy on and off. Some models even have adjustable sizing, which extends usability as your child grows. The Head J1, on the other hand, is another strong contender, known for its simple, comfortable design, a single-buckle closure for easy use, and a warm, soft lining for added comfort. It’s also a budget-friendly option, though it lacks the adjustable sizing of the Fischer. Ultimately, we chose the Head J1 for Isaac and plan to put them on him as soon as he starts holding himself upright.
Skis: For skis, we had Victoria and Charlotte on 80cm skis for their first set, which we still own. Since we’re trying to get Isaac on skis even earlier, we’re using a 70cm hand-me-down. This should pair well with his J1 15.5 boots. Since we don’t need to think about poles for at least another three years, we’re set on gear for now.
Gloves
Hands, head, and feet need just as much attention. Mittens tend to be warmer for little ones since fingers share heat, and waterproof, insulated mitts with long cuffs that tuck under or over the jacket sleeve work best.
Montana Ski Gloves by The North Face
On the Head
A snug balaclava or fleece neck gaiter protects against wind and snow. Even for toddlers, a helmet is a must for safety and warmth, and most helmets are adjustable so they can grow with them. Goggles protect their eyes from wind and glare, and choosing a pair sized for toddlers ensures a snug fit without gaps.
I’ve learned that shopping for ski gear is best done off-season (hello, summer sales!). For kids, Facebook Marketplace, ski swaps, and local gear shops can be gold mines for quality used gear at a fraction of the price. Brands like Patagonia, Reima, and Burton make great ski clothing for little ones, and their resale value is strong if you take care of them.
We’ve had some unseasonably warm weather here, so while it’s been hard to think about snow, we know it’s coming! Over the next few weeks, we’ll start getting Isaac used to wearing his ski boots indoors, standing and playing in them, and practicing balance in soft snow before strapping him onto skis. If you’ve taken a one-year-old skiing, I’d love to hear what worked (and what didn’t!). Send us an email to crawlwalkski@gmail.com.
With Love and Encouragement, Yuliya
