Embarking on a skiing adventure with the little ones in tow requires strategic packing to ensure a seamless and enjoyable day on the slopes. As you prepare for this snowy escapade, the contents of your backpack play a pivotal role in the overall experience. Let’s delve into the essentials you should consider packing for a successful day of skiing with your kids.
Clothing Layers: Bundle Up for Comfort
The alpine weather can be unpredictable, so packing an assortment of clothing layers is key. Ensure your kids stay warm and dry by including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer layers in their ski attire.
Snack Attack: Fueling the Adventure
Active days on the slopes demand energy, and hungry kids can quickly turn a joyous day into a challenging one. Pack a variety of nutritious snacks that are easy to eat on the go, ensuring sustained energy levels and minimizing the risk of midday meltdowns.
Hydration Station: Water for Active Explorers
Skiing is a physically demanding activity, and staying hydrated is crucial. Include a water bottle or hydration system in your backpack to keep your little ones refreshed throughout the day. Dehydration can impact performance, so encourage regular water breaks.
Kid-Friendly Sun Protection: Shielding Against UV Rays
The combination of high-altitude sun and reflective snow can be harsh on delicate skin. Pack kid-friendly sunscreen with a high SPF rating to protect against harmful UV rays. Don’t forget to include UV-protective lip balm to prevent chapped lips in the cold mountain air.
Comfort Kit: Addressing the Essentials
A well-prepared parent knows the value of a comfort kit. Tuck away items like tissues, lip balm, and hand sanitizer to handle any unexpected discomforts. A small first aid kit with bandages and pain relievers can also come in handy for minor bumps and bruises.
Navigation Necessities: Maps and Communication Tools
Ensure you have a trail map of the ski resort, even if you’re familiar with the terrain. A charged cell phone can be invaluable for communication and emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the resort’s emergency contact information before hitting the slopes.
Extra Layers: Preparing for Temperature Changes
Weather conditions can shift rapidly in the mountains. Pack extra layers of clothing for your kids, including gloves, hats, and socks. Being ready for temperature changes ensures your little ones remain comfortable and focused on the excitement of skiing.
Entertainment Essentials: Beat Boredom in Lift Lines
For moments when lift lines seem endless, having a few entertainment essentials can be a game-changer. Consider packing small items like books, cards, or travel-sized games to keep your kids entertained during downtime.
Backup Gear: Planning for the Unexpected
No skiing day is complete without a few surprises. Pack backup gear such as extra ski gloves, a spare hat, or an additional layer in case of unexpected spills or changing weather conditions.
Positive Attitude: The Ultimate Intangible
While not something you can physically pack, a positive attitude goes a long way. Keep the atmosphere light and fun, and don’t forget to pack plenty of enthusiasm. A positive outlook can turn any unexpected challenges into memorable family moments.
As you pack your backpack for a day of skiing with your kids, the key is thoughtful preparation. From clothing layers and snacks to sun protection and entertainment, each item plays a role in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience on the slopes. By considering these essentials, you’re not just packing a backpack; you’re preparing for a day filled with laughter, exploration, and unforgettable family moments in the
When you are heading out to the mountain with the family for a ski adventure, there is nothing more crucial (besides snacks), than the right combination of clothing for you and the kids. A bad set up of clothing and gear can really be a downer the whole day long. And not having the right gear to regulate your body temperature can make the difference between calling it early or doing that extra run. Too hot, they are miserable, too cold, pretty miserable too. So the trick is layering with good technical fibere’ed gear that can put on or peeled off as the weather dictates. And one thing we know about mountains is the weather can change a hundred times or more a day. How many of us go up the lift to a sunny summit and the next run it’s clouded over and snowing? Right?
OK, so here is how you can set the foundation, literally, for. a great ski day for both you and the kids.
Start with Your Base Layer
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from the skin. Choose thermal or moisture-wicking long underwear or leggings and a moisture-wicking top.
Avoid cotton materials for the base layer, as cotton retains moisture and can make your child feel cold.
You can get a good, solid low price level or go all out for the fancy ones you’ll find in the ski shop. My personal splurge was always Hot Chillies. Just make sure it has good give, is not too tight or rolls up where it’s not supposed to, and isn’t pinching anywhere. Also, for kids, be prepared to change up the thermals every year as they grow out of them. Thermals are meant to be a pretty tailored kind of fit, so while they are usually flexible you don’t want to get them too big to grow into or try to get one more year out of a too tight pair.
Budget for having to get at least one new pair every year. Remember you don’t want. to spend all that money on gear and jackets only to have to call it early because your child’s base layer is making them miserable. So if you decided you wanted kids, and you want to take those same kids skiing, you knew it was going. to be an investoment, so you just gotta accept that you will have to cycle through many pairs of perfectly good thermals through their growing years.
Kids grow out of their gear fast, but as adventure parents, we just have to find a way to work around it and have fun.
Mid-Layer
Add an insulating mid-layer, such as a fleece or a lightweight down jacket, to trap heat and provide extra warmth. This can be a vest, sweater, or even another layer of thermals if you don’t have a fleece. Stay away from big, poofy regular sweaters you’d wear around during the winter when you are just running errands or sending them to school. You want thin but warm, tightly woven, breathable, flexible, not constricting mid layers. Expect that it will add some bulk to your outer layer so pay attention to the arms. and shoulders because you don’t want. to pinch the kids right in the shoulders and restrict movements. No one enjoys that and could be detrimental to their being able to learn how to better pole plant, etc. Avoid mid layers with any type of hood that can get trapped under the outer layer unless your outer layer has no hood.
Be ready. to trade cuteness, for flexible, workable sweaters. and fleeces. My go to is a good fleece with arms, or a warm mid layer with some spandex woven into it. If budget’s an issue, check out the ski swaps at your local mountain in the spring for good deals at the end of the season. I’ve gotten some beautiful barely worn Spyder gear. for my daughter at really good prices. Adults can find good things too but kids gear is plentiful and usually hardly worn.
Family time on the snow lasts longer when you got the right gear!
Outer Layer
Invest in a high-quality waterproof and breathable ski jacket and pants. Look for features like taped seams, a powder skirt, and adjustable cuffs. my favorite feature is always the armpit zippers so you can regulate your temperature. Just remember to check them on little kids because they’ll just leave the zippers open and wonder why they are cold.
Make sure the jacket has a hood to protect against wind and snow. Ensure the pants have adjustable waistbands and reinforced knees and cuffs for durability. you can get a few good years out of a good ski jacket and pants if they include those little features like exta stitching that you can release as the children grow, or adjustable buttons and elstastics on the pants.
Go for pants that have an eye hook or extra layer of fastening on the pants. If all it has is one snap button you’ll be dealing with constantly unsnapping pants the minute your child grows even a little bit big for the pants. There are all kinds of slick features added to kids clothes because we know they are expensive and they grow out of them fast, so unless you have a kid that grows like a weed, you’ll probably get about three years out of a ski jacket and 2-3 out of the pants. Keep in mind if you buy gear at the ski swaps you’ll probably have to put the stitch back in for the extra length that the previous parent ripped when their child maxed out on length.
Accessories
Don’t just wear any socks with your ski boots. Wear moisture-wicking ski-specific socks to keep feet warm and dry. My recommendation. isto go as thin as possible without giving up warmth. Remember they have to fit in ski boots so when you are first getting fitted for boots, pick the socks weight you’ll most likely be wearing on ski day.
Invest in warm, insulated ski gloves or mittens with waterproofing to keep hands warm and protected.
Don’t forget a ski-specific neck gaiter or balaclava to cover the face and neck from cold winds. Ski goggles with UV protection are essential for eye protection and to keep their face warm.
A warm hat, or neoprene head covering can provide extra warmth under the helmet. Just check that it’s not making the ear pieces too tight when adding in the covering and adjust your helmet. tofit.
Ski Helmet
Always ensure your child wears a properly fitted ski helmet for safety on the slopes. For extra warmth and let’s be real, easy identification on the hill, you have a lot of cute options in helmet covers as well. Having grown up in the 80s I never wore ski helmets, then I started to notice the kids and eventually the parents wearing them. After Liam Neeson’s wife’s tragic accident on the bunny that was enough to convince me.
About five years ago my daughter fell off the lift and landed on her back. The helmet looked fine but the guy at the shop showed me the big crunch it took. I was so grateful that she had that helmet on and it took the hit instead of her skull. I’m still getting used to them but I fully appreciate how important they are.
Make sure the ski boots fit properly and are adequately insulated to keep their feet warm. After a long day in ski boots, either yours or rentals, give those dogs a break in an easily slip on-able, warm boot that wil get you back to your room or the car through the much of the walkways or parking lots.
Adjust the number of layers depending on the weather. On colder days, add more insulating layers, and on warmer days, consider fewer layers. Think of your child as a lovable, cute, possibly whiny at times, onion and be ready to peel (and add) layers on and off all day.
Fit and Comfort
Check that all clothing and gear fit properly without being too tight or too loose. Ensure that boots and bindings are adjusted correctly to their size and skill level.
Extra Clothing
Pack extra clothing and get zen. about the idea that at some point in the season, you will come home with one glove. So include an extra pair of gloves, socks, and a dry base layer, in case your child gets wet or cold during the day or just loses stuff. Little kids and pairs of clothing, and a big mountain with lots of places to leave things behind where you can’t easily go back and get them, just don’t mix.
Make sure you get waterproof layers that also keep the snow out of all the nooks and crannies.
Sun Protection
Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, even on cloudy days, and use lip balm with SPF to protect against sunburn. Don’t let those clouds fool you, they bounce the sun right back up in your face.
Safety Equipment
Make sure your child has the necessary ski equipment, including skis, bindings, and poles, that are appropriate for their age, size, and skill level. If you are off-piste, which I don’t recommend with kids, please make sure you have all the appropriate safety and avalanche gear.
We love our Camelbak or other hydration packs. You do have to get the winter version or they just freeze up on you.
Check the Weather
Always check the weather forecast before heading out to the slopes and adjust clothing accordingly.
By following these steps and being prepared for changing weather conditions, you can ensure that your child stays warm, comfortable, and safe while enjoying skiing.
So parents have for years had a love/hate relationship with kids’ ski boots. Yes it is the vehicle that helps keep their kids out on the hill and exercising every weekend, all winter long, but the downside is of course, those pesky growing feet.
Take your kid on a ski adventure this winter
There are several options modern parents have to get the right boot on their kids feet to keep them happy, healthy, warm and tearing up the mountain.
Sizing and Fit on Ski Books
Proper sizing is crucial. Children’s feet grow quickly, so it’s essential to measure their feet accurately before buying. Ski boot sizes are typically given in Mondopoint sizing (in centimeters), which is the length of the foot. Make sure there is a snug fit without being too tight. A good rule of thumb is to leave about a finger’s width of space at the heel.
Ski Boot Flex Rating
The flex rating of a ski boot determines how stiff or soft it is. For kids, you generally want softer flex ratings because they have less weight and strength to flex stiffer boots properly. The appropriate flex rating will depend on the child’s age, size, and skiing ability. Younger and less experienced skiers should have softer boots.
Types of Ski Boots Available
First let me explain the types of boots you need to know about. There are two major types, rear entry and front entry boots.
Rear entry boots are what they sound like, boots you enter from the rear. They fold forward and then once your child has placed his foot in the boot, he leans back and you crank the binding until it’s tight enough. The plus to rear entry is that it’s easy to get in, so great for little kids that need some help getting their boots on. This is easier on moms and dads’ backs as they spend less time hunched over trying to get a boot on a little kid’s foot. The downside is that as kids advance, there are less points to fit the boot against the foot leaving some play inside the boot, which can make it harder for kids to stay in control of their turns and edging.
What Are Front Entry Ski Boots?
Solomon T3 Front Entry boot for kids
These are boots that will give your child a better fit overall, the more buckles, the more fit. Buckles help you fit the boot to your child’s foot by adding multiple points to close the gap between the boot and your child’s foot. This means there’s less leeway when making turns. The better the fit the more responsive the ski will be to your child’s foot and leg.
But remember, every buckle you have on your child’s boot, means, one more buckle…to buckle..and unbuckle…every time you go in and out of the warming hut. So usually three or four buckles should be the max.
Think About Insulation
Cold feet can ruin a skiing experience. Consider boots with adequate insulation to keep your child’s feet warm in chilly conditions. Some boots also come with heat-moldable liners for added comfort. Here are some of the things to consider when looking at warmth and comfort for your child’s boots.
Thinsulate in Your Boots
Thinsulate is a popular insulation material known for its warmth-to-weight ratio. It provides excellent insulation without adding significant bulk to the boot. Many ski boots, including those designed for kids, use Thinsulate to keep feet warm.
PrimaLoft Insulation in Boots
PrimaLoft is another high-performance insulation material used in ski boots. It’s known for its lightweight and water-resistant properties, making it a good choice to keep kids’ feet dry and warm.
Fleece Insulation in Ski Boots
Some ski boots have fleece liners or fleece-lined cuffs to provide warmth and comfort. Fleece is soft and retains heat well, making it a suitable option for keeping feet cozy.
Thermal Liners In Your Child’s Boots
Some ski boots, especially those designed for colder conditions, come with thermal liners. These liners are designed to trap heat and provide additional insulation to keep feet warm in frigid temperatures.
Custom Moldable Liners in Ski Boots
Some high-end ski boots come with custom moldable liners that can be heated and molded to the shape of the child’s foot. These liners not only provide a personalized fit but also enhance insulation by reducing air gaps. This might be a bit much for boots they are going to grow out of but if you’ve got a racer, or a future high perfomance skier and you can afford it, it’s worth considering.
Ski Boot Insulation Reflective Foil
Some boots have a layer of reflective foil integrated into the liner or shell. This foil reflects body heat back towards the foot, helping to maintain warmth.
Gore-Tex
While not an insulation material per se, Gore-Tex is a waterproof and breathable membrane often used in the construction of ski boot liners. It helps keep feet dry by preventing moisture from entering the boot while allowing moisture vapor (sweat) to escape. Dry feet are more likely to stay warm.
Layered Insulation
Some ski boot liners combine multiple insulation materials in layers to maximize warmth and comfort.
Where to find ski boots for your kids
Rent at the ski area
You have a number of options when renting skis and boots. Here’s my breakdown of how to get them:
You can rent boots at the ski area where you are going, usually. If you are renting boots you’ll really need to rent the skis there as well. Not sure how many places just rent boots and if they do, don’t expect them to fit the ski bindings to your boots. Many ski resort rental areas won’t touch someone else’s skis. Bring your own screwdriver to set your bindings, and that’s only if you are sure you know how to do it.
The downsides to renting at the area you are skiing at? Well, it’s usually a zoo and lines can be long, especially on weekends. There’s a chance your size might not be available when you get there, screwing up your whole day. It also eats up time on the hill that you are paying a lot of money for.
If you have friends with you who have their own skis, they will kind of hate you if they have to stare at the mountain and wait for you while you get your kids’ skis. It’s an icky way to start the day off at a mountain. It’s infinitely better to walk up, get your ticket and hit the hill. Or better yet, have your tickets sent to you in advance. Then with skis in hand, you simply walk onto the hill. It’s like the feeling you get with TSA PreCheck at the airport, only times a thousand because you are standing on a ski mountain instead of staring at a security line. But you get the point.
Renting Boots and Skis at a Local Ski Area Near the Mountain
You can get great ski boots to rent in ski and snow sport shops near your local ski area
This is far more civilized than trying to rent at the mountain. Call ahead, reserve your boots and/or skis at a shop on the way to the mountain. Tell them your child’s size and they’ll have your skis waiting for you. They will likely be a better price, and can probably sell you discounted ski area tickets. Not always, but make sure to ask. You get more one on one attention and you know they’ve reserved what you need. It still eats into your time on the snow as you’ll need to spend a little time making sure the skis fit. But it’s worth it, especially if you are skiing for a few days. This way you only have to do this once and it’s like you have your own skis for the stay. If you can, time it so you are picking up your skis the night before you’ll need them so you can spend your whole day on the hill without stopping to fit your skis. Use the morning to eat a longer breakfast if you like.
Renting Boots and Skis at a Place Near Home
This is a nice option if you have a place near you at home that rents skis. If you are flying or spending a day just driving, make sure to compare what it will cost you to what it would cost you near or at the mountain. Even if you are not skiing, if you are spending a few days to get there and back, you’ll still have to pay for those days. You’ll also need to schlep them, either in the car or on the plane. The nice part is you can pick them up at your leisure early enough before your trip so that you are not eating into snow time.
Renting Boots and Skis for the Season
This is my personal favorite and what I do every year. For about $100, I get my daughter fitted at Miller Ski and Sports in Warwick, New York in August. I get an early bird discount, and as soon as the first snowfall, they’ll have her skis ready and I’ll have them for the whole season. Bring them back at the end of the season and you are good. If you are going to ski more than three or four times in the year then it’s definitely worth it to have this option.
Now, you do have to schlep them the same as you do when you own your skis, so that is a consideration. And if your kids can carry their own skis, or you don’t mind, that’s not a problem, but if you are a single mom like me, I used to have to make sure I could carry my skis as well as my daughters. A double ski bag solved that problem for me. But the benefits to renting skis for the season from a local shop are you get one-on-one attention, you get your own skis for the season as if you owned them, and you can get fitted at your leisure.
The only time I’d say this really wouldn’t work for you is if your child is such a high performance skier, or in the racing program that he needs his own, top of the line skis. Now when I was a ski instructor, we had racing teams come after school and about half of them had season rentals and they seemed fine enough. But again, if your kid is racing and needs the best of the best and you can afford it, then ski swaps or buying new might be a better bet.
Finding Gear at Ski Swaps
Every ski area and community usually has some local ski swap, usually in the late summer or early Fall. Parents of kids who belong to the local ski programs often run these ski swaps hoping to make better use of the short lived fitting of perfectly good ski boots and skis. Aside from that there are also online places to try. Ski swaps or used gear sites take a little more effort to find just what you want, but you can get some awesome deals on ski products. They also often have other things like pants, gloves and jackets, also expensive gear that children grow out of. Here are some sites to try. Many of the big, local ski swaps can offer both used and new gear.
This is the easiest one of course. You have several options. In person or online. If you have ski shops near you, by all means check in, and do so in the Fall when the boots first come in, or end of season to see if you can get lucky on next years. I’d be a little careful with boots though for end of season deals, as kids feet do grow. So end of season is good for skis and clothes, but boots for children, you don’t want to have a growth spurt over the summer that will ruin your new boot purchase. Don’t wait too long past Christmas though to purchase as pickins get slim.
There are of course, ski shops on the mountain itself but if you wait until then, plan on paying top dollar–and getting what you get. You really want to do your research if you are buying new, so picking out of whatever’s in the shop doesn’t seem smart to me. Unless you shatter your boots on the mountain (which I have done once in my life–it was amazing to see your boots just shatter around your feet–they were old) I can’t imagine a reason for something like boots or skis right on the mountain. Maybe I’m wrong but someone will have to convince me why that makes total sense.
Here are some links to some very decent sources of gear. A lot of little local shops also carry gear so I recommend doing your homework.
