Junior ski pants
Junior ski pants teamed with a ski jacket make a great combination to keep your child warm and comfortable on family ski vacations.
You might find them referred to as children's ski pants, ski trousers or salopettes in some stores.
Are there any special features? Some pairs of junior ski pants will have straps that go from the waist, up over the shoulders and down to the waist again at the back - a bit like old-fashioned braces.
We often end up attaching them together at the back to stop them from slipping down the arms, so to be honest, these aren't high on our priority list.
What are they made from? They must be waterproof, warm and comfortable, so ideally they'll be made from three fabrics. On the outside will be a strong, waterproof outer layer to keep the snow out. A warm insulation will be sandwiched between that and a lining. If possible, opt for breathable fabric for extra comfort.
For younger children, we look for a garment that is reinforced at the knees and seat – especially important if you’re planning sleding or other play in the snow after skiing. Don’t worry if the fabric is slightly more ‘heavy duty’ than that of your child’s jacket - junior ski pants need to withstand greater wear and tear.
Will they prevent snow getting into the top of my child's boots? Junior's ski pants should fit comfortably over his ski boots or apres boots, as shown in the picture below. Either the trouser legs are elasticated and pull down over the boot. These prevent snow from getting into the top of your child’s boots should the trouser leg ride up.

Alternatively you could opt for integral, elasticated gaiters underneath the main trouser leg that fit snugly over boots, as shown in this next picture. We'd recommend these as an easier option. Our children find them far easier to manage - even if they're wearing their gloves or mittens.

How much do they cost? As with all items of ski clothing, there is a wide price range of around £20 to over £100 depending on the manufacturer and the specification of the garment.
Look out for considerable price reductions in out of season sales, and remember to keep an eye open for good quality second-hand garments.
We’ve found that it is definitely worth spending some time making sure we’re happy with our children’s ski pants. Children with cold, snow soaked legs are going to be miserable – not the best way forward on ski holidays!
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