Kids ski jacketswear with ski pantsFor a popular and flexible alternative to ski suits, take a look at kids ski jackets teamed with ski pants or salopettes.They're convenient and versatile garments. Your children can wear them around the resort after skiing and you won’t need to pack another coat for the journey to resort. Less to pack on for family ski holidays is always a bonus when suitcase space is limited, or you have a luggage weight limit if you're flying. What type should I choose?There are a few essential things that you should look out for when choosing kids ski jackets - and these should all be standard:
Additional kids ski jacket featuresIf you're looking for greater versatility, look for one you can zip a fleece layer inside if required. This would definitely be an option to consider for family ski vacations early in the season or at higher altitude.
An integral hood is very useful, and usually tucks into the collar when it is not needed. A elasticated powder skirt on the inside will prevent snow finding its way up inside the jacket if your child takes a tumble in fresh snow. Additions like this tend to be found on more expensive garments and although they are a great idea, you can manage quite well without them. What about displaying my child's lift pass?Although you can buy special lift pass holders, most garments will have a secure metal loop onto which you can attach your child’s lift pass. If not, we’ve found that you can easily use the puller part of a zip if there is no available loop. Increasingly, resorts are moving towards hand-free lift passes, in which case a secure pocket just for your child’s pass would also be useful.How to choose the right size?The jacket needs to be large enough so that your child can move freely, and so that base layers can be worn underneath. A good indication of a well fitting jacket is whether the cuffs on the arms remain around your child’s wrist.Try getting your child to raise his arms above his head. Do the cuffs ride up the arm towards the elbow? A two-inch wide gap between ski gloves and cuffs when the snow is being blown towards you is no fun, and you should think about a larger size. Speaking of gloves and cuffs, we’ve found that it saves our sanity if gloves are firmly attached to the cuffs of your child’s jacket. For a simple solution, try sewing a short piece of elastic between glove and cuff – remember to stitch firmly. Alternatively, try taking a longer piece of elastic and attaching one end firmly to the glove. With the other end, make a loop the right size to fit snugly, but not tightly around your child’s wrist and he shouldn’t drop her gloves again when he takes them off. How much do kids ski jackets cost?Expect to pay around £30 at the lower end of the market, rising to over £100 for recognised, established ‘names’ such as Spyder or The North Face.If you’re on a budget and looking for cheap ski clothes you can save money by buying in the sale period ahead of the next ski season. Keep your eyes open for second-hand garments – or good buys from discount chain stores. |
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Thanks for the great website - very handy. We are planning our first ski trip for us and our 5 kids!Chrisna
Skiing tips for families. Written by an English couple who love to ski and play in the snow with their children.
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