Kids ski jacketsFor a popular and flexible alternative to ski suits, take a look at kids ski jackets teamed with ski pants. They're convenient and versatile garments. They can be worn around the resort after skiing and mean that you don’t need to pack another coat for the journey to resort. Less to pack on for family ski holidays is always a bonus!
There are a few things that you should look out for when choosing kids ski jackets. The outer layer should be made from a waterproof and preferably breathable fabric. The garment should be insulated and should also be lined. Some garments offer increased versatility by allowing you to zip in a fleece layer if required. This would definitely be an option to consider for ski vacations early in the season or at higher altitude. A high collar that comes right up to the chin will keep your child comfortable should the weather turn snowy or windy. An integral hood is very useful, and usually tucks into the collar when it is not needed. Some garments have a ‘ powder skirt’ on the inside with elastic in the hem so that the ‘skirt’ prevents snow from 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, we’ve managed quite well so far without them! A couple of pockets will be well used Pockets are a must-have on kids ski jackets. Our children always need a supply of tissues, not to mention the other bits and pieces which they seem to collect – piste maps, lip salve, sweets. 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 do I choose the right size? The garment needs to be large enough so that your child can move freely, and so that base layers can be worn underneath. We find that 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 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 they cost? In terms of price, for new kids ski jackets, expect to pay around £30 at the lower end of the market, rising to over £100 for recognised, established ‘names’. If you’re on a budget, 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. Whatever garment you choose, as long as it is comfortable, warm and waterproof you really can’t go wrong. Return from kids ski jackets to children's ski clothes. Please click here to return from kids ski jackets to the home page.
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