Children’s ski clothes: two children in functional ski wear skiing down the slopes.

Children’s ski wear: a guide for parents

How to find the right children’s ski outfit

From tobogganing and skiing to snowball fights… children love to romp around in the snow and really let off steam. To keep your little winter sports enthusiasts warm and dry in the winter weather, it's a good idea to choose ski wear that has functional properties. In this article, we’ll show you what you should look out for when choosing children's ski wear. The right clothing will ensure that your little ones can fully enjoy even the coldest winter days.

Children’s ski outfits: a boy getting ready for a day on the slopes.

Children’s ski wear: what to look out for
Essential detailing on children's ski wear
Winter accessories that complement children's ski wear
Children’s ski wear FAQ

Children’s ski wear: what to look out for

To make sure that your child is protected from the harsh winter elements when playing in the snow, it’s best to opt for functional clothing. Their special properties ensure that your child stays warm and dry but doesn't get too hot.

Children’s ski clothes: waterproof vs. water repellent materials

To keep your child protected from getting wet in the snow, it is important to choose waterproof materials. This means, that you should have a look at the water column of ski wear before you buy it. This value tells you how much moisture the fabric can tolerate before it seeps through. Functional clothing with a water column of 1,300 mm or more is considered ‘waterproof’. Water-repellent coatings can provide even more protection.

Tip: make sure that your child’s ski clothing has taped seams and a water-repellent zip, as moisture can quickly penetrate through these weak points.

How cold you feel is not only determined by the temperature of the air, but also depends on the wind. Wind makes it feel much colder than it really is (the so-called ‘wind chill factor’). This is why children’s ski clothing should have windproof membranes that are less permeable to air. They will stop your child from cooling down too much in icy winds.

Children’s ski clothes: breathable materials

Whether your children play in the snow or on the slopes, they will be on the move all the time. This means, that they can quickly work up a sweat, even in icy conditions. Therefore, it is important that your child’s ski clothing not only keeps them protected against the cold, but it should also be breathable. Winter sportswear is usually designed with a breathable membrane. This helps sweat to escape, prevents heat loss and moisture from getting in. For children's ski clothing, the so-called MVTR value indicates how much moisture vapour will pass through a square metre of fabric in 24-hours. A value of at least 3,000 to 5,000 g/m²/24h is recommended for children's ski clothing to reliably wick away sweat and prevent your child from getting too hot.

Essential features on children’s ski wear

Compared to normal winter clothing, high-quality children's ski clothing has other practical detailing that will give your child extra protection from the cold winter weather. You can look out for the following features:

Elasticated (or adjustable) cuffs on the sleeves and legs help seal off your child’s ski wear properly from snow, rain and wind.
An integrated snow skirt inside their ski jacket and trousers prevents snow from getting under your child’s clothing.
The days are short in winter, and the weather is often unpredictable. This is why children's ski clothing should also have reflectors. Reflectors make it easier for other riders to spot your child, especially when visibility is poor.

Winter accessories that complement children’s ski wear

A hat, scarf and gloves are essential to every winter outfit. They are also equally important for children and adults who want to go skiing. Your winter accessories should have the following features:

A well-fitting ski helmet is essential for winter sports. A ski helmet is usually padded to keep you warm. However, you should take a winter hat with you to keep your head warm whilst taking breaks.
Warm, waterproof ski gloves are essential to keep your hands warm and dry. An elasticated cuff also ensures that no snow gets on your hands.
A multifunctional scarf or a special ski mask will give your face and neck extra protection from the wind.
Your child will also need ski goggles to protect them from the wind, snow and sun.

How to find the perfect children’s ski outfit

Children love bright colours and eye-catching patterns. You can surprise your kids and choose ski wear in fun and funky patterns and colours. Just make sure it also has all the necessary functional features. Vibrant and fluorescent colours such as bright green, turquoise and orange will put you in a good mood. Additionally, they also contribute to your child’s safety, as they make it easier to spot your child in the snow.

Discover our functional winter wear for girls and boys:

Girls’ ski wear

Boys’ ski wear

Children’s ski wear FAQ

When it comes to choosing the right winter clothing, parents often face some common challenges. Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about ski clothing for children:

What water column should children’s ski wear have?

Quality children's ski clothing often has a somewhat higher water column of 2,000 to 3,000 mm. The higher this value, the better your child will be protected from moisture. If you are planning on spending longer periods out in the snow or for winter sports, a water column of around 5,000 mm or more may be necessary.

What should children wear under their ski clothes?

In order to be well prepared for winter sports, layering has proven itself for both children and adults:

The base layer of your clothing will directly touch your skin. Therefore, it should be breathable, and it should regulate moisture and temperature too. Special functional underwear is particularly practical. It will help to keep your child warm dry.
The second layer should be insulating to protect your child from the cold. However, it should also be breathable to prevent your child from getting too hot. Lightweight jackets or jumpers made of wool or fleece are suitable as an insulating layer.
You can wear a ski suit or a ski jacket and trousers as the outermost layer of your ski wear. This layer will protect you from wind, rain and snow. It should also be breathable to some extent to allow sweat to escape.

What is the difference between a snowsuit and a ski suit?

Snowsuits and ski suits look quite similar, but they have slightly different functions. Both are one-piece overalls that you can wear to keep you warm and dry in winter. However, ski suits, ski jackets and ski trousers are designed for winter sports. This means that they are made to be functional and regulate your body temperature and wick moisture away from your skin. Snowsuits, on the other hand, are mainly made for babies and toddlers. This is why they generally have a warmer lining and are made to protect your little ones from harsh winter weather.

At which temperatures should my child wear a snowsuit?

If temperatures drop below 0 °C, it is a good idea to dress your baby or toddler in a snowsuit. This is particularly suited to keeping your little one warm and protected from strong winds, damp weather or longer periods in the snow.

Conclusion: keep your child warm and dry with children’s functional ski wear

When looking for ski clothing for your child, functional properties should be your main focus. Your child’s winter ski outfit should be waterproof, windproof and made from breathable materials to keep your child warm and dry on the slopes. In addition, practical detailing such as elasticated cuffs, an integrated snow skirt and reflectors will help to keep your child safe and comfortable. Whether plain or colourful, there is a huge selection of ski wear styles to choose from. Keep our useful tips in mind and you are sure to find the perfect high-quality ski outfit for your child.

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