So you’ve booked your first winter vacation with your toddler! Fantastic, you must be psyched!
Maybe this is your first vacation with your little one – as many of us have been land-locked due to Covid-restrictions over the last three years or so – and you’re looking for a packing list or travel tips as you take on this new adventure. Or, maybe you’ve done a vacation (or two) with your toddler, but are wondering how different a ski vacation is going to be.
Whether you’re just dipping your toes into skiing (or snowboarding) for the first time, or are intent -like myself – to get your little one up to speed with your favourite sport, this series of articles are for you!
WEAR
BASE LAYERS
Our favourites: HEATTECH by Uniqlo or other synthetic or Merino wool base layers
Sheila: I personally layer a T-shirt over my base layers as an extra layer that keeps wind out so I do the same for my little one. This also makes you look a little less basic!
Base layers are essential building blocks to keeping your little one warm and dry. Sure, a regular long sleeved shirt or the old-school long johns might look just like it, but base layers are designed to fit snug, keeping heat close to the skin and expelling sweat (or generate more heat from perspiration) quickly. Sadly, they are some of the most neglected pieces of kids (and adult) winter clothing but key pieces that will keep you toasty!
The ‘rents at Snow3s swear by synthetic base layers. Synthetics are not only stretchier but dries much faster than other fabrics. They also tend to be softer, smoother and comfier! Unless your little one has sensitive skin, we definitely recommend looking for base layers made of synthetics over cotton. Look out for “Polyester” in its composition and you’ll be on the right track!
Our favourites are HEATTECH by Uniqlo. Uniqlo offers HEATTECH base layers of varying thickness – Regular, Extra Warm & Ultra Warm. Reliable and value for money, everyone in the Snow3s extended family owns at least 5 of these each! We find that the Regular HEATTECH (or two Regulars layered together) or the Extra Warm version will suffice while out and about on the hill since we expect to work up a sweat while skiing or snowboarding. HEATTECH Extra Warm would be perfect for cloudier or snowy days so that your little one does not freeze while riding on the ski lift or the magic carpet.
Merino wool is more expensive but goes above and beyond what synthetics do. In addition to trapping heat and expelling perspiration, Merino wool expels odour and some say requires less laundering than other clothing. There are a couple of reliable brands out there that carry Merino base layers like IceBreaker and Woolino.
We would definitely recommend to invest in some Merino wool base layers if you think you will get much wear out of it. We personally wouldn’t invest in it just for a two-week vacation – as seasoned parents know, kids grow out of their clothes at the speed of light!
No matter what mid-layer and outer layer you choose (more about that in the next sections) or the weather, trusty base layers will surely keep Mom’s worried mind at bay while little bub is having fun! That being said, do not (I repeat, DO NOT) solely rely on base layers to keep yourselves warm because though they trap heat, they do not generate heat and definitely will not keep out chills that come from a cool breeze or a swirling snowstorm.
MID LAYERS
Our favourites: Anything goes! Hoodies, zip fleeces, wool knits, puffer vests… The world is your oyster!
Sean: For longer wearability on a single clothing item, choose mid-layers you would wear as outer layers for the Spring and Fall seasons, or even on cooler Summer nights so that you get most wear on that one purchase.
Some swear by Merino wool mid layers or good quality fleece zip jackets as mid layers, but personally, if we could choose to be a little more creative for any of these layers, this would be the one. Depending on personal preferences, ease of wear, comfort, and of course the almighty weather, we feel like this layer could be the wildcard of all wildcards.
But how would I know what I would prefer or would suit my little one best?
For the fashionistas and creative-at-heart (or for any child at all), pack mid layers in your (or your child’s) favourite designs and characters. Don’t be afraid to dress them in their favourite Paw Patrol sweater or in their favourite colours (yes, this one pictured is one of the favourites)! This is sure to perk any grumpy toddler up and help you get your little one out, up and about onto the hill in no time!
Comfort seekers can rest assured that their favourite cosy jacket will serve them well, if not good enough. Your spring / autumn season hoodies or zip jackets of some thickness may also be sufficiently warm. This is assuming you have your trusty base layer and your quality outer layer!
If you are considering extra warmth, opt for mid layers with wool or wool composites, Merino wool (yes, they’re pricier) or fleece. Knits made of wool can sometimes lack wind-proofing and will not dry as quickly if drenched, so seasoned skiers tend to skew toward fleece jackets instead. For crazy cold days, overly-worried moms might consider a down-vest / puffer-vest / or light down jacket as mid-layers – they’ll make your little one look like a puffy penguin but otherwise is sure to keep him/her toasty!
Easy-on, easy-off zip jackets, vests or hoodies may be something parents prefer for the little ones as this would be the first layer you would shed on a bluebird day (that means sunny with blue skies). As beginner skiers/snowboarders, your little one would unlikely be ready to shed their waterproof outer layers unlike intermediate/expert adults.
OUTER LAYERS
Our favourites: Jackets with a good waterproof rating, windproof zippers and at least one zip-pocket for your ski pass
Seth: Always look out for GORETEX tags that hang from the jacket sleeves because jacket brands make the same jacket of the same colour and design in both GORETEX and non-GORETEX versions. Choose the GORETEX versions, they are worth the price!
Regular down jackets with a good fill (a higher level of down feather fill) may keep your little one warm when they’re not rolling in the snow but may not necessarily do its job when skiing or snowboarding. So, getting a proper ski jacket is more imperative than one might think!
Waterproof! Windproof! Up on the hill, exposed to the elements, these two factors will be key for your bub’s outerwear when skiing or snowboarding (or even sledding). While a water-resistant ski jacket might retain and may generate heat, once wet, it might not serve its purpose anymore. Your first ski lift ride will also quickly inform you that defense against wind is essential, especially on gusty cloudy or snowy days.
One expert tip would be to spray some waterproof spray all over the jacket. This allows you to make use of a water-resistant jacket you might already have for your little one, or purchase a cheaper ski jacket or one that does not have a good rating in waterproofing.
The difference between good wind-proofing and no wind-proofing will show on any bad weather days. However, you can find ways to make up for this by adding more layers under your outerwear.
The ‘rents at Snow3s understand that parents may not want to invest in expensive high quality gear before little bub reaches the end of puberty. We have found the ski jackets at Decathlon pretty good and reasonably priced for the little ones!
Decathlon offers a range of mid to high quality ski clothing that you can choose from! There are even ones with clip-on gloves to ensure snow does not get to your little one, and that they don’t lose them!
Similarly for ski pants, look for waterproof pants, ideally in a bib-style with snow skirt pant-legs (basically a double-layer pant leg with an elastic inner layer to keep snow out). Use the same expert tip with the waterproof spray on pants, especially on the bum area, to keep little bub dry! Quick note: Less layers on the bottom is A-OK because our legs are going to be on the move while skiing and we want to allow for movement and flexibility.
ACCESSORIES
Gloves: Elastic tops! Up to elbow! Mittens!
Socks: Knee-high! Wool! Reinforcements in toe and shin where possible!
Helmet over beanie any day!
Neckwarmers & Balaclavas are great (if your bub will have them)!
Accessories can play just a big a part in keeping your little one comfy and warm as your next piece of clothing.
We love mitten gloves for kids because they’re easier to keep on.
The one pair of gloves will NEVER be enough, especially for beginners (yes beginner adult skiers and snowboarders) and beginners who are kids. Kids love, love, love, love snow. They also get into contact with snow way more than us adults – snowballs, am I right? Do yourself and your bub a favour and get at least two pairs of gloves so they get to put dry ones on every day. Get gloves dried by the heater or in a dryer (on low heat!) to ready them for use the next day.
Now that we’ve settled what our bub will be wearing on the hill, let’s set them up with the gear they need for skiing! Before you click NEXT to read the next article, tell us the answer to the Golden Question – what would be your mid-layer pick? We’d love to hear from you!
