Top skiwear for kids
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Helly Hansen Rider 2.0 kids’ insulated snow suit
Price: £150
Click: hellyhansen.com
There’s no chance of snow working its way inside this all-in-one. It has a tough (but not stiff) outer fabric with reinforcements around the knees and bottom that’s perfect for skiing or sledging, with insulation for warmth. The suit also has high-vis patches on the shoulders, and sizes range from one to nine years old.
Columbia Polar Powder youth beanie
Price: £20
Click: columbiasportwear.co.uk
This has “Omni-Heat” technology – tiny gold dots on the inside of the beanie that reflect heat back towards the head – and a cosy fleece-lined headband.
POC Pocito Opsin goggles
Price: £70
Click: poc.com
These child-specific goggles have a wide field of vision with durable, anti-scratch polycarbonate lenses. The foam liner ensures comfort on the face, and they come in eight fluorescent colours with various lens tints. They’re made for children from three years old onwards.
Canada Goose Simcoe kids’ fleece jacket
Price: £375
Click: canadagoose.com
A substantial and warm fleece with room for layering below that can be used as a mid or outer layer. It has a fluffy exterior – made primarily of recycled wool and bio-based fibres – that is teamed with a soft, hardwearing liner for extra warmth. It’s reinforced with hardwearing Cordura on the sleeves, cuff, hem and neck, and will last many winters.
Sorel Footwear Whitney II Plus youth snow boots
Price: £125
Click: sorelfootwear.co.uk
A contemporary, lightweight update on Sorel’s classic Caribou boots with a feel that’s more akin to a trainer. They’re packed with warming insulation, are totally waterproof, easy to slip on and off, and come in children’s sizes ranging from 13 to a size six.
Boden all-weather waterproof coat
Price: £75
Click: boden.co.uk
A versatile and affordable winter coat that works for rainy days in the city, muddy countryside walks, or hitting the slopes. It’s waterproof, equipped with a snow skirt, is insulated and has a cosy fleece lining. My little boy also really likes the myriad pockets. Sizes range from toddler to teens.
Icebreaker Merino 260 Tech long-sleeved half-zip thermal top
Price: £50
Click: icebreaker.com
Layering is essential in winter and it’s hard to top these base layers. They’re made from 100 per cent merino wool, which is particularly good for thermoregulation, and have thumb loops to keep wrists and hands warm. It has a high neck for coverage with a zip which makes it easy to get on and off. There are matching thermal leggings here.
Picture Organic Clothing snowy mittens
Price: £32
Click: picture-organic-clothing.com
A generously sized elasticated cuff with a velcro tab keeps these mittens securely in place around a ski jacket sleeve. Sizes range from 18 months up to six years old.
Osprey Daylite Junior backpack
Price: £45
Click: osprey.com
A nine-litre backpack with ample storage space that won’t feel overbearing for a small child. The fun prints (which include a space and flower theme) will appeal to youngsters, and a handy sternum clip keeps the shoulder straps and pack securely in place.
Peak Performance Gravity 2L junior insulated shell jacket
Price: £270
Click: peakperformance.com
When kids start exploring deeper into the mountain over full days, an adult spec jacket like this one should serve them well. The neck and hood configuration provides good protection from the elements, and the smallest size is suitable for children aged from around nine through to teenagers.
Yeti Rambler Junior 12oz kids’ bottle
Price: £25
Click: yeti.com
The reviving power of a hot chocolate is not to be underestimated in sub-zero temperatures, and this leak-proof, double-wall-insulated flask is nicely sized (happily fitting into a child’s backpack), with a flip-top no-spill cap.
Liewood Konrad snow pants
Price: €160
Click: liewood.com
The brand’s latest salopettes (ideal for ages from one to 10 years) tick all the boxes: they’re waterproof and breathable, insulated for warmth, have cosy fleece-lined pockets, an elasticated adjustment around the waist and are very easy to get on and off.
Falke SK2 intermediate knee-high kids’ skiing socks
Price: £21
Click: falke.com
Offering warmth and cushioning without being too bulky, this ski-specific sock is our go-to for a full day’s wear in the ski boot – the three-layer construction is good for moisture wicking and avoiding blisters.
Salomon Orka Visor
Price: £95
Click: salomon.com
Getting youngsters to wear goggles can be trying (and they’re easily lost), so this helmet-visor combination is a good alternative. The integrated lens system easily flips up and down, and because the lens sits off the face, a pair of glasses can be worn underneath – making them a great choice for kids who wear spectacles.
Wheat Nickie Tech snowsuit
Price: £139.95
Click: wheat.co.uk
This cosy fleece-lined snowsuit is waterproof and padded for extra warmth. The faux-fur hood can be detached for milder weather, and it has two full-length zippers, which means the entire front of the suit can be opened up – making it really easy for a child to get into. Available in sizes from nine months to three years.
On Cloudhero Mid waterproof shoes
Price: £120
Click: on.com
These hikers are as reliable as snow boots – and can be used day-to-day back at home. They’re completely waterproof, grippy, and have a quick lace closure system, so they’re easy to slip on and off.
Dare 2b Freehand kids’ half-zip fleece
Price: £10
Click: dare2b.com
An affordable fleece that is great for use as a warming mid-layer. My little girl received one as a hand-me-down from a neighbour and it’s served her very well for several years.
Buff Polar Neckwear youth neck protector
Price: £21.95
Click: buff.com
This cosy neck protector has a lower section in lofted fleece, and an upper part in lightweight four-way stretch fabric, which handles moisture well and can be contorted in all sorts of ways, including for use over the head.
The North Face Freedom teens’ insulated bib trousers
Price: £115
Click: thenorthface.co.uk
These high-waisted ski trousers have adjustable suspenders and an adjustable Velcro waist. Great for deep winter conditions, they keep snow out but have a relaxed fit for unrestricted movement – and to accommodate growth. Sizes range from age six to late teens.
Smartwool kids’ merino gloves
Price: £23
Click: smartwool.co.uk
Lightweight liner gloves that are perfect for use on their own for casual strolls around town, or as a layer underneath a pair of ski gloves on the slopes.
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