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How to nail ski style for kids

9 January 2019

Even if you’ve been skiing for decades, hitting the slopes with children in tow is a whole different (snow) ball game. Make ski packing a breeze with our guide to nailing junior ski style this season, says Emma Howarth

The kit

Dungaree-style salopettes and a ski jacket is the most practical junior outerwear option – easier for loo trips and stripping off at lunch. One set of good quality outerwear should be enough for a week on the slopes.

All-in-one snowsuits are warmer and more comfortable for very little ones.

Go colour crazy. As far as skiwear is concerned, it’s a case of the brighter the better. Easier to spot them hurtling down red runs like Bode Miller after just a couple of lessons.

Helmets are a safety non-negotiable. You can usually hire one along with your child’s skis and boots.

It’s super bright out there on the slopes so ski goggles are a must. They don’t tend to be available to hire so buy or borrow some for your trip.

SHOP SKI KIT

Ensure they hit the slopes in style

The layers

Comfortable, well-fitting ski socks are essential. Take lots and make sure they put them on first so the seams of their thermals don’t rub in their boots.

A good guide to layering when it’s cold is thermals, polo neck, mid-layer fleece, neck-warmer and ski outerwear. Three sets of thermals is about right for a week on the slopes.

If you’re heading to the mountains over Easter when things have warmed up a bit make sure you pack some lighter layering options too. Skiing is hard work and in sunny weather children may be too hot with more than a T-shirt under their ski jacket.

SHOP KIDS' SKI THERMALS

It's all about the base

The extras

As far as kids are concerned there’s only one reason ski jackets have so many pockets – so you can fill them with chocolate/sweets for on piste energy boosts.

Apply sun-cream and lots of it, even if it looks cloudy.

Pack spare gloves/mittens. Because no matter how many times you tell a child not to take their gloves off and drop them from a chair lift they will still take their gloves off and drop them from a chair lift.

Gloves or mittens with strings or loops that attach to ski jackets are also brilliant.

SHOP SKI GLOVES

Get the gloves to fit

The après

Don’t overdo it on the junior après attire. Alpine hotels and chalets are invariably boiling hot and most kids are happy to run around in their ski thermals in the evening. One pair of jeans, a couple of jumpers and a cool hat and they’re sorted.

It’s always worth investing in comfortable snow boots. Most children can’t wait to get their ski boots off at the end of a day on the slopes. They’ll need them for trips out for crêpes, après-ski sledging and, if another polar vortex hits the UK this winter, they’ll come in handy for that too. Save packing space by getting them to wear them on the plane.

Finally, remember the rules for appropriate ski holiday hot chocolate consumption are the same as the rules for appropriate vin chaud consumption… there are none.

Ski image by Getty Images

SHOP KIDS' SKI

Rock their après-ski style