Best Kids Ski Gear of 2023

JUMP TO: JACKETS / PANTS / GLOVES / HELMETS / GOGGLES / BASE LAYERS / BUYING ADVICE

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Skiing and snowboarding with kids are always a challenge. Children can’t schlep their own gear, something is always cold, they need to urinate the second they’re zipped into their layers, and something inevitably falls from the chairlift.

And while not all these problems can be easily solved, parents can buy snow gear that helps to mitigate issues whilst on a ski trip. Because buying quality gear helps keep your kids warm and dry whilst out on the slopes – thereby maximizing their levels of enjoyment and, consequently, keeping them out on the mountain for longer.

Better yet, the best modern ski jackets and ski pants have systems that extend the life (and literally, the length) of each garment, meaning that the item grows with the child – preventing parents from having to replace the most expensive components of a ski outfit at the start of every season.

In this article, we bring together a collection of our favorite ski gear for kids – covering the core items of jackets, pants, gloves, helmets, goggles, and base layers – so that you and your kids can be prepared and well equipped next time you head for the mountains.

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BEST KIDS SKI JACKETS

PROS: I-grow system, fleece collar, and ear warmers, mittens clip, plenty of pockets, powder skirt.

CONS: Expensive if your kid hits a growth spurt.

From Obermeyer, the Nebula Jacket (which is labeled boys, but what girl wouldn’t look cool in the black version) is part of their I-Grow series, which features a new design system that plans for the inevitable – children growing.

By turning the jacket inside out and snipping the marked thread, you can lengthen jacket sleeves by 1.5 inches, which lengthens the coat and allows it to last an extra couple of seasons. Additionally, the fit is slightly baggy, allowing for even more room to grow.

The jacket has a fleece collar to keep the chin warm and fleece ear warmers inside the removable hood. Nebula’s reflective trim, handwarmer pockets – in fact, there’s no lack of pockets – and a hem powder skirt keep kids safe, warm, and dry, respectively. Sleekly tucked inside the sleeve lining are clips that pop out to secure mittens when needed, but don’t dangle annoyingly during every other occasion.

One of the cool perks of this jacket is an attached compass that dangles from the pocket, giving kids something educational to do on the lift and insight into which way to go when you tell them to meet you on the north peak.

And like any good ski jacket, the Nebula is built to withstand poor weather – it has a 10,000 mm hydrostatic head rating, meaning it will keep your kid dry while spending the day out on the slopes.

PROS: Room-to-Grow system, many pockets, fleece lining, waist gaiter.

CONS: Heavier coat, also has a high cost.

Burton’s Khione for girls or the equivalent Burton Uproar for boys—though both have color patterns that would satisfy any gender just fine—is equipped with a Room-to-Grow feature similar to the I-Grow system found on the Obermeyer Nebula: just cut a thread and extend the length.

This jacket is a bit heavier, but has all the pre-teen frills – myriad fleece pockets, an interior therma-pocket for electronics, and a fleece lining that runs up the back.

The waterproofing is solid, and yet this jacket breathes. Plus, it has arm vents, Velcro wrist adjustments, a fixed hood, and a waist gaiter, so your child will be prepared no matter which way the mountain weather turns.

BEST KIDS SKI PANTS

PROS: Room-to-Grow system, warm, breathable, waterproof.

CONS: Fit is more suited to snowboarding than skiing.

Like their Khione and Uproar jackets, the Burton Skylar Bib Snow Pants are equipped with Burton’s Room-to-Grow feature – used to extend the length of the pants as your child grows.

But these pants also have Velcro cuffs that shorten the pants, keeping the back of the pant leg from dragging on the walk through the parking lot and fraying at the bottom – something ski pants can be notorious for.

The suspenders hold the pants up nicely, though there are belt loops for kids that can’t stand the shoulder straps, as well as a stretchable back to adjust to a kid’s growth.

Front fleece pockets complement the ones on the backside, and the kangaroo pocket in the bib is both practical and stylish. Plus, the combination of lightweight insulation and a weatherproof outer layer means your kid will stay warm and comfortable.

PROS: Very waterproof, soft lining, lots of adjustable features to lengthen or shorten.

CONS: Fit is more suited to skiing than snowboarding.

Jack Wolfskin’s Great Snow Pants K (with the “K” used to distinguish them from the adult models) feature a Texapore weatherproof shell for 20,000 mm of waterproofing, and a microfiber lining, combining to make them a comfortable and solidly weatherproof option. Plus, the front pockets are fleece-lined for cold fingers.

The waist is elasticated and adjustable with Velcro straps, and the suspenders offer heaps of room to grow. But buy them slightly bigger, as the legs can be shortened with snap fasteners.

With reflective detailing and a range of colors, kids are easy to spot in this sleek model – so your kid will be both safe and dry whilst out on the mountain.

BEST KIDS SKI gLOVES

PROS: Durable and supple leather, quick-drying and breathable insulation, great liners, super warm.

CONS: Expensive, runs a bit small.

The Hestra Army Leather Heli Ski Jr. Mittens really are in a class of their own – as the name implies and the price tag reinforces. But although they might be expensive, the craftsmanship of these mittens truly is impressive. Both durable and supple, the leather will keep kids dry and warm, yet offer enough flexibility to grip any chairlift pole. 

These mittens are also extraordinarily windproof and water-resistant, and have a quick-drying and breathable polyester insulation. Elastic at the wrist along with snow lock straps, these Heli Ski Jr.’s really will keep out the elements. 

Kids will find it cozy inside due to the fleece liners – which are removable, allowing them to be swapped out depending on the conditions.

Available in either a full mitten or three-finger version, the Hestra Heli Ski Jr. Mittens are the ones to shop for when you want your kids fingers to be protected by the best.

PROS: Warm, weatherproof, flexible, good mid-price point.

CONS: Not the most expensive, but not inexpensive either.

The X-Change Jr. Mittens from Swany are excellent and nearly half the price of the Hestra Heli Ski Jr.’s.

The insides are toasty with a pre-stitched weatherproof and breathable liner. Whilst the exterior has a heavier back for greater warmth, with less material against the palms for more flexibility. 

The mitten secures to the hand (and keeps out the cold) with three different straps and cinches. Plus, the back is outfitted with a zipper pocket for handwarmers.

And to top it all off, the also look pretty great. All in all, the Swany X-Change Mittens are a great choice if you want quality ski gloves without the most premium of price tags.

PROS: Affordable, does the trick when there isn’t a heap of bad weather.

CONS: Get cold and wet much more easily than more premium gloves.

For something that’s a fraction of the price of premium gloves, Obermeyer offers the $25 Thumbs Up Mittens.

The mitten has a Velcro back for easier entry and better fit, as well as a warm comfortable interior. They also have a fleecy outer thumb that is designed to let your kid gently itch their face. Though if we’re honest, the soft texture means that it’s more likely to be used to wipe snot that is dripping out of their noses. Either way, it is a nice addition.

The Obermeyer Thumbs Up Mittens won’t provide the same weatherproofing or warmth as our favorite picks, but they can make the cut as a solid first-timers glove or an affordable back up pair if you misplace your Hestra or Swany.

BEST KIDS SKI HELMETS

PROS: Lightweight, wool-blend liner, audio-ready ear covers.

The Pret Moxie X is a sturdy helmet for kids. At only 13 ounces, it’s lightweight, and will allow kids with moxie to launch even higher – thanks to both the solid protection and the shedded ounces.

The Moxie X comes with all the appropriate safety acronyms (including MIPS), the standard adjustable dial, and a typical clip that snaps over goggles.

It has direct venting and audio-ready ear covers. And with a wool-blend liner, it’ll help keep a sweaty head from stinking up the bowl.

PROS: Dual-stage liner to eke out an extra season, lightweight, great venting.

The Smith Prospect Jr. is another kid’s ski helmet with solid impact protection. It has all the necessary safety features – including MIPS – and claims to have enhanced energy-absorbing coverage in case of a crash.

Besides the adjustable dial, the helmet also comes with Smith’s “Grow With Me” dual-stage liner system. The liner system is both super soft for smaller skulls, and then allows for a few extra centimeters of head growth as your child ages, ensuring the helmet will last more than a season or two.

At 16 ounces, the helmet is lightweight. Plus, the venting system is both breathable and versatile – having 14 openings and a regulator to seal off vents in extra cold conditions.

BEST KIDS SKI GOGGLES

PROS: Chromapop lens option for great clarity, fog-free and distortion-free ride.

CONS: Expensive.

Smith’s Grom Goggles provide kids with a clear view of bumps, lips, and landings, especially if you opt for the Chromapop lenses – the same type used on Smith’s adult version.

These goggles also have decent impact resistance and a pressure-free fit thanks to added layers of foam. The added layers also assist with moisture-wicking and, combined with the fog-free coating, should help to create a fog-free ride.

The strap has dual-slide adjustability and a silicone backing so that it stays in place against the helmet. Plus, the spherical Carbonic-x lens offers distortion-free optics – and should fit over any grom’s everyday glasses, if required.

PROS: Anti-fog, does the trick.

CONS: Lacks the bells and whistles.

If the Smith Grom Goggles seem a little too pricey for your stomach to swallow, then perhaps consider the more affordable Smith Rascal Goggles.

They still have all the basic requirements covered – with an anti-fog coating, helmet compatibility, and a silicone backed strap that will help ensure the goggles stays secured around your kid’s helmet. Plus, the lens can be swapped out in the future for a lighter or darker tint if needed.

All in all, the Rascals offer decent performance for a decent price – just without the premium lens and cushioned fit found on more expensive models.

BEST KIDS BASE LAYERS

PROS: Comfortable, warm, moisture-wicking, multiple uses outside of ski season.

CONS: Expensive, and merino isn’t the most durable material.

Smartwool’s Merino 250 Base Layers are comfortable, warm, and moisture-wicking. And while they might seem relatively pricey for a base layer, there’s nothing quite like merino wool.

The benefits of merino wool include its natural anti-odor properties, not to mention its warmth and next-to-skin comfort. It really is one of the most comfortable materials to have against your skin when you are in the cold but likely to be perspiring – as will be the case in an activity like skiing or snowboarding.

Plus, if you’re an adventurous family, this base layer will have multiple uses over the year. So even with a significant outlay – you’ll be likely to get your money’s worth.

PROS: Cool designs, comfortable and warm.

CONS: Bulkier fit.

Burton’s Fleece Base Layer Sets offer funkier designs than most, showcasing some standard colors, along with ones that combine floral and military camouflage.

But don’t let the fun patterns fool you… the fleece is still what you’d expect from a Burton base layer – comfortable, warm, and perfect for snowy conditions. So, they’re a great choice if you aren’t keen to splash the cash on merino wool.

BUYING ADVICE FOR KIDS SKI GEAR

It’s tough to justify spending good money on a kid who’s growing so fast, they’re on track to outgrow the product before you leave the store. But there are a few things to help justify some of those bigger purchases.

ADJUSTABLE SYSTEMS: An adjustable, or “room to grow”, system is nothing more than a fold and a stitch – but it was a brilliantly novel idea when it first appeared. With an adjustable system you are able to extend the length of the garment as your child grows.

Prior to these systems, kids would sometimes grow through their snow outfits before the season even started, costing parents a small fortune outfitting their kids for the mountains. Of course, from a cost perspective it’s often better to pay a bit more for gear that can be extended over time than to have to buy a new jacket or pants at the start of each winter season.

LIFETIME WARRANTIES: It’s also wise to pay more up front for a product that includes a lifetime warranty, as many items on this list offer. There’s nothing like going through three sets of gloves in a season because your kid wore through three left palms.

COMFORT: Not only does the math work in favor of the more expensive and durable glove, but if you’re aiming to stay on the mountain for longer, the more expensive and typically warmer glove buys you hours of extra mountain time.

The first thing to get cold on most kids are fingers or toes, so to be able to protect those fingers with better gloves can add up to many hours, if not days of extra skiing. And as we all know, days of skiing costs a lot more than any one pair of gloves.

AMOUNT OF USE: Are you a family that’s going to ski every weekend or just one long weekend each winter? If it’s the former, it would pay to spend more on gear. Even if the kid outgrows it by the end of winter, getting forty or fifty uses out of all the gear above ends up costing about ten dollars per day on the mountain. But if the kids are only going to be on the mountain for three days all season, it’s definitely not worth the investment.

RE-USE: Of course, if you’re shopping for an older sibling and three younger children are waiting in line to inherit outgrown product, then it makes sense to invest in hand-me-downs that will last.

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