Kids' Ski & Snowboard Gear

Even a low-speed fall or collision on the bunny hill can mean a hit to the head. A properly fitted, certified helmet takes the impact that would otherwise go straight to their head. It's the single most important piece of gear they'll wear.

• MIPS or equivalent rotational-impact technology
• Snug fit that doesn't wobble — should sit level, two finger-widths above the eyebrows
• Adjustable sizing dial at the back so it grows with them through the season
• Replace it after any hard impact, even if it looks fine, and otherwise every 3-5 years or whenever it stops fitting snug

Common mistake: Buying a helmet a size too big so they can 'grow into it.' A loose helmet slides on impact and doesn't protect. It needs to fit now, not next year.

Snow reflects far more UV than water or sand, so a bright day on the hill is hard on unprotected eyes. Goggles also protect against wind, flying ice, and branches. On a flat-light day, a good lens is the difference between seeing the terrain and skiing blind.

• 100% UV protection (UV400) — non-negotiable
• Double-lens anti-fog design to prevent moisture buildup
• Helmet-compatible strap and frame that sits flush without gaps
• Goggles, not sunglasses: they seal out wind, snow and UV, and sunglasses fall off and offer no impact protection

Common mistake: Grabbing whatever color lens looks cool. Darker lenses are for bright days, lighter amber or rose lenses are for overcast days. If you only buy one pair, go with an all-conditions lens like rose or amber.

A ski jacket isn't a fashion statement — it's a weather barrier. Kids run hot when they're moving and cold when they stop, so the jacket needs to manage moisture, block wind, and shed snow. A wet, cold kid is a done-for-the-day kid. The right jacket keeps them out there for hours.

• Waterproof rating of at least 10,000mm — 15,000mm or higher for heavy snow days
• Sealed seams and powder skirt to keep snow out during falls and deep days
• Pit zips or mesh-lined venting so they can dump heat without taking the jacket off

Common mistake: Overdressing. A massive puffy jacket over a thick hoodie is a recipe for sweat, then chill. A properly waterproof shell with smart layering underneath works better than one enormous coat.

Cold hands end ski days fast. Once their fingers go numb, they're done, and wet cotton gloves from the gas station get there within a few runs. Proper insulated, waterproof gloves or mittens keep them comfortable all day.

• Waterproof insert (Gore-Tex or equivalent) — not just 'water resistant'
• Mittens for younger kids (warmer than gloves — fingers share heat)
• Long cuff that goes over the jacket sleeve to seal out snow

Common mistake: Sending them out in knit gloves or thin fashion gloves. If you can see through them when you hold them up to light, they won't last an hour on the mountain.

Kids fall. A lot. They sit in snow, slide on their butts, and faceplant into powder. Their pants take more abuse than any other piece of clothing. Without proper waterproofing, they'll be soaked within an hour. Insulated, waterproof snow pants keep them dry so they actually want to keep going.

• Reinforced knees and seat — the high-wear zones for kids
• Integrated gaiters that go over the boot to keep snow out
• Grow-cuffs or adjustable inseam so the pants last more than one season

Common mistake: Letting them wear jeans or sweatpants 'just this once.' Denim absorbs water like a sponge and takes forever to dry. One run in jeans and they'll be shivering at the lodge for the rest of the day.

Boots are the connection between the skier and the ski. An ill-fitting boot means they can't control their turns, their feet hurt, and they'll hate skiing. This is the one piece of gear worth sizing in person, in a shop.

• Proper mondo-point sizing measured in-store — street shoe size doesn't translate
• Flex rating appropriate for their weight and ability — too stiff and they can't bend, too soft and they have no control
• Comfortable liner that can be heat-molded for a custom fit
• To check the fit: standing straight, the heel sits snug at the back and the toes just brush the front, then pull away when they bend their knees. If a finger fits behind the heel, it's too loose

Common mistake: Buying boots two sizes too big with thick socks to fill the gap. Oversized boots kill control and cause blisters. One thin ski sock, proper size, a proper in-store fit — that's the formula.