Taking your little ones out into the snow and onto the slopes can feel daunting. Parents are often left balancing mittens, hats and fleeces between hands while somehow reaching for an eager child to prevent them from escaping into the fresh snowfall without the proper equipment.
Figuring out how best to keep your kiddos warm while allowing them to remain free to move about and play is by no means easy – but we can help you break it down.
Simply put, it’s just like dressing yourself for the snow and cold – only more bitesize. Just like if you were heading out for a day of skiing, snowboarding, or playing in the slush – you want something waterproof, well-lined, and comfortable with lots of pockets to go over the top of some thermal base layers.
However, something particularly important for the littluns is a ski jacket with wrist gaskets and a snow skirt. You don’t want any of that pesky snow getting into a jacket’s crevices, melting, and leaving your poor little one damp and freezing. Likewise, something brightly coloured or with reflective details will help you spot your child in the snow in all weather conditions.
We chatted to Joy Dutch at The Snowboard Asylum for some expert insight into how to choose the perfect ski jacket for your child.
How do I choose a kids’ ski/snowboard jacket?
“The first (and main) thing to consider is its suitability for the environment. Warmth, windproofing and waterproofing, as well as ease of use, need to be at the forefront - there’s no point having a great jacket if your grom struggles to get in and out of it.
“Jackets with more insulation are generally chosen for mid-winter months (or for those that run colder) while less bulk can traditionally be used for spring riding - but don’t forget how you layer up underneath and venting options like pit zips can alter this if need be.”
What are the key features to look for in a kids ski/snowboard jacket?
“One overlooked feature, and what The Snowboard Asylum always recommends, is a jacket-to-pant zip-style interface or powder skirt, this seals the two pieces together and prevents any unwanted snow from getting into places it shouldn’t.
“Jackets with ‘room to grow’ are always a good shout, they often have removable seams that allow the sleeves to lengthen, allowing you to keep the jacket in use when growth spurts start to kick in.”
“Make sure you pick a jacket with ample storage space, especially a few zipped pockets to keep important items tucked away safe and sound.
“Handwarmer pockets and sleeve gaiters are a great way to stop little hands from getting cold, they give your kiddo somewhere cosy to stuff their fists when gloves and mittens inevitably get mislaid - and stop snow from being funnelled down sleeves during snowball-making sessions.”
What are some ways that ski/snowboard jackets can help ensure my child's safety?
“The main way any outerwear keeps someone safe in the mountains is by ensuring they’re prepared for any potential weather conditions. A jacket is their first line of defence against external factors, be that snow, wind, rain, sun or anything in between. Making sure you choose a jacket that’s suitably prepared for the climate is the first step and that means looking for appropriate insulation and a decent waterproof rating.
“Other features can include things you hope never to use like RECCO detectors for avalanche rescue or ones that will be used time and time again, like a pattern that’s easy to spot in a crowd, pass pockets on the sleeves where you can tuck contact details to be easily accessible, and reflective strips for riding when the sun starts to dip.”
We’ve provided a run-down of the best ski jackets on the market for your children this season below.
Wed’ze Kids' Warm and Waterproof Ski Jacket
Age range: 8-14
Reflective details: Yes
Snow skirt: Yes
Wrist gaskets: Yes
Wed’ze, which came to be in 2006, is the snowboard and ski brand by sports retailer Decathlon. The label’s aim is to make skiing as accessible as possible for all ages, regardless of level and style. The name itself means ‘slide, skid, jump’ in the Savoyard dialect, which is totally do-able in this flexible and cosy ski jacket.
It ticks all our key boxes when it comes to keeping the kiddos warm but boasts a few more features worth shouting about. Alongside the snow skirt, this jacket features 150 g/sqm wadding, mesh lining for extra warmth and breathability, as well as a neck protection flap.
The 10,000mm membrane and fully taped seams makes this piece entirely waterproof, while the detachable hood makes it extra versatile. The whopping five pockets – including two secure inner ones, and a dedicated ski pass pocket – will keep your little one well stocked on the slopes. No more runny noses being solved with an expensive sleeve.
Additional handy design details include the customisable name tag in the jacket’s lining for your child’s name to prevent those ski school lunchtime mixups.
Buy now £79.99, Decathlon
Dare2b Kids' Cheerful II Ski Jacket
Age range: 3-14
Reflective details: No
Snow skirt: Yes
Wrist gaskets: No
Although this fabulous jacket from Dare2b doesn’t have wrist gaskets per se, it does have adjustable wrist cuffs. These will help keep out the snow and slush just fine, but aren’t as secure as the stretchy, nylon kind that are sewed in underneath the sleeve.
Completely waterproof, breathable, and made from sustainable polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles – this jacket is as practical as it is nice to look at. It comes in a range of colours, but we think this unisex light blue combo is a winner. It’s also currently on sale for 50 per cent off, so it’s worth grabbing before they’re all gone.
The only qualm we have with this jacket is, despite its colourful and easy-to-spot nature, some extra reflective details wouldn’t go amiss.
Buy now £70.00, Dare2b
Patagonia Kids' Powdertown Ski Jacket
Age range: 5-18
Reflective details: No
Snow skirt: Yes
Wrist gaskets: Yes
Before we dive into the specs, it’s worth noting that this snow jacket is technically a boy’s model. We think it’ll work great as a unisex jacket, but you might want to size down for a girl, especially as it already fits slightly large.
The lining and padding of this winter-ready wonder is made from 100 per cent polyester, making it totally waterproof and snowproof - no danger of damp down here.
The 2-layer trademarked H2No performance fabric, made from 45 per cent recycled materials, will keep your child protected from the wind and rain, while the Thermogreen padding (95 per cent recyled) will keep them super warm.
Buy now £219.95, Alpine Trek
Helly Hansen Unisex Kids Helly Hansen Vertical Insulated Little Kids Ski Jacket
Age range: 1-9
Reflective details: Yes
Snow skirt: Yes
Wrist gaskets: No
This insulated ski jacket from Helly Hansen is both an incredibly stylish and comfortable addition to your kids’ winter arsenal. The jacket’s exterior has a PFC-free, water-repellent treatment to keep all that pesky moisture out. Plus, the PrimaLoft 170g insulation (made from 80 per cent recycled polyester) is sure to keep your child super warm no matter the weather.
Extra cool features worth noting include a removable hi-vis hood, a soft chin guard, a ski-pass pocket, and a waterproof snow skirt. Weighing in at just 565g, this jacket is a portable, packable, and brightly coloured dream. Once again, despite not having official wrist gaskets, this design does feature handy adjustable cuffs.
Buy now £140.00, Helly Hansen
Polarn O. Pyret Kids Padded Waterproof Coat
Age range: 1-10
Reflective details: Yes
Snow skirt: Yes
Wrist gaskets: Yes
A winner in terms of style and function, this waterproof coat by Polarn O. Pyret is a fantastic option for your little winter warriors.
According to the brand, the >12,000mm waterproof material is suitable for all day play in torrential rain and heavy snow. It’s also abrasion resistant and tough enough to withstand years and years of outdoor play.
Despite the incredibly warm, vegan friendly and at least 60 per cent recycled insulation, this coat still allows for freedom of movement for active children due to the pre-shaped sleeves.
Moreover, the 3M Scotchlite reflectors allow for 360-degree visibility even in the darkest conditions. Further safety is guaranteed with the detatchable hood with pop button fastening - rather than a zip - for extra safe play.
The jacket collar is lined with fleece so that your child doesn’t suffer from any uncomfortable friction. There are also two fleece-lined front pockets and another chest pocket.
We could go on for longer in detailling this jacket’s fantastic features, but it would go over our word count.
Buy now £100.00, Polarn O. Pyret
Boden Rainbow Camo Waterproof Jacket
Age range: 2-14
Reflective details: No
Snow skirt: Yes
Wrist gaskets: No
Though technically a camo design, your child will still be super easy to spot set against the snow. Suitable for temperatures down to -18°C/0°F, this coat’s fabric has also been tested to withstand 5,000mm of rain.
With an environmentally friendly waterproof coating, taped seams, fleece lining and a detachable hood – Boden’s Rainbow Camo jacket is undeniably insulating and waterproof.
However, while boasting a range of highly technical features, it doesn’t tick all three of our key boxes. As a result, we think this is a great mid-range jacket to keep your kiddo warm in the winter months, but we wouldn’t class it as top-of-the-range for skiing and snowboarding. On the other hand, this coat will suit a little one who wants to play on the slopes, not head up in the chairlifts.
Buy now £56.25, Boden
Mountain Warehouse Honey Kids Fleece Lined Ski Jacket
Age range: 2-13
Reflective details: Yes
Snow skirt: Yes
Wrist gaskets: No
Mountain Warehouse is one of the most reputable brands when it comes to winter gear and this fleece lined ski jacket is no exception. With an in-built snow skirt, Recco Rescue reflectors and under-arm mesh venting – this winter-ready jacket walks the walk and talks the talk.
Though void of those handy wrist gaskets, the adjustable cuffs feature hook and loop fastening so your child can find their perfect fit. The insulation is also made from synthetic materials, which ensures warmth and breathability – especially in wet conditions.
Buy now £34.99, Amazon
Wantdo Warm Snow Coat
Age range: 6-14
Reflective details: No
Snow skirt: Yes
Wrist gaskets: Yes
You can tell this is a wonderfully warm jacket just by looking at it. Fleece-lined throughout with cotton padding, this coat remains entirely breathable and wear-resistant.
On the flipside to the above Patagonia coat, this jacket is technically a girl’s model - so we’d recomend sizing upwards for a boy. It also comes in a range of other colours, including black and blue - if your child isn’t into purple.
With a waterproof rating of 10,000mm, a detatchable hood, elastic wrist gaskets, snow skirt, and 140g high-quality insulation - this is another one that ticks most of our boxes.
What Watando’s ski jacket lacks in reflective details, it makes up for in the brightly coloured hues available.
Buy now £43.99, Amazon
