Kids Ski and Snowboard Checklist
Kids’ Ski & Snowboarding Gear Checklist
Posted
by
Bianca Chang
on Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Planning a family ski trip? Whether it’s your child’s first time on the slopes or they’re already zooming down the hill, having the right ski gear for kids can make or break your day. This comprehensive kid’s ski gear checklist covers everything from snow clothes to essential ski equipment and accessories. With the right preparation, your winter adventure will be safer, more comfortable, and a whole lot more fun.
Printer-friendly Checklist (PDF)
Clothes: What to Wear Skiing and Snowboarding
Your kid’s comfort level can make or break your time on the mountain. That’s why layering is so essential, so you can quickly adapt their snow gear as conditions change.
Baselayer Top & Bottom
A moisture-wicking kids' baselayer set is essential. It keeps them warm and dry by moving sweat away from their skin.
Midlayer
On colder days, layer up with an insulating fleece. On warmer days, a lightweight ¼ zip midlayer will do the trick.
Snow Jacket and Pants/Bib or One-Piece Snowsuit
Complete the outfit with waterproof and insulated outerwear that they can wear on the slopes and for playing in the snow. If you’re looking for more warmth and protection, opt for a snow bib over snow pants. If you’re looking for ease and the ultimate protection from snow and wind, go for a one-piece snowsuit.
Mittens or Gloves
Mittens are warmer and easier to put on little hands. Gloves give older kids more dexterity. Look for waterproof materials and long cuffs for warmth.
Ski Socks
Is it okay to wear regular socks? Yes… technically… but we highly suggest ski socks. Ski socks come up higher, allowing for a better, more comfortable fit inside ski and snowboard boots. They’re also moisture-wicking like baselayers, so they won’t trap moisture and get cold like normal cotton socks.
Neck Warmer, Balaclava, or Helmet Hood
For extra warmth, pick out a neck warmer, balaclava, or helmet hood.
- Neck warmers are worn around the neck and can sometimes be stretched up to cover the chin and mouth for more coverage. Neck warmers are made from different materials, like these fleece Winter’s Edge Fleece Neck Ups and TurtleFur’s stretchy Totally Tubulars.
- Balaclavas are like a mix of a neck warmer plus a head covering. Usually made of a stretchy material, balaclavas cover the neck, head, and ears, and can be pulled up to cover the nose and mouth, perfect for extra protection on cold and windy days.
- For ultimate warmth, check out a helmet hood. They are typically made of a fleece material. They protect the neck from cold and stretch over a helmet to trap heat. Most have a neck gaiter that can be pulled up to cover the mouth to really bunker down in the cold.
👉 Shop Kids Neck Gators and Face Protection
Gear: Ski and Snowboard Equipment
Load up the car the night before, if you can. This will help make things easier when you’re trying to rangle your kids to the car and help prevent anything from getting forgotten.
Ski or Snowboard
Ensure that you’re kids' skis and snowboard are in good, working order before your trip. If you’re planning to rent equipment at the mountain, be sure to check online for availability and if you need to reserve ahead of time.
Ski or Snowboard Boots
It may seem obvious, but always try kids' ski boots and snowboard boots on before the trip. Now this is something you don’t leave them in a cold car overnight—they’ll be stiff and uncomfortable by morning.
Helmet
A well-fitted kids’ ski helmet is non-negotiable. Look for adjustable dials and MIPS technology for added protection in the event of a fall. A helmet should be replaced if you notice any damage, after a hard fall (even if no damage is visible), or after about 5 years.
Goggles
Goggles aren’t always necessary, especially when kids are just starting. But once your child starts picking up speed, ski goggles protect their eyes from wind, snow, and sun glare.
Learning Tools
For young beginners, investing in learning tools will help them get the hang of things.
- For young skiers: An Edgie Wedgie clips to the end of the skis, holding the tips together to maintain a wedge or pizza position, which helps control speed.
- For young snowboarders: The Burton Riglet Reel is perfect for helping little ones get speed and learn balance. It’s a small, retractable reel that attaches to the tip of a kid's snowboard, allowing parents to pull the kids along on the snow.
- For any young beginner: A harness makes it easy to lift kids on and off the ski lift and provides an extra point of contact for parents to hold onto while riding the lift. Some harnesses, like the MDX Harness, have a leash that can help control a kid's speed as they start to get the hang of things.
Must-Have Ski Accessories:
Hand Warmers
Throw a few hand warmers in your pocket that can easily be added to your kid's mittens or jacket when it starts to get cold or for a quick pick-me-up while on the lift.
Mitten Clips
A must-have for kids, mitten clips connect kids' mittens or gloves to their jacket sleeve so you won't be left with searching for a missing pair. Was it dropped in the parking lot? Did they lose a mitten on the lift? Did I forget to pack it? Worry no longer.
Sunscreen
Even in the dead of winter, you can still get sunburn! Even on cloudy days, the sun can still reflect off the snow, so be sure to bring kid-friendly face sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.
Lip Balm
Along with sunscreen, keep a lip balm in your pocket to protect against chapped lips from the cold and wind.
Ski Pass & Pass Holder
Check out the mountain’s website ahead of time. Lift tickets are usually cheaper when purchased in advance, and some mountains have special rates for the learning area and for younger kids! Don’t forget to have a spot for the lift pass. Some kids' jackets have a pass pocket in the left sleeve or inside chest. If you can’t find a suitable packet to house a ski pass, consider a pass holder to attach to your kid’s jacket.
Snacks & Water
Pack snacks that can easily stash in your pocket. They’re another good mood booster while on the mountain. And don’t forget to bring water and stay hydrated on the mountain. Bringing your own snacks and water will save you money and help you avoid long breaks in the lodge.
Gear Bag
All this gear has to go somewhere. Make it easy on yourself and find a gear bag for your gear and your kids.’ Consider a boot bag that has specific pockets to help keep all your gear organized.
End of the Day Extras:
Don’t forget to plan for the end of the day. Pack a few extras so you’re prepared for any accidents during the day or for a comfortable trip home after a long day of skiing and snowboarding.
Fresh Change of Clothes
Bring a fresh change of clothes kids can change into at the lodge in case their current clothes are wet or just want to be comfy on the drive home.
Fresh Socks
The second-best thing, next to taking off your ski boots after a long day, might just be putting on a fresh pair of socks. Or maybe that’s just me. But a spare pair of socks is always a good idea on a ski day.
Hat
We lose a lot of body heat from the top of our head, so a hat is good to wear to and from the mountain or while walking around. Most hats are too bulky to wear under a helmet, so keep this stashed in a bag or pocket while out on the hill.
Snow Boots
Don’t forget to pack your kids' snow boots to wear to and from the mountain. Ski boots are especially uncomfortable to walk in, so bring a pair of snow boots to make the trip through the parking lot a little less complicated.
More Snacks
I know we’ve already listed this above, but you can never have too many snacks. Being in the snow all day works up an appetite, so pack something for the ride home.
Final Thoughts
A successful ski day with kids comes down to preparation. By using this ski gear checklist for kids, you’ll be ready for whatever the mountain throws at you. With warm clothes, the right equipment, and some helpful accessories, your family can focus on making great winter memories instead of dealing with forgotten gear or cold toes. Pack smart, layer up, and hit the slopes with confidence!
Categories:
Skiing & Snowboarding
|
Family Travel
Tagged: Kids outerwear, how to dress for winter, Kids Layering, ski day, travel tips, ski trip, how to choose