Tips for staying warm, dry and happy on the slopes!

Getting the whole family up and out, well prepared for a long day in cold weather can be as challenging as your very first snow plough. Here are a few tips from us to make life a little bit easier:

  • Before your holiday, talk through cold weather layering systems and explain it to your children. This will make the getting ready chore easier from day one.
  • Get your little ones self–dressing – practice before you go by making a clothes train (you can see the video here).
  • Practice taking off and hanging up to dry at the end of the day…it is your holiday too!
  • Use layers and overalls when it is freezing in the UK, it doesn’t have to be snowing to appreciate warm clothing.
  • Invest in outerwear that is easy to put on and take off. Show your children how to roll down their overall and tie the arms around the waist, handy at lunch time.
  • Buy unisex colours so that ski gear can be handed down or sold on easily

TOP TIP No cotton!

Even tiny tots sweat, and because cotton absorbs moisture rather than wicking it away it can feel cold next to the skin. Silky polyester or soft non-itchy merino wool should be worn next to the skin in cold weather. Try the one cotton sock and one wool sock test on yourself the next time you go out to play in cold weather!

Layers. Three good layers should be enough for even the most extreme weather conditions. Polyester or wool next to the skin, breathable fleece in the middle and then snow, wind and waterproof outerwear.

Breathability is just as important as insulation especially when activity levels rise. ‘I’m too hot’ can be as problematic as ‘I’m too cold’ when you are on the slopes and you can’t carry stuff around or stash it easily. Investing in high quality insulated outerwear garments that breathe is worthwhile.

PO.P PADDED OUTERWEAR

It tends to be breezier and generally colder at the top of the slopes than down at the bottom. So we’ve designed outer layers with all the clever touches we can think of to make each day you spend skiing as long and as fun as possible. These items of clothing are wind- and waterproof, water repellent and made of breathable material. They are also durable, with pre-bent sleeves and legs so children can bend their legs through all the turns. The jacket and the overall have a pocket on their left sleeve perfect for a ski lift pass. The ends of the legs are a bit wider than usual to make sure there’s plenty of room for ski boots. They also have snow locks to keep out snow and the cold.

Recommended layers and outerwear features for SKI and SNOW play

Layer 1 - Next to the skin

  • Polyester thermals are best for active kids because they’ll wick moisture away from the skin when they sweat.
  • Merino wool thermals are ideal for colder than -3C, for less active kids and for non-skiers.
  • Knitted wool socks are so much warmer than cotton in cold weather. Knee highs are essential for ski-boots.
  • Inner Gloves will add an extra layer of warmth if you are expecting temperatures below -3C.
  • Merino or fleece balaclava or beanie hat should be thin enough to wear under a ski helmet.
  • Neck-warmers or ‘fake polos’ are a warm and safe alternative to scarves.

THERMAL LAYERS >>

Cotton is not recommended because it retains moisture without locking in warm air making the wearer feel cold.

Layer 2 - Middle

  • Polyester fleece is ideal for all temperatures as it is warm yet breathable. Remove and stash in a backpack when the sun comes out.
  • Merino wool can also be worn as a middle layer, this natural insulator will lock the heat in.

Avoid heavy knitted wool sweaters as they are too restrictive and not breathable enough.

FLEECE JACKETS >>

Layer 3 – Outerwear

  • Waterproof ratings greater than a water-pillar of 10,000 are best for kids as they tend to spend lots of time playing on their knees, seats and backs.
  • Snow-tight, look out for elastic ribs at sleeves, snowgaitors, footstraps and adjustable waists.
  • Padded outerwear is best for younger children, and also for older skiers when the weather is below freezing.
  • Lift pass pockets and chest pockets with large handy zip pulls make life easier.
  • Hard wearing fabric that can withstand plenty of ground contact will last for the next child…and the next!
  • Lightweight fabrics and pre-shaped arm sleeves and knees will not restrict movement.
  • Windproof fabrics should also be breathable to maintaining a comfortable body temperature
  • Reflectives front and back enhance safety for apres ski excursions.
  • Comfortable and safe features such as chin protectors and detachable hoods are a must for young children, especially around button and chair lifts.
  • Easy to clean, an anti-dirt finish with a wipeable surface and machine washable makes life easier for everyone.

OUTERWEAR >

Ski checklist:

• Ski jacket

• Ski trousers

OR • Ski suit

• A fleece midlayer

• Merino thermals base layer

• A merino wool hat

• A balaclava

• A neck warmer

• A pair of ski gloves

• A pair of ski socks