Complete Guide to Skiing with Kids
Everything you need to know about gear, safety, and making ski trips fun for the whole family
Teaching your kids to ski is one of the most rewarding family activities you can share. There's nothing quite like watching your little ones discover the joy of gliding down a snowy mountain. But getting started requires the right gear, proper safety measures, and realistic expectations.
This comprehensive guide covers everything from when kids can start skiing to exactly what gear they need. We've partnered with Backcountry to bring you expert-recommended equipment from trusted brands like POC, Smith, The North Face, Burton, and Atomic.
When Can Kids Start Skiing?
Ages 3-4: First Slides
Most kids can start as early as age 3 in ski school programs. Keep sessions short (1-2 hours max), focus on fun over technique, and expect lots of breaks.
Ages 5-7: Building Skills
Kids this age can handle longer sessions and start linking turns. Many progress quickly with proper instruction. Consider multi-day lesson packages.
Ages 8+: Independence
Older kids can ski with more independence, handle varied terrain, and may be ready for more challenging slopes. Great age to invest in quality gear.
Pro Tip
Don't try to teach your own kids to ski (at first). Professional instructors have techniques and patience that lead to better outcomes. Once they have basics down, you can ski together as a family.
Ski Helmets
A helmet is non-negotiable. Look for MIPS technology (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) which protects against rotational forces during crashes. Bright colors help you spot your kids on the slopes.
Best OverallPOC Pocito Fornix MIPS Helmet
$140Premium MIPS protection in bright, visible colors. Adjustable sizing system grows with your child.
- MIPS brain protection
- High-visibility colors
- Adjustable fit system
- Goggle clip
Best ValueSmith Icon Junior MIPS Helmet
$130Race-inspired design with MIPS technology. Excellent ventilation and goggle integration.
- MIPS protection
- Hybrid shell construction
- AirEvac ventilation
- Self-adjusting lifestyle fit
Ski Goggles
Good goggles protect eyes from sun, wind, and snow while improving visibility. For kids who wear glasses, OTG (Over The Glasses) goggles are essential. Look for anti-fog coatings and helmet compatibility.
Best for GlassesSmith Daredevil OTG Goggles
$55Designed specifically to fit over prescription glasses. Anti-fog lens with excellent peripheral vision.
- Fits over glasses
- Anti-fog inner lens
- Floating foam membrane
- Helmet compatible
Best OpticsOakley Flight Tracker XM Goggles
$184Premium optics with wide peripheral vision. Ridgelock lens change system for quick swaps in changing conditions.
- Prizm lens technology
- Triple-layer face foam
- Wide field of view
- Ridgelock lens change
Eco-FriendlySpektrum Templet Junior Bio
$65Sustainable bio-based frame material. Great lens clarity with kid-friendly durability.
- Bio-based materials
- Anti-scratch lens
- Comfortable fit
- Helmet compatible
Ski Jackets
Kids' ski jackets need to be waterproof (look for 10,000mm+ rating), breathable, and warm. Many have grow-cuff systems that extend sleeve length as kids grow, getting you more than one season of use.
Best OverallThe North Face Freedom Insulated Jacket
$150Waterproof, breathable, and warm. The gold standard for kids ski jackets with grow cuffs.
- DryVent waterproof
- Heatseeker insulation
- Grow cuffs
- Powder skirt
Best for SnowboardingBurton Ascutney 2L Jacket
$184.95Snowboard-specific fit with excellent mobility. Room-to-Grow system extends the lifespan.
- DRYRIDE 2L fabric
- Thermacore insulation
- Room-to-Grow system
- Living Lining
Best LayeringPatagonia Down Sweater Jacket
$139Lightweight, packable warmth. Perfect as a mid-layer or standalone on milder days.
- 600-fill recycled down
- Windproof shell
- Packs into pocket
- 100% recycled materials
Ski Pants & Bibs
Bibs are ideal for younger kids—they keep snow out when kids inevitably fall and there's no gap between jacket and pants. Look for reinforced knees and seat areas where wear is heaviest.
Best Overall686 Frontier Insulated Bib
$149.95Full coverage bib keeps snow out. Adjustable straps and grow cuffs extend the fit.
- InfiDry waterproof
- Adjustable suspenders
- Reinforced knees
- Snow gaiters
Best for ToddlersPatagonia Hi-Loft Down Sweater Hoodie - Toddlers
$149Super warm down insulation for littlest skiers. Full-coverage hood keeps heads toasty warm.
- 600-fill down insulation
- Hooded warmth
- Recycled materials
- Sizes 2T-5T
Kids' Skis
For beginners, shorter skis (chin to nose height) with soft flex make learning easier. Many packages include properly adjusted bindings. As skills develop, consider twin-tip skis for more versatility.
Best BeginnerAtomic Maverick Jr Ski + Binding
$249.95Soft flex and rocker profile make turning easy for beginners. Includes junior bindings.
- Rocker profile
- Soft flex
- Bindings included
- Easy turn initiation
Best All-MountainAtomic Bent Chetler Mini Ski
$399.95Playful twin-tip design for young freestyle skiers. Great in powder and park.
- Twin-tip design
- HRZN Tech tip/tail
- Bindings included
- Freestyle ready
Best for GirlsBlizzard Sheeva Twin Jr Ski
$329.99Lightweight and forgiving for developing skiers. Beautiful graphics and easy handling.
- Lightweight core
- Early rise rocker
- Bindings included
- Soft flex
Essential Accessories
Don't overlook accessories—proper socks and face protection make a huge difference in comfort. Cotton socks are the enemy (they hold moisture and get cold). Merino wool or synthetic blends are best.
Best Face ProtectionBlackStrap Print Hood Balaclava
$27.95Full face and neck coverage in fun prints. Moisture-wicking and breathable.
- UPF 50+ protection
- Moisture-wicking
- Fun kid prints
- Machine washable
Best SocksSmartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Sock
$17Merino wool keeps feet warm and dry all day. Light cushioning provides comfort in ski boots.
- Merino wool blend
- Moisture wicking
- Light cushioning
- Odor resistant
What to Expect to Spend
Starter Setup (Rent Skis)
- Helmet (MIPS)$100-150
- Goggles$50-90
- Jacket$100-180
- Pants/Bib$80-150
- Gloves$30-60
- Socks & Base Layers$40-80
- Total (Own Soft Goods)$400-710
Full Setup (Own Everything)
- All soft goods above$400-710
- Skis with bindings$200-400
- Boots$100-200
- Total$700-1,310
Tip: For kids under 8, consider renting skis and boots since they outgrow them quickly. Own the soft goods for better fit and warmth.
Tips for Successful Ski Days
Before You Go
- Practice putting on gear at home so it's not new on ski day
- Book lessons in advance—they fill up fast during peak times
- Bring extra layers, gloves, and socks in the car
- Pack snacks—hangry kids don't ski well
On the Mountain
- Take frequent breaks—kids get cold and tired faster
- End on a high note—quit while they're still having fun
- Keep sessions short: 2-3 hours max for young kids
- Celebrate progress, no matter how small
Safety First
- Always wear a helmet—no exceptions
- Know your child's limits and stick to appropriate terrain
- Stay within sight or use a buddy system
- Apply sunscreen to exposed skin—snow reflects UV rays
- Watch for signs of cold: shivering, red cheeks, numbness
- Have a meeting point in case you get separated
Related Resources
Recommended Gear
Kids Ski Helmet
Kids Ski Helmet
Safety-certified ski helmets designed for children. Lightweight, warm, and adjustable to grow with your child. Look for MIPS protection and integrated goggle clips.
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Kids Ski Goggles
Kids Ski Goggles
Anti-fog ski goggles sized for smaller faces. UV protection, wide field of vision, and helmet-compatible designs that keep kids seeing clearly on the slopes.
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Kids Ski Gloves
Kids Ski Gloves
Waterproof, insulated ski gloves that keep little hands warm and dry all day. Long cuffs to keep snow out and easy-grip palms for holding poles.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.
Affiliate Disclosure
ParentCalc is a Backcountry affiliate. We earn commissions from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps support our free parenting resources. All product recommendations are based on our research and real parent feedback. We only recommend products we believe will genuinely help families enjoy the slopes safely.