Ski Trip Packing List for Kids
Kids need a three-layer system (a base layer, an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof shell), a properly fitted helmet, goggles, waterproof mittens or gloves, warm socks, and a spare for anything that gets wet. Pack a small day bag with snacks, water, sunscreen and spare gloves for the breaks between runs. At Trecklist, we build every list from the trip itself. Rent skis, boots and helmets where a shop supplies them, and plan outerwear as something to buy or borrow.
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Layers and Gear Kids Need on the Snow
Kids need a three-layer system on the snow: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof shell. Dress them in layers so they can add or remove clothing as they warm up or cool down. Pair the clothing with a properly fitted helmet, goggles, waterproof mittens or gloves, and warm socks.
- Base layer: moisture-wicking, because cotton holds moisture and stays wet.
- Mid-layer: an insulating layer that can be added or removed.
- Shell: waterproof, with taped or sealed seams to keep out wet snow.
- Helmet: fitted snugly, sitting level on the forehead, with no hat underneath.
- Goggles: a good fit that seals against the face.
- Mittens or waterproof gloves, and warm socks, with a spare for anything that gets wet.
Base Layers and Mid-Layers
Merino wool and synthetic fabrics wick moisture, which is why they are the usual advice for cold or wet snow. Cotton holds moisture and dries slowly, so it stays wet against the skin. Pack extra base layers, because anything that gets wet needs a dry spare.
- Choose merino wool or a synthetic fabric for the base layer, and skip cotton.
- Add an insulating mid-layer, which can come off when the child warms up.
- Wear one pair of thin ski socks pulled up over the base layer.
- Skip thick or doubled socks, since they can cut circulation and make boots fit badly.
- Kids need to be able to use the bathroom in ski gear, so try on every layer at home before the trip.
Waterproof Outerwear and Hands
A waterproof jacket and snow pants with taped or sealed seams keep out wet snow. Bib-style snow pants stop snow from getting in at the waist when a child falls. Mittens are warmer than gloves because fingers share heat. They also get wet quickly, so keep a spare pair in the day bag.
- Waterproof jacket with taped or sealed seams.
- Snow pants, with bib-style pants keeping snow out at the waist.
- Mittens, which are warmer than gloves because fingers share heat.
- A spare pair of mittens or gloves in the day bag.
- A neck gaiter or balaclava, which closes the gap between the jacket and the helmet.
Helmet, Goggles and Sun Protection
A helmet should fit snugly without a hat underneath and sit level on the forehead. Goggles with a good fit seal against the face and keep out wind, snow and glare, and sunglasses do not replace them on windy or snowy days. Snow reflects sunlight, so sunscreen and eye protection matter on sunny days.
- Helmet: snug, with no hat underneath and level on the forehead.
- Many resorts and ski schools require or strongly recommend helmets for children.
- Many ski shops rent helmets, because children can outgrow one quickly.
- Goggles that seal against the face, plus a spare lens or a cloth for wiping.
- Sunscreen on the cheeks, nose and chin, because ultraviolet (UV) light is stronger at higher elevation and reflects off snow.
- Lip balm with sun protection factor (SPF).
Ski Trip Packing List Day Bag Basics
Fill the day bag with what the child uses between runs: snacks, water, tissues, spare gloves, and a small first-aid item or blister plaster. Keep the bag light, and leave out anything the child does not need between runs. Lunch and snack breaks keep energy up, so hot chocolate in a thermos and a reusable water bottle help.
- Snacks and water for lunch and snack breaks, which keep energy up.
- Hot chocolate in a thermos and a reusable water bottle.
- Spare mittens or gloves, because the wet pair needs a dry replacement.
- Tissues, and a small first-aid item or blister plaster.
- Hand and toe warmers are optional extras; follow the label and keep chemical warmers off the skin.
- Label every item with the child's name, because ski gear looks alike.
- For the general packing method, see how to pack light.
- For the items people leave at home, see things everyone forgets to pack.
Après-Ski, Sleep and Travel
Dry the boots at the lodge overnight, since that keeps them from freezing. Pack warm shoes or slippers for the lodge, along with a change of clothes and dry socks for the evening. For how to fold or roll the clothes in the bag, see roll vs fold clothes. To let each child pack their own bag, print a picture packing checklist for each kid with the weather set to Cold.
- Warm shoes or slippers for the lodge.
- A change of clothes and dry socks.
- Swim gear, if the lodge has a pool or hot tub.
- A night-light and a favorite toy for the room.
- Snow chains or traction devices may be required in some mountain areas, and road conditions and rental car rules set what applies.
Rent, Buy or Borrow for a Kids Ski Trip
Many ski schools and rental shops supply helmets, skis and boots, though policies vary. Rental shops fit boots for you, and boot fit matters more than any other piece of gear. Check with the resort which items its ski school or rental shop supplies.
- Ask a pediatrician whether a ski trip suits an infant.
- Many resorts and ski schools require or strongly recommend helmets for children, so ask the resort before you buy one.
- Rental shops fit boots for you, and boot fit matters more than any other piece of gear.
Rent, buy or borrow each item for a kids ski trip.
| Item | Rent | Buy | Borrow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skis and boots | Many ski schools and rental shops supply skis and boots; policies vary. | Choose boots that fit the child's foot, without thick or doubled socks. | Borrowed boots still have to fit, since boot fit matters more than any other piece of gear. |
| Helmets | Many ski shops rent helmets, and children can outgrow one quickly. | A helmet should fit snugly with no hat underneath and sit level on the forehead. | A borrowed helmet needs the same snug fit, with no hat underneath. |
| Outerwear | Ask the rental shop whether it also rents jackets and snow pants. | A waterproof jacket and snow pants with taped or sealed seams keep out wet snow. | Borrowed snow pants should be bib-style, since they stop snow getting in at the waist when a child falls. |
Bottom line: Rent skis, boots and helmets where a shop supplies them, and buy or borrow the outerwear. Start your ski trip packing list for kids with the base layers and the helmet, then add the rest with the ski trip packing list tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should kids wear skiing?
Kids should wear a three-layer system: a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof shell. Add a thin pair of ski socks, waterproof mittens or gloves, and a helmet that fits snugly with no hat underneath. Goggles that seal against the face complete the list.
What do I pack for a toddler ski trip?
Dress a toddler in the same three layers: a base layer, an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof shell. Pack a helmet that fits snugly, goggles, waterproof mittens or gloves, and a spare pair of mittens in the day bag, since mittens get wet quickly. Bib-style snow pants stop snow getting in at the waist when a child falls. For the full toddler list, see the toddler packing list.
Should kids wear cotton under ski clothes?
No. Cotton holds moisture and dries slowly, so it stays wet against the skin. Merino wool or a synthetic fabric wicks moisture away and is the usual advice for cold or wet snow.
What should I pack for a baby on a ski trip?
Ask a pediatrician about cold exposure and whether a ski trip suits an infant. For the rest of the gear, see the baby packing list.
Do I need to buy ski gear for a first ski trip?
A first trip can rent helmets, skis and boots, because many ski schools and rental shops supply them, though policies vary. Rental shops fit boots for you. Check with the resort which items its ski school or rental shop supplies.
How many layers should a child wear skiing?
A child wears three layers: a base layer, an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof shell. Adjust them as the child warms up or cools down, adding or removing a layer as needed.
What goes in a kid's ski day bag?
The day bag holds snacks, water, tissues, spare mittens or gloves, sunscreen, and a small first-aid item or blister plaster. Add a thermos of hot chocolate and a reusable water bottle for the breaks between runs. Label every item with the child's name, because ski gear looks alike.
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