The snow is flying, many resorts have safely opened, and keen kiddos are itching to hit the slopes or the skin track. Help your little ripper get ready for a season of French fries (with a side of pizza) with our favorite kids’ ski and snowboard gear, including can’t-go-wrong apparel for keeping little ones warm.
Smith Grom ChromaPop Snow Goggles – Kids’
Protect little peepers from blowing snow and harsh sunshine and glare with the versatile Smith Grom goggles. The medium frame fits both small and big kids and serves up enough space to accommodate prescription glasses without pressure on the temples. Other than that, the Grom has all the features you want: soft face foam, a dual-adjustment strap, plenty of lens colors and even Smith’s top-of-the-line ChromaPop technology for great contrast in flat light. $90
Darn Tough Skipper Over-The-Calf Midweight Ski and Snowboard Socks – Kids’
Cold toes are one surefire way to end the day early. A pair of good socks like these from Darn Tough can help extend the session, thanks to a merino wool blend that keeps feet dry and—therefore—warm. For best results, pair with hot cocoa. $20
Gordini Aquabloc Mittens – Kids’
The other day-ender? Cold fingers. Hook your kiddo up with mittens rather than gloves (bonus: easier to put on), and you’ll be one step closer to a good day. The Aquabloc mitts from Gordini are snow-, wind- and waterproof with a moisture-wicking fleece liner that keeps hands dry. A soft terry panel on the back of the thumb works magic on runny noses. $33.95
REI Co-op Timber Mountain Insulated Jacket (Kids’ and Toddlers’) and Pants
If your little skier needs some threads, look no further. REI Co-op Timber Mountain line includes water- and windproof technical layers that won’t break the bank. Light synthetic insulation boosts warmth, and a bevy of ski-specific features like ankle zips that help cuffs fit over bulky ski boots and a grommet for displaying a lift ticket lend them to long days at the resort. The pants have an adjustable cuff that allows you to length the gaiters by 2 inches, so they should last multiple seasons. Cuteness alert: The Timber Mountain is also available in overalls ($59.95). $129 for the jacket; $89.95 for the pants
REI Co-op Merino Midweight Base Layer Top and Bottoms
Proper layering for cold weather is key no matter how old you are. The ultrafine 18.5-gauge merino wool threads of these base layers from REI Co-op provide a soft-and-cozy feel next to the skin—not the scratchiness of coarse wool—while flat seams, underarm gussets and a little extra length in the back ensure a good and comfortable fit under other layers. $49.95 for the top; $49.95 for the bottoms
Bogs Neo-Classic Insulated Boots – Kids’
Don’t forget about après. Your kiddo will likely want to get out of hard plastic ski boots just like you do. When they do, the waterproof Bogs Neo-Classic Insulated Boots are a good bet in wet and slushy parking lots. Also: They’re easy to put on without an assist. $95
Rossignol Telescopic Junior Ski Poles – Kids’
Whether they’re ready or not, kids want to ski with poles. (Tip: Start them without poles so they learn balance first.) When it’s time, hook your grom up with a solid set of poles like the Telescopic Junior Ski Poles from Rossignol, which are made of strong aluminum that will retain its shape in most crashes (and haphazard packing). They have youth-size grips and are ideal for growing kids because they adjust from 27.5 inches to 41 inches. $69.95
Madshus Snowpup Cross-Country Skis with Bindings – Kids’
When it comes to cross-country skiing, our best advice is cheesy but true: Start them young! In fact, you don’t even need to have any snow on the ground yet. These little skis from Madshus are perfect for kids to get used to shushing and sliding their feet on the carpet or grass—even if they just started walking. They’re relatively wide and have waxless bases for better stability, and they’re premounted with easy-to-use universal bindings. $59.95
Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more collections here.