5 Tips For Getting Kids Ready to Ski

Winter is here, snow is falling in the mountains, and another exciting ski season is at

kid on skis
kid on skis

hand. For those who were BK Skiers (before kids) the dream of the day when you are able to delight in the winter sport again and share the experience as a family might be a reality this year. Here are some great tips for getting your little ones out on the slopes.

Keep them warm.
Think snow and kids and the vision of the bundled toddler barely able to walk with all of the padding comes to mind. While warmth is essential, ease of mobility is now key as well.

  • When choosing those adorable little snow duds, consider potty access. The all in one full zip snowsuits can be tricky, especially in chilly bathrooms. Ski bibs are a great alternative for easy access and keeping the snow out. Check labels to ensure your pants and jacket are water-proof, or at the very least, water-resistant.

  • Think layers. A well dressed kid is one with multiple layers enabling you to adjust to changing temperatures. Start with a lightweight base layer to keep body heat in. Socks should provide warmth and wick sweat away from the feet. Synthetic materials are better than their cotton brethren, which will hold moisture and cause your little one to feel chilled. In colder weather, add a long-sleeve T-shirt and sweatpants over the long underwear.

  • Don't forget a comfortable pair of goggles or sunglasses to protect eyes from glare, wind, and sprays of snow. Many manufacturers make specific child sizes for a better fit.

Get the right gear.
A good thing to remember when you first introduce young children to skiing is that it should be fun and at this stage, it's more about getting them comfortable then actually skiing. Seasonal rentals are a great cost effective way to have your child in the proper sized equipment as they grow bigger. Buying gear isn't a bad option either, especially if you have multiple kids. With it's typical light use, beginner ski gear can be used many times.

So how do you measure your child for proper fit?

  • Kids 3 and under should have skis that come up to roughly, between their shoulder and their chin. This length lets them feel the sensation of sliding yet still able to get around, get up easily, and side step or slide and glide. In general kids do better on skis they feel comfortable on.

  • If your child is 4 or 5 years old, both weight and height need to be considered when choosing skis for beginners. A good rule of thumb is to pick skis that stand between their chin and nose. Skis are measured in centimeters and most children starting out are comfortable on skis that are 88-90cm.

  • The ideal way to find the proper sized boots is to actually try on some different sizes at a shop. Remove the liner from the boot before they step in so that you can check the length and width directly. Ski boots are measured in what is called Mondo Point sizing, which is the length (in centimeters) of the sole of the foot. Have your child stand on a tape measure, being sure to read the centimeter side of the ruler from heel to toe. Most young kids will measure between 15 and 21 cm, which is translated as size 15.0 and 21.0.

  • Don't forget to cover that noggin with a properly fitting ski helmet! You can buy or rent, but helmets are critical gear since most head injuries happen at low speeds.


For 3 more tips on getting kids ready to ski, visit Red Tricycle.