As winter approaches and the skiing holiday gets closer, for children hitting the slopes is not just about the thrill of racing down mountainsides but also about staying warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the day.
The key to a successful, enjoyable day skiing lies in the right gear, with the ski jacket being an essential piece of the puzzle. So, what features should you look for in a kids' ski jacket? We've highlighted the must-have features that ensure your Little Skiers stays cosy and dry on the slopes.
-
Waterproof and Breathable Material: The first feature to consider when selecting a ski jacket for kids is the fabric. Opt for snow jackets made from waterproof and breathable materials like Gore-Tex or similar high-quality fabrics. Waterproof materials keep moisture out while allowing sweat to escape, keeping your child dry and comfortable all day long. Waterproof levels of 5,000 ideally as a minimum and up to around 12,000 will protect during heavy white outs and low resort rainy days.
-
Insulation for Warmth: Skiing in cold temperatures requires proper insulation to trap heat and keep your child warm. Look for kids ski jackets with synthetic or down insulation, offering excellent warmth without adding unnecessary bulk.
-
Adjustable Cuffs and Hem: Adjustable cuffs allows you to customize the fit either over ski gloves or under. A tight fit prevents cold air from sneaking in (especially on chair lifts) and ensuring maximum comfort and warmth for your little skier.
-
Helmet-Compatible Hood: Safety should always come first when skiing, and having a helmet-compatible hood is crucial. Look for jackets with adjustable hoods that fit comfortably over a ski helmet, providing added protection against wind and snow. Detachable hoods are useful if skiing in heavy snow and you don't want to wear over the helmet.
-
Durable and Reinforced Fabric: Children can be rough on their gear, opt for ski jackets with durable and reinforced fabric in high-wear areas like the shoulders, elbows, and cuffs.
-
Multiple Pockets: Perfect for energy boosting snacks, a ski pass pocket on the arm is essential and a secure inside pocket for their phone.
-
Reflective Details: Choose ski jackets with reflective details or bright, fluorescent colors that increase visibility in low-light conditions or crowded slopes, ensuring that your child is easy to spot at all times.
-
Grow-With-Me Feature: Kids grow fast, and ski gear can be expensive to replace every season. Look for jackets with a "grow-with-me" feature, allowing you to extend the length of the sleeves as your child grows, ensuring a perfect fit season after season.
-
Fixed snow guard with silicone tape keeps snow out during a fall. Secured inside the kids ski jacket this creates a barrier to stop snow being pushed up the back when falling.
-
Taped Seams ensures that the holes made during the sewing process does not allow water to seep through.
And lastly, don't forget to never wash your ski jackets in normal washing liquid, always use a waterproof wash such as Nixwax. This preserves the waterproofing finishing treatements put on the jacket.