Teen Ski Gear Essentials: Everything Your Teen Needs for the Slopes
Teenagers can be notoriously particular about what they wear. Add a ski holiday into the mix and suddenly finding something that is warm, practical and actually cool enough to wear becomes a whole new challenge!
The good news? Getting your teen ready for the slopes doesn't have to mean endless searching. From the right ski jacket and pants to cosy thermals, goggles and a helmet, we've rounded up the essential ski gear they'll need — with some of our favourite picks from Little Skiers.
1. A ski jacket that looks good and works hard
A great ski jacket is the starting point for any teen's ski outfit. It needs to keep them warm and protected from the elements, while still giving them plenty of freedom to move.
For boys, the O'Neill Cruz Triple Boys Ski Jacket - Black Basalt is a great choice. With its eye-catching colour-block design with a pop of neon, it's got plenty of personality while offering the practical performance needed for days on the mountain.
For girls, the O'Neill Cruz Triple Girls Ski Jacket - Funky Peach Colour Block combines a technical 10K/10K waterproof and breathable design with a bright colour block design where the Funky Peach will be visible in white-outs and low light conditions.
Teen Tip: O'Neill is extremely popular with teenagers. O'Neill's surf, snowboarding and action-sports heritage gives it a more youthful, sporty identity than brands that focus mainly on traditional children's ski clothing. O'Neill still gives parents the technical performance and value you would expect with technical features and 10K/10K waterproof and breathable as standard.
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2. Ski Pants for all-day comfort
Ski pants (sallopettes or ski trousers) need to do a lot. They need to cope with snow, keep legs warm and allow your teen to bend, move and ski without feeling restricted.
The O'Neill Boys Ski Pants - Tokyo Lights are a great option for teen boys with a pop of neon orange to make sure they are seen on the slopes. While the O'Neill Girls Ski Pants - Black Out offer a classic black look that's easy to pair with almost any ski jacket.
Black ski trousers are also a particularly easy choice if your teen wants an outfit that goes with practically anything.
3. Don't underestimate a good base layer
A ski jacket might get all the attention, but what your teen wears underneath is just as important.
A good thermal base layer helps create that all-important layering system, keeping them comfortable while they ski, sit on the lift and enjoy time around the resort.
The Odlo Active Kids Ski Thermal Top - Orchid Ice is a great option from the Little Skiers collection. Pair it with the matching Odlo Active Warm Kids Ski Thermal Leggings for a complete base layer.
For a growing teen, a comfortable thermal layer can make a huge difference on a cold mountain morning.
4. Add a cosy mid layer
When temperatures drop, the mid layer is where the extra warmth comes in.
The Helly Hansen Kids Daybreaker Ski Mid Layer - Pinkshake is a practical option designed to work underneath a ski jacket and can also be worn on its own around the resort.
Alternatively, the O'Neill Cruz Kids Snow Technical Fleece - Neon Flame is a great choice for teens who like their ski outfit to stand out.
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5. Ski socks: small but essential
Cold toes can quickly ruin a day on the slopes. A proper pair of ski socks is therefore an absolute must.
The Merino Ski Socks - Barts Twin Pack, Stripe are a brilliant option for teens, particularly if they appreciate a little extra warmth.
Merino wool is popular for ski socks because it provides warmth while helping manage moisture — exactly what you want inside a ski boot.
Look out for our multi-buy offers on our Reima, Smartwool and Barts Ski Socks - ideally you want a pair of ski socks for every day you ski. But keep costs down, a high merino content can make a pair last two days!
6. Quality, waterproof and breathable Ski Gloves to keep hands warm
There is nothing worse than freezing fingers when you're trying to enjoy a ski day. Cheap ski gloves hold the damp - which if you've ever experienced damp ski gloves on a chair lift you will understand how hideous this is!
The Super Warm Kids Ski Mittens - Reima Vanukko, Black are the puffiest around - with double insulation and a waterproof insert making them waterproof to 12,000mm
For a pop of neon colour look no further than the Hestra Kids Ski Gloves - Gore-Tex Gauntlet, Orange. A waterproof Kids Ski Gloves with a waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX membrane keeps hands dry and warm.
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7. Ski goggles for clear vision
Goggles aren't just about looking the part — they're an essential bit of ski kit.
The Bolle Royal Kids Ski Goggles, Pink Checkerboard S3 are designed for ages 8–14 and are OTG, making them a useful option for children who wear glasses.
For older teens, the Mirrored Light Adaptive Kids Ski Goggles (107) are another option, featuring a double lens , mirrored coating and fully light adaptive for any conditions.
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8. A ski helmet is a must
A properly fitted helmet should be at the top of every young skier's packing list.
The Quiksilver Lawson MIPS Youth Ski Helmet in True Black is a great teen-friendly option, available in two sizes to help find a secure fit.
The Giro Spur MIPS Kids Ski Helmet in Stone is equipped with the In Form Fit System and Vertical Tuning for a perfect fit that's easy to adjust
9. A warm hat for around the resort
A helmet is essential while skiing, but your teen will still want a cosy hat for walking around the resort, heading to breakfast or relaxing after a day on the slopes.
The Helly Hansen Urban Cuff Kids Winter Hat in Black is a simple, easy-to-wear option. Its classic black design makes it easy to pair with practically any ski outfit.
10. The finishing touches
Once the main ski kit is sorted, it's the little extras that can make a ski holiday even more comfortable.
Don't forget:
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SPF and lip balm
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Hand warmers
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Foot warmers
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A neck warmer or balaclava
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Spare ski socks
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Sunglasses for sunny days
Little Skiers also stocks Strider Hot Pad Handwarmers and Strider Footwarmers, which are easy additions to your ski bag.
Ready to kit out your teen?
Getting the right ski gear doesn't need to be complicated. Start with the essentials — a good jacket, ski trousers, thermal base layer, mid layer, socks, gloves, goggles and helmet — then add the finishing touches to keep them warm and comfortable from the first run to the last.
And because teenage ski gear needs to pass the "Would I actually wear this?" test, Little Skiers brings together practical ski kit from brands teens already love, including O'Neill, Roxy, Quiksilver, Helly Hansen, Reima and more.
Explore the Little Skiers teenage skiwear collection and get your teen ready for their next adventure in the mountains.
