🎿 What to Pack for Your Child’s School Ski Trip – Expert Tips from Little Skiers
Your child’s first school ski holiday is an adventure they’ll never forget, a week of independence, snow, and plenty of laughter! But packing for it can feel overwhelming.
At Little Skiers, we’ve helped thousands of families get slope-ready, so here’s our ultimate guide to what to pack, with expert tips and our favourite products to make sure your young skier stays warm, dry, and happy on the mountain.
🧳 The Ski Clothing Essentials
1. Ski Jacket and Ski Pants
A warm, waterproof jacket and ski pants (or salopettes) are the foundation of every ski outfit. They need to keep them dry, comfortable, and easy to spot on the slopes.
Our top picks from the new 2025 O’Neill Bright Colour Range:
O’Neill Tokyo Lights Colour Block Snow Jacket – bold, bright colours that stand out beautifully against the snow, with waterproofing and insulation to keep them warm all day.
O’Neill Girls Cruz Puffer Snow Jacket – pearl sheen and super cosy, with technical features that make it perfect for long days on the mountain.
Pair either jacket with matching O’Neill Kids Snow Pants for full protection and a coordinated look.
Tip: Bright colours aren’t just fun — they also help teachers spot your child easily on the slopes!
2. Base Layers (Thermals)
Base layers are the secret to warmth and comfort. They help regulate temperature and wick away moisture to keep children dry during active days. This is key, any damp thermals leads very quickly to chills on cold, exposed chair lifts.
Top picks at Little Skiers:
- Odlo Kids Thermals – premium moisture-management and soft next-to-skin comfort.
- Reima Merino Wool Sets – cosy, non-itchy, and perfect for colder trips.
- Helly Hansen Kids Base Layers – durable and technical for all-day wear.
Tip - Choose a quality thermal set which can them be reused at home for outdoor sports and activities.
3. Mid Layers / Fleeces
A fleece or mid-layer adds extra insulation between the base layer and jacket — ideal for cold mornings and layering flexibility.
Our favourites:
- Odlo Kids Mid Layers – breathable warmth with sporty style.
- Helly Hansen Daybreaker Fleece – soft, versatile, and lightweight.
- Reima Fleece Jackets – durable, quick-drying, and easy to wash.
- Didriksons Kids Fleeces – practical and comfortable for layering or evening wear.
4. Ski Socks
Warm, dry feet mean happy skiers! Look for technical ski socks designed to prevent rubbing and blisters.
Little Skiers recommends:
- Barts Kids Ski Socks – cushioned, colourful, and durable.
- Smartwool Junior Ski Socks – merino blend for temperature control.
- Reima SKi Socks - choose full cushioning or targetted cushioning for a lighter sock
🧤 Accessories That Make All the Difference
5. Ski Gloves or Mittens
Cold hands can spoil the fun quickly. Choose waterproof, insulated gloves or mittens with wrist straps to stop them going missing.
Try:
- Hestra Kids Gloves or Mittens – premium warmth and excellent grip.
- Reima Ski Gloves – reliable waterproof protection in all conditions.
6. Ski Helmet
A ski helmet is strongly recommended for every child skier — and all ski schools will require they are worn. However, if you don’t want to buy one, helmets can usually be rented easily in resort.
Buying your own ensures the best fit and hygiene, and the reassurance that it has not been dropped or been in an accident which would compromise the ski helmet.
Recommended at Little Skiers:
- Bolle Quiz Kids Helmet – durable with adjustable fit and bright colours to match goggles.
- Uvex Manic Pro Kids Helmet – lightweight with adjustable sizing for growing heads.
- Salice Kids Helmet – excellent ventilation and comfort for long ski days.
Tip: Try the helmet on before the trip to check fit with their goggles — it should feel snug but not tight.
7. Hats; Après-Ski Warmth
A lightweight beanie or fleece hat is perfect for travel days, après-ski, or walking around resort villages.
Our picks:
- O’Neill Kids Beanies – neon, warm, and stylish.
- Barts Hats and Beanies – super cosy and colourful for evening wear.
8. Goggles and Sunglasses (Eye Protection)
Snow glare is intense, so eye protection is essential. Choose ski goggles that fit comfortably with a helmet and offer UV protection. Ski goggles are classified according to the weather conditions they can operate in - explained more here
Available at Little Skiers:
- Uvex Speedy Pro Kids Ski Goggles – anti-fog, UV-protected, perfect for ages 5–14.
- Uvex Scribble FM Kids Goggles – mirrored lenses with helmet-friendly comfort.
- Bollé Royal or Rocket Goggles – great field of vision and comfort for ages 6+.
- Salice Light Adaptive Kids Goggles (601) – photochromic lenses adjust to changing light.
- Uvex Sportstyle Kids Sunglasses – perfect for sunny resort days.
🧴 Toiletries and Extras
- High-SPF sun cream and lip balm – essential even on cloudy days.
- Tissues and hand sanitiser – pocket essentials for ski breaks.
- Mini toiletries – space-saving for travel bags.
- Hand and feet warmers - Not expensive but very useful!
💶 Handy School Ski Trip Tips
- A few euros in their pocket – perfect for a hot chocolate break!
- Label everything – especially gloves, hats, and goggles.
- Pack spares – gloves, socks, and thermals.
- Use packing cubes or zip bags – helps kids stay organised.
- Stick to essentials – schools often have luggage limits.
🏔 Ready to Pack?
At Little Skiers, we stock everything your child needs for their school ski adventure — from the new 2025 O’Neill Bright Colour Range to Odlo thermals, Hestra gloves, and Bollé helmets and goggles. Every item is chosen for quality, comfort, and real-world performance on the slopes.