Choosing Ski Clothing for Children [Updated for 2024]

The winter sports season is well underway. It's cold when we leave the house and the ski slopes are covered in a nice layer of snow. It's the perfect time to go skiing with the family!

If this is your first time skiing with your family, you may be wondering: how do I choose ski clothes for my kids?

You'll see that it's not that complicated. Here are some tips to help you make the right choices.

How Should I Dress My Child for Skiing?

Little ones don't always realize how hot (or cold) they are when they're playing outside. The problem with sporting activities in winter is that it's easy to get hot while moving, and sweat can make you feel cold when it's time to rest.

To prevent your children from becoming uncomfortable as a result of poor clothing organization, we recommend implementing the "3-layer rule". Also known as the "onion peel" technique, it involves wearing 3 different layers of clothing that can be easily removed or put on depending on the conditions.

The 3 Recommended Layers:

1. Thermal undergarments keep you warm while keeping perspiration away from your skin. They are generally made from synthetic materials or merino wool, known for being insulating and breathable. They should be worn close to the body to maximize their effectiveness.
2. Followed by a sweater or fleece (see our collection of boys' sweaters and girls' sweaters). This middle layer serves as extra insulation and maximizes heat retention as well as comfort.
3. Then, we finish with the ski suit. A coat with snow pants or a one-piece snowsuit creates the final layer of protection against cold (or rain), wind, and snow. An essential layer of protection against the elements, the ski suit has a big responsibility. So it's best to make sure you choose a quality suit that's waterproof, breathable enough, and offers good freedom of movement to guarantee your child's comfort and protection.

What to Choose: One-Piece Ski Suit or Jacket With Ski Pants?

If you don't know what to choose for your child between a one-piece ski suit and a coat with ski pants, we can offer you some pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros and Cons of Ski Suits

For example, if you want maximum protection to keep the snow out when your child falls, a one-piece snowsuit is just the thing — especially if your child is small and just beginning to learn to ski. Because, as we all know, learning to ski means repeated falls.

Advantages of the One-Piece Suit:

• All-round protection
• Better heat retention and insulation against the elements
• Simplicity: Only one piece to put on. This reduces the time it takes to get ready.

On the other hand, a disadvantage not to be overlooked is that the one-piece snowsuit is harder to remove, making it more difficult when your child wants to go to the washroom...

Disadvantages of the One-Piece Suit:

• Less useful for going to the bathroom (especially for young children who may still need help).
• Less flexible than a two-piece suit in adapting to temperature changes. For example, it's not possible to remove only the top part if the child gets too hot.
• Does not adapt to the child's growth and may be more difficult to adjust than a two-piece snowsuit. Plus, the top or bottom cannot be replaced if part of the garment is damaged.

Pros and Cons of the Two-Piece Ski Suit

On the other hand, a snow coat and snow pants offer more latitude when it comes to going to the washroom, as they make it easier for your child to undress when they need to. The downside is that snow is more likely to seep in when your child falls. So, unless you have pants with straps that offer better support (as is the case with Deux par deux snow pants), you'll have to watch out for unexpected snow infiltration.

Advantages of the Two-Piece Snowsuit :

• Practical for natural needs.
• Greater flexibility to adapt to outdoor conditions (top or bottom can be removed as needed).
• Better adaptability to the child's growth (possibility of changing part of the snowsuit, without having to change the whole).

Disadvantages of the Two-Piece Snowsuit :

• Greater risk of snow infiltration (especially if snow pants have no suspenders).
• Slightly lower overall protection, as it lacks the uniformity of a one-piece ski suit.

In the end, you'll tend to choose a one-piece ski suit for its greater protection and ease of use, and a two-piece set for its flexibility.

In either case, make sure you buy quality clothing designed for all winter conditions and to withstand falls. Focus on breathability and freedom of movement. Without this, an activity as physical as skiing can quickly become a source of discomfort for your child.

Our Ultimate Ski Collection: The Teknik Collection!

At Deux par deux, we've created a collection of clothing tailored to the needs of children who go skiing (or snowboarding). 

Whether your child is a novice or an experienced skier, our TEKNIK children's ski suits are breathable, superbly insulated, and cleverly adapted to different body shapes. This effective insulation ensures that your child stays warm, even in the coldest conditions. 

The reason they're so well insulated and breathable is PrimaLoft® high-performance insulation, made from high-quality recycled materials. The hood is large, adjustable, and can be detached to make room for a helmet. These suits offer optimum warmth without sacrificing comfort or mobility.

In short, our TEKNIK collection is designed down to the smallest detail to ensure your child has a pleasant, warm, and above all, safe skiing experience. All that's left is for your child to enjoy a (warm) day on the slopes!

How to Choose the Size of a Snowsuit?

To choose the right size of children's ski suit, the first thing to do is to measure your child and take their weight. Once you've done that, refer to the size guide of the clothing manufacturer you've chosen. Note that a 6-year-old model from one brand is not necessarily the same size as a 6-year-old model from another brand.

When choosing your ski suit, make sure that the size you choose corresponds to your child's morphology.

Some Criteria to Consider When Buying a Ski Suit

1. Allow room for growth: Kids grow up fast! Choosing a slightly larger suit may be wise for multi-season use.
2. Keep the 3-layer technique in mind: Make sure the suit offers enough room to wear extra layers of clothing without restricting movement.
3. Check your child's ease of movement: The ski suit should allow your child complete freedom of movement. First for the arms and legs, then for the whole body.

What to Wear Under a Child’s Ski Suit

Under a child's ski outfit, we recommend wearing suitable thermal clothing. These special undergarments, often made of innovative synthetic materials or merino wool, help to regulate body temperature and wick away moisture, while retaining warmth. Then, a mid-layer, such as a wool sweater or wadded cotton, can be added for insulation. This combination of layers keeps your child comfortable, dry, and warm on the mountain!

More Ideas for Winter Accessories!

• Once you've chosen your child's ski clothing, they’ll need a suitable hat and gloves (we always focus on the balance between warmth and breathability). Protecting the extremities is just as important as protecting the rest of the body, as these areas lose heat more quickly.
• And don't forget ski goggles to protect your eyes from cold winds and UV rays. Even on gray days, UV rays are reflected by the snow.
• In the same vein, also remember to apply sun cream. Although not strictly speaking a winter accessory, sun cream is essential for sunny winter days. Let's not forget that sun + snow (which reflects the sun's rays) = increased risk of sunburn!
• And don't forget the helmet! Of course, it's not a winter accessory per se, but it's still essential if your child is to develop their skiing skills in complete safety.

Now that you know how to choose your child's ski clothes, all that's left to do is dress the family and get out on the slopes!