When packing the family for a ski trip the most important thing to remember is the more layers the better. There is nothing worse then a cold kid.

Choosing the right gloves

Cold fingers mean guaranteed trip back to your condo so it’s worth splurging on these to ensure they are really toasty. Note: mittens are often warmer and can handle a finger warmer with out a extra pocket.This is good for the toddler to almost 5 age range.For the older kids I Look for gloves with wrist straps ideally so when they take them off (a foregone conclusion) they’re still attached. Size wise, check they come up the wrist so that they cover the jacket cuff.I also look for the ones with the pockets to hold hand warmers so you can hit the afternoon runs with out complaints.

These are my favorite Spyder Overweb Kids Gloves

But these have some good features too

Goggles

They cover the full eye area and face more fully then glasses. They fasten onto helmets well so they don’t tend to fall off. They’re less likely to steam up and they’re much easier for kids to deal with.At high altitudes, the air is thinner and filters less ultraviolet (UV) rays. The sun’s reflection on snow is brighter and more intense. Wind can make your eyes tear and blur your vision. Ice particles can get into your eyes, as well as twigs and branches when you’re dropping through the trees.

The ones we love and are affordable too!
Bolle Mojo

Snowsuit

This is probably not a decision you’d even consider for children over 8, given the risk of refusal to wear said one piece ski suit! But even for toddlers and young children, I would opt for a two piece suit over the all in one, quite simply because of the difficulties of going to the bathroom!

Jacket details
Make sure it has an elasticated spray skirt to stop snow ingress. Otherwise one inevitable tumble later and the wet jacket equals tears and end of play for all concerned. The same applies to the cuffs – the ability to adjust and fasten these tight is a real bonus. Style wise – I would avoid falling for overly fashionable gear as next year it’ll be passé already. Instead go for bold, bright colors so you can spot them on the hill as they snake down the pistes.

Hats and helmets
Skiing with a helmet is an absolute must for children.The answer may be a multi-purpose helmet. These days you can get one helmet that is suitable for skiing, scooting, biking and skating. Check the specs of course and look for extras that allow for temperature regulation, for example detachable inners / flaps and so on. We love the almighty buff.

The  Buff

There are I’m sure other brands out there but Buff reigns supreme for many of us. It can be used instead of a scarf, as a hat, hand warmer – a thoroughly versatile and fun bit of kit that stops nasty chills down the back of the neck and doesn’t get in the way like a scarf. Plus it packs down nicely into a pocket without any fuss at all.

That wraps up our top tips on ski equipment must-haves for your next family ski holiday. Now for our definitive children’s ski packing check list:

December – February
1 x snow boots* (we love the children’s Sorrel boots)
1 x hat (remember they’re in helmets on the snow so this is only really for apres-ski time)
2 x base layers* (ideally merino wool – they’re by far the best. More breathable and warmer than anything else)
3 x ski socks (again merino is best if possible)
1 x salopettes
1 x jacket
2 x fleece or suitable extra layer*
1 x goggles*
1 x pocket sunscreen with lip protection too
2 x trousers for après-ski*
3 x long sleeved tops*
2 x jumpers*
1 x slippers (we provide these at Le Chardon so don’t pack them if you’re staying with us)
1 x pajamas
1 x dressing gown (the chalets are toasty so I would only bring this if in a shared chalet)
1 x toothbrush & paste
Comforter / teddy (or you could save space and cuddle our Chardon teddy that will be waiting for each child)
Lots of pants!
7 x socks
March and April
Delete one or more of all those marked with an asterix.* And add in:

2 x shorts
2 x t-shirts
Wrap around sunglasses
Baseball cap / Sunhat
1 x trainers instead of snow boots although the latter is still handy for walking across the pistes