kids ski and snowboard

How do I choose a kids’ ski jacket?

Planning a family holiday in the mountains? Check out our tips on how to choose the right kids’ ski, snowboard or sledge jacket!

You’re going on holiday to the mountains with your kid but you’re wondering which ski jacket to choose so that they stay warm and dry during a full day on the slopes?
Don't worry, we'll explain in length and breadth the different features to take into account when choosing the perfect kids’ ski or snowboard jacket.

kid ski

A ski jacket is a TECHNICAL jacket

We want to roll around in the snow and enjoy it, and the kids even more so! The ski jacket, which is in direct contact with the snow, requires a certain technicality. Its role must be to keep kids warm and dry, while giving them good freedom of movement. As well as these feature, a ski jacket has specific technical features that greatly enhance the experience of a successful ski day.

In this article we take a closer look at the features to be taken into account ...

kid sledge

▸ A warm jacket as the cold can spoil the kids’ day

There’s nothing more annoying than having to cut short a family day of skiing or sledging because of the cold.
Your kid should be warm in a ski jacket, but not too warm!
A kids’ ski jacket is warm, but there are jackets that are warmer or cooler depending on the weather and how they feel.

The different levels of warmth between kids’ ski jackets are expressed in terms of the weight of the wadding in grams. On this 500 ski jacket for example, the weight of the wadding is 140 g/sqm. It’s a warm jacket, but it will be slightly less warm than this 180 Warm padded jacket which weighs 250 g/sqm.

As well as the weight of the wadding, the type of lining also helps to identify the warmth level of the ski jacket. For example, a fleece lining will retain more warmth than a classic lining.

kid snowboard snow

▸ A waterproof jacket as the snow is better outside than in

One of the most important features of a kids’ ski jacket is its waterproofing. In contrast to water repellency, which simply allows water to slide off the surface without being absorbed, waterproofing doesn't let in any drops of rain or snow on the garment, and this for several hours. The components of each ski jacket are therefore chosen to be waterproof, and some are more waterproof than others.

The waterproofness of a ski jacket is measured by the coating, the presence of a membrane and taped seams.

The coating is a component applied to the inner surface of the fabric. It prevents the penetration of water or snow inside the jacket.
The membrane is an extremely thin component applied to the inner surface of the outer fabric and stops water from outside.
As the name suggests, taped seams prevent water from seeping through the seams.

"Good to know": What to wear under your kids’ jacket? the 3 layer rule

A ski jacket provides warmth, waterproofing and breathability, but is not enough to keep kids warm and dry for a full day in the snow.
So you're wondering how to properly dress your kid for a day of skiing? The answer is the 3 layer rule.

For the bottom layer, put on a base layer or leggings for warmth, then warm and waterproof ski trousers to protect them from the snow and moisture.

  • Junior ski base layers

    Layer 1: The skiing base layers

    The first layer, worn next to the skin, is the thermal base layer. Breathable, its role is to wick away perspiration towards the other 2 layers, and to bring a first wave of warmth to the kid.

  • kids’ fleece

    Layer 2: fleece

    - The second layer is the fleece. As well as providing warmth, it acts as an insulator by keeping the air warm around the body.

  • kids’ ski jacket

    Layer 3: The ski jacket

    Finally, the third and last layer is the famous ski jacket. Waterproof, warm and breathable, it protects kids from the elements.

How do I choose a kids’ ski jacket?

▸ Skiing, snowboarding or sledging is sport! Remember to regulate your kid's body temperature

During a day of skiing, snowboarding or sledging, your kid will go through phases that are more or less active. When going downhill or when pulling up the sled, they will tend to sweat more. During these phases, we recommend you open the jacket a little, or remove the bottom layer to let the body breathe.

During the picnic break or the ski lift, they will be passive and feel the cold. During these times, cover them well to keep the heat around the body.

young girl snowboarding

▸ A durable jacket, for the little adventurers who go everywhere!

During any outdoor activity, kids need durable clothing so they can venture out as they please! Kids’ ski jackets are therefore developed with tough components to cope with all the adventures of young skiers and snowboarders! Some jackets are more resistant than others, such as those dedicated to snowboarding or freeriding.

▸ Various functionalities essential for skiing or snowboarding

Depending on the model of the kids’ jacket, there are various features that make winter sports much easier. These include:

  • kids’ ski jacket snow skirt

    Snow skirt and thumb loops

    The snow skirt is a protection system at waist level that closes with press studs (or other) on the ski or snowboard jacket hem. It prevents snow and air from entering during practice and especially in the case of a fall. Some kids’ jackets also have a cuff sleeve with a thumb loop to stop snow from getting in at the wrist.

  • ski jacket ski pass pocket

    Secret pockets including ski pass pocket

    A ski jacket has more pockets than a classic winter jacket. In general, there are two hand pockets secured by zips, two inside pockets including a mesh pocket for goggles, a chest pocket and the famous ski pass pocket on the left arm wrist. This makes the ski pass accessible when going to the ski lifts.

  • removable hood kids’ jacket

    Removable or adjustable hood

    The removable or adjustable hood can be very practical in winter sports: as soon as the wind picks up, remove or roll up the hood of your kid’s jacket so that it doesn't get in the way when they descend.

How do I choose a kids’ ski jacket?

▸ Multiple designs to choose from depending on the tastes of both kids and parents!

Fitted, wide, coloured, plain, sober, etc. There is a multitude of designs of kids’ ski jackets.
If your kid is a snowboarder, they may be more inclined towards wide and long cuts, in keeping with the snowboarder's style. If they prefer a more plain and timeless jacket, go for a mixed colour with a classic cut. In short, there is no shortage of choice among kids’ ski or snowboard jackets! Take the time to discover them and try them on with your kid, you will inevitably find the model that suits you!

Also note that at Wedze, most kids’ ski jackets have similar cuts for girls and boys. Only a few models for older children (generally from the age of 10) are dedicated to more feminine or masculine body shapes as kids grow and their bodies change. In which case you will find the information on the product sheet.

kids’ ski suit

▸ The ski suit: a 2-in-1 ski jacket and trousers

The ski suit is very comfortable for kids. The one-piece design provides an unparalleled level of airtightness and keeps the warmth around the kid's body. However, the ski suit can be less practical during comfort breaks or after skiing.

Jacket or ski suit? It's up to you and your kid depending on your preference!

▸ Choose an eco-designed jacket

Do you want to consume more sensibly and buy your ski jacket and trousers according to their environmental rating? Here are 3 criteria used by Decathlon to help you choose good ski clothes that are more respectful of the planet.

  • recycled polyester

    Recycled polyester:
    textile from bottles

    By recycling plastic bottles or textiles to produce our polyester, we reduce the use of oil-based resources while keeping the material's qualities during your activity. 

  • dope dyed

    Dope dyed: stain-free dyeing

    To dye a fabric in the conventional way, it must be soaked in large quantities of water. To avoid using so much water, we use the dope dye technique by adding the dye directly when the yarn is produced.

  • bi-ton

    Bi-ton:
    the smart fabric

    Textile dyeing requires a lot of water but also produces waste water from the dye baths. To reduce the impact of water use and waste water, we only use one dyed yarn out of every two, therefore reducing our water consumption and impact.

kid ski

How to choose the right size kids’ ski jacket?

When buying a ski jacket, choosing the right size is essential for your kid to be comfortable for a whole day in the snow.
All brands offer standard kids’ sizes: from 3 years to 14 years.
For more precision, a size guide is available to help you find the right age. Just measure your kid to find out!

baby snow

"Good to know": How to dress your baby for the snow?

For a baby aged 1 to 3 years, the choice of snow clothing is more specific than for an older child.

Check out our advice on how to protect your baby from the cold and the winter during their first steps on the snow.

You now know how to choose the right kids’ ski jacket so that your little champions can fully enjoy the joys of skiing! To complete the outfit, don't forget the ski trousers, helmet and goggles for their safety, gloves and a pair of socks to protect their little hands and feet.

CHLOÉ PETITJEAN

Chloé

Passionate about winter sports

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