Toddler insulation whilst skiing?

[Thebeard]

Hi,
I am taking my wife and 2 boys (3,6yrs) skiing to Andorra in Jan 14' and was wondering if you had any pointers on ensuring boys are kept warm. I have read a few of your posts, however my oldest boy gets very blue under the eyes and around the lips when temperature drops and as such, I wanted to limit this!

so far the boys have:
couple of insulated hats
base layers
ski jacket
ski pants (like dungaree's)
wool and polyester ski socks
fleeces (not bottoms)
gortex ski gloves

I am yet to get snow boots, goggles and mittens and was unsure whether i needed a fleece bottoms?

We have taken him to the doctors and been told his condition is no cause for concern...

Thanks

[MistyB]

They will be wearing helmets while skiing so that will help but for really cold days we add snoods, running type hats to go under and make sure they have something they can pull up over their mouths.

Spare gloves (though mittens are better)) are good in case they get wet while playing around in the snow before / after skiing.

We go with base layer, polar neck, fleece layer and insulated jacket. Get the thickest highest percentage wool socks you can find!!

We take the kids ski boots off as soon as possible and put on their Sorrel snow boots (as high a rating as you can get, the leather ones) but there may be better ones on the market since we did our research on these three years ago though they seem very popular. (Wool lined)

I don't know what conditions / temperatures are like in Andorra but I think in Jsmuary I would avoid morning lessons and if it is too cold, limit the time you spend outside.

[MistyB]

PS: Little Trekkers sometimes have goo end is season offers though that may be finished.

[Thebeard]

Thanks MistyB, I have bought a few bits off there (little trekkers) some weeks ago after reviews from other posts. Funnily enough my order included a pair of kids sorrels for me lol.. I will wait to nearer the time for the boys though due to there sizing but am glad i seem to be looking in the right places :-)

Ill look into the snood as DS6 will definately be in ski school and I want to ensure he is warm enough whilst he is off with his group.

Lastly, I am interested by your last point as I think DS6 classes are in fact AM sessions. DS3 will be starting in a snow garden that I think is 2x 1.5hrs daily, with 2hrs daily childcare (that will probably wont use). Would you suggest this instead for DS6 also instead of the morning ski school?

Thanks Jo

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Fleece neck muffs are great at keeping out drafts.

Mittens are much warmer than gloves and definitely have 2 pairs each.

Ours wear thermals (top and bottoms) then a fleece jumper, Salopettes and ski jackets (tog 24 stuff which has been brilliant).

They both have balaclavas for under their ski helmets but have never needed them - we go to France in January. They do need nice warm hats for playing out in.

We have bought Columbia snow boots for them for the past could of years - from snow and rock I think. They have removable liners which makes drying them out much easier.

Make sure that everything is dried thoroughly each night - ski boots included - that makes a huge difference.

[MistyB]

I am a big whimp and would opt for afternoon lessons. Snow garden fur a six year old, I don't think I would to be honest as they might be one

[MistyB]

I am a big whimp and would opt for afternoon lessons. Snow garden fur a six year old, I don't think I would to be honest as they might be the oldest ones there. Other more hardcore parents might say otherwise!!

[MistyB]

Oops, posting while playing on the WII, sorry.

[IwishIwasmoreorganised]

Ours have both been fine with morning lessons.

ds1 started aged 4 and ds2 aged 3.

Don't forget snacks for their pockets!

[Thebeard]

Thank you both for your help. I will definately be loading on the snacks as I think we will all benefit..

The beginners classes for both my son and I are in the morning as DH will watch DS3 as well as do his own thing during our lessons so I am sure as long as we have the above necessities we should be fine.

Thanks again

[BNmum]

Depending on what type of gloves they have you may want to look at glove liners. Sorels are great snow boots, we got a pair of Olang BMX boots for 2yo and he loved them, his feet were always toasty.
I also got some fleece bottom from h & m which could but used for lounging around or as another layer they cost £5.99 and are one of the best things I've ever bought. Outer layer was also from littletrekkers.

[Thebeard]

BNmum, Thanks for your input. I was told to look at Hesta gloves were meant to a a good glove for the boys? Do you know anything about these and whether I would still need glove liners with them?

[BNmum]

Hestra is a good brand so I'm sure they'll be great. You could always take some cheap magic gloves which you probably already have and can double up as liners in extreme weather.

[Thebeard]

Ok, will do.. Thanks again :-)

[deste]

I am glad you are thinking of your children because the amount of adults i have seen wearing warm clothing, buffs etc while their children have on wafer thin, passed down clothing. It can be very cold skiing but wearing a helmet while having the back of the head and neck exposed is just so wrong as is wearing old ski suits that have been washed to the death.