Ski wear for DC's

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

We are going skiing in February YAAAYYYYY!!

But never having been with kids, and it has been so long since I bought any sort of proper winter wear, there are probably a ton of new developments in the fabric and outerwear worlds.

What sort of skiwear do you put your DC's in? Long johns and ski pants (that might be a Canadianism, do I mean ski trousers?) on the bottom? Are bib pants better than just elastic waists? What about going to the toilet? Long underwear on top plus turtleneck plus fleece plus jacket? Or would that be too warm? They might be standing around a bit listening to the instructor so maybe better to layer for warmth.

Goggles and helmet obviously. Are mittens better than gloves? And I guess a dickie / something warm around the neck but not a scarf. How many sets of stuff do we need e.g. we are going for a week ? will their long underwear get all sweaty and need washing/changing or can they wear the same stuff the whole time? BTW they are 8 and 5 so not likely to be doing any black runs quite yet.

Finally, there's me and DH to sort out as well. Neither of us is what you would call "slim" so rather than order online, we would rather go to an actual shop. Does anyone have any particular shops or chains they would recommend? Google has produced "Snow & Rock" - any good?

Sooo many questions! I need any advice you can give!

So sorry it's so long.

[greygirl]

I think you need to give an idea about budget too. TKMaxx will do cheap ski wear, as will tresspass outlets if there is one near you. Aldi and Lidl may have a few things left - they did their skiwear in december, but you might find some ski socks/thermals/the odd ski set - it's particularly good for kids. Matalan did some ski wear, and certainly john lewis and boden do too.

Snow and rock and ellis brigham are good but you will pay full wack so have a search for offers on the internet or in ski magasines.

I think lots of people have discussed this before so forgive me if i am repetitive. For kids I think you need:
goggles/sunglasses and helmet (or hire one in resort)
1 ski jacket
2pairs ski trousers if any risk of 'wetting'. ( i like salopettes or at least braces as don't fall down, but with bigger kids might be different)
2 pairs of ski gloves, and 1 pair gloves for evening (i prefer mittens but my children are starting to think gloves are "more grown up")
1 neck warmer thingy
2 sets of thermals (but could be leggings/tights and long sleeved t-shirt)
2 fleece jumpers or polonecks
2 pairs ski socks

(The reason why i take duplicate ski things is so one set can dry while they wear the other)

pyjamas
3-4 changes of clothes plus clothes they arrived in for apres-ski
snowboots

also don't forget funsize chocolate to put in pockets for eating while waiting emergencies

[massistar]

Fab suggestions from Greygirl.

I would suggest looking in Mountain Warehouse as well if there is one near you. They have a fab sale on just now. We got some fleeces for the DCs for £4.99!

TK Maxx also good.

[Rooble]

Decathlon also very good and sensible price

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

Thank you all so much especially greygirl for the advice. We certainly don't want to break the bank and Snow & Rock does look expensive.

I didn't realise that TKMaxx does ski wear and did not even think about the department stores - just assumed we needed a speacialty winter sports retailer. Shows how much I know...

Chocs are a great idea!

[oohermrs]

Depending where you live Go Outdoors is great value for ski wear they do have a website. Helly Hansen outlet at Bicester Village have really deals. Dare 2 Be are good for kids too as are surfdome

[HeartsTrumpDiamonds]

thank you oohermrs - DH has come across a website with lots of Dare 2 Be stuff at good prices so will definitely have a good look.

[clam]

The only trouble with buying online is that it's hard to get the sizing correct.
Is there an outlet centre anywhere near you? I've always kitted myself the kids out on the cheap at one of those, Mountain Warehouse, Regatta etc..
TKMaxx can be excellent, but it's very hit-and-miss. Sometimes they have loads of stuff; others the rails are empty.
January is a double-edged sword really, as many shops start stocking up with beachwear But then what's left out there is likely to be reduced.

[PigletJohn]

If they are young they might want to snowboard instead.

Big and loose. No skipants.

[OneMoreMum]

Surfanic gear is good value, kids stuff tends to come up a little small so go for a size up.

[DaisyFitz]

Hats - DD has hats of course, but she (3yo) will be going to Spritelets and so be wearing a ski helmet (I assume!). Are there better kind of hats? I'm assuming simple fleece are better to fit under the helmet??

Dx

[TheGoddessBlossom]

got all ours from field and trek via sports direct online. Cheap as chips and good quality.