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AIBU?

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Original poster

To take my kids skiing in these clothes?

43 replies

OhShutUpThomas · 15/02/2026 15:07

I’m taking my kids skiing in Scotland on Wednesday. They’ve never been before but I’ve booked lessons and all excited.

They have no ski gear. We live on a farm though and they have lots of warm gear.

Can they ski in the regular warm winter jackets that they work in? They are waterproof! Or do I need to spend ££££ on ski suits for 3 kids?

YABU - buy them the ski suits you miser
YANBU - they can ski in warm non-ski clothes

Thank you!

OP posts:
crispypotatoes · 15/02/2026 17:08

They’ll be fine with what you’ve got. I’d buy some propers socks and a pair of thermal leggings though. Our Decathlon has them but we are on the continent so I don’t know if the Uk one has them. I remember they used to be about €4 for kids.

gototogo · 15/02/2026 17:02

In Scotland windproof is key !

gototogo · 15/02/2026 17:01

Of course, the jackets they rented when we went were 3 in one jackets, the kind for hiking, I wore thermal leggings, joggers and waterproof hiking trousers on my bottoms

BoarBrush · 15/02/2026 16:58

OhShutUpThomas · 15/02/2026 15:50

We are in the borders. I am planning to wear my full Kaiwaka kit and the kids have Stoney Creek and Swanndri coats.

I hadn’t thought of leggings needing to accommodate ski boots though so we may need to buy those!

Show quote history

I'm Borders too, it's fucking freezing and knowing here. It's actually 5° warmer in Inverness right now that it is here. Where are you planning to go?

BaronessBomburst · 15/02/2026 16:16

My local Lidl currently has ski gear in the middle aisle, including children's sizes.

ForPlumReader · 15/02/2026 16:01

They'll be fine. I went on a ski trip with school many moons ago and we wore layers - pjs, joggers, and then waterproofs on top. Nobody had salopettes for 1 day skiing on beginners slopes. Good gloves and warm (or doubled-up) socks. If they like it you can think about second hand gear for the next trip. They won't be going high up if they've never done it before.

Wherestheteenguide · 15/02/2026 15:55

And as others have said waterproof trousers. If you'l don't want to buy ski trousers then put on joggers underneath for ease.

Wherestheteenguide · 15/02/2026 15:54

I would totally ski in a waterproof walking jacket type thing. I would still put a thermal layer on plus a neck warmer than can turn into a snood. Presumably you're hiring helmets/skis? Remember to take a hat when off piste.
You'll need waterproof gloves. Socks are a definite. And goggles or sun glasses are a must. And don't forget sun cream and SPF lip balm.

Enjoy! Hope you get some good snow 😁

Original poster
OhShutUpThomas · 15/02/2026 15:50

Thanks all. V good points re socks!

OP posts:
Original poster
OhShutUpThomas · 15/02/2026 15:50

pteromum · 15/02/2026 15:43

Depends what you have and where you farm.

mine are on farm Scotland and absolutely outdoor lambing gear is ski grade.

nothing worse than cold wind on a bike.

We are in the borders. I am planning to wear my full Kaiwaka kit and the kids have Stoney Creek and Swanndri coats.

I hadn’t thought of leggings needing to accommodate ski boots though so we may need to buy those!

OP posts:
Sajacas · 15/02/2026 15:45

Have a google of what people wore back in the day and you will not question what you have.

User1367349 · 15/02/2026 15:44

Oh, yes,l agree with pp, definitely don’t bother buying new!

pteromum · 15/02/2026 15:43

Depends what you have and where you farm.

mine are on farm Scotland and absolutely outdoor lambing gear is ski grade.

nothing worse than cold wind on a bike.

LIZS · 15/02/2026 15:39

They need to be waterproof and windproof. You might be able to hire locally if they are not up to it.

MargaretThursday · 15/02/2026 15:39

I'd get ski suits.

When my dc were small I saw a little ski suit in a charity shop for £5 because the seam had gone. I bought it, mended it. And when it snowed, that child was out all day, with the zip undone because they were so warm, whereas the other two found, however bundled up they were, an hour or two was enough before they were too cold.

Child with ski suit was rolling round in the snow etc so would have expected them to be the coldest.

So next year I bought us all ski suits on eBay/charity shops and snow boots and we were all able to be out in the snow, warm as toast for as long as we were happy to be out.

Dinosweetpea · 15/02/2026 15:33

Current coats will be fine but they will need ski/waterproof trousers.

User1367349 · 15/02/2026 15:21

Oooh. Sounds great - where are you going?

I think you know your kids best, and if they are ok doing physical exercise in minus temperatures in the clothes you already have. Are they warm and waterproof, top to toe, but also flexible enough to ski in? Agree with PP about footwear - good socks and boots - we made the mistake of doing a snow (not ski) holiday in good suits but not thinking enough about feet - double socks including merino socks, and snow boots.

pastaandpesto · 15/02/2026 15:15

So long as what you have is warm, windproof, waterproof, not too heavy and enables good freedom of movement then their current jackets will be fine.

But what about the bottom half? They will definitely need waterproof trousers. Ski pants/salopettes have zippers or flares at the bottom to fit over snow boots.

Ideally you want proper ski socks too. Good gloves are also important, not just for warmth but for protection. Depending on conditions, goggles or sunglasses.

Helmets are obviously a must but will probably be included with the ski hire.

Have fun!