all in one or jacket / trousers for 3 & 6 yr old

[smilesandsun]

Hi,

I have never been skiing before and have very little experience with cold weather, however this year we are going on a ski holiday and I need help as to what to buy. I'm inclined to go for all in one suits for both the children, but am not sure if that is the right thing to do?

Also what brands should I go for there is a real range in prices and brands. I just want the kids to be super warm, so that they are happy being outside for long periods.

Any hints on what I should wear would be most appreciated as well, as I am very sensitive to the cold!

Thanks

If the 3 and 6 year olds are skiing, you are best going for purpose made ski suits, ie trousers with zips at the bottom of the legs to get over ski boots easily and the inner lining you pull down over the boots to stop any snow getting inside. On the top half, an interior pocket to put the ski pass in to when going on lifts (don't need to get it out any more, just need to walk in front of sensor), if a 2 piece suit, a coat with interior lining again around the waist to stop wind and snow getting inside.

In France, most of the younger children wear one piece ski suits, the 2 piece suits become more common as the children get older.

You will need more than ski suits though. In cold weather, our children have thermal trousers and vests, but my friend has her children instead in thick tights and an extra top. Then our children wear a polo neck top, if it is really cold, a fleece top too. Then well fitting gloves are a must (2 pairs are best as they get wet easily), then ski goggles and sun glasses, depending on the weather.

I buy nearly everything from Decathlon, a few things from Mountain Warehouse. You don't need to buy expensive brands, just the right type of clothing, Decathlon supplies it all at cheap to less cheap prices.

Look on the other thread about clothing for a 1 year old, there's links to nice ski suits on there.

thank you!

Is your 3yr old capable of getting into and out of an all-in-one to go to the loo? Will always remember having to rescue my brother (who was 5 at the time) who was trapped in his suit, ski boots and about to fall into one of those hole in the floor french loos! DPs had left us with the ski instructor, who didn't want to help.

Wouldn't recommend all in ones unless child is so young that you will be with them all the time to help them in and out of it. A jacket and salopettes is far easier to manage.

ok. Yes hadn't thought about the bathroom visits. I was more thinking about their backs getting cold if they are in two piece sets and bending / falling over.

thanks again

As long as their salopettes have got braces on, and their thermals and fleece is tucked inside of those they should be draught free.

Look for jackets with the snow skirts in too - they're good.

DS1 had Tog stuff last year which was excellent.