Is H&M stuff OK for kids and other clothing tips neded

[kwaker5]

We have never been skiing before and have to kit the whole family out. Is the H&M stuff any good?

Any recommendations for brands to look for when getting adult gear? Or what to avoid? I do not want to pay lots but at least want it to be breathable and waterproof.

Someone suggested TK Maxx, but chances of getting what I need in the sizes I need is probably nil.

Thanks

Dd has the H&M stuff (admittedly she is only three) and its great! We dont ski anymore but do a weeks snow holiday and shes outside most of the day in her sledging etc and its great.

TK Maxx is fab. It seems to depend a lot on the store though. My local one is rubbish but the one near my parents in Glasgow is fab.

McCarthur Glen outlets are another good option if you have one nearby.

I haven't used H&M so don't know if they are any good I'm afraid!

I don't ski but do do camping all year round (in Scotland). I kitted DS out at Decathlon. Have been really impressed with the quality and price of a lot of their gear.

The H&M stuff is very good. The TK Maxx in Leeds was stuffed to the rafters with ski gear last week.

We've had their ski jackets and whilst they were ok (in March, so quite warm in the season) they were noticeably lighter and thinner than skiwear brands.

Have you had a look on eBay? Well worth a look, there's always stuff that's only been worn for a week or so. We've bought numerous pairs of salopettes and they have always been cheap and fine for adults and kids.

But I would not stint on snow boots personally. Especially for little ones.

I love my Columbia ski jacket, pricey but I've worn it so many years and in the UK in cold weather too. Kids have worn and loved Surfanic, they're online and do adult ranges too, good quality and quite reasonable.

Depending on when you're going, stock up on thermal layers. Also good quality ski socks (we prefer footed / shaped ones to tube socks). Decathlon sell a lot of skiwear apparently, wish I'd known before buying gloves for the kids earlier this year!

Brands to look for In TKMaxx

Columbia
Helly Hansen
Trespass
Surfanic
Animal, Roxy - more fashion led than performance led but OK
Patagonia- excellent if they have it. Unusual, but it does happen
Berghaus
Oakley
Jack Wolfskin

There are others, but you won't go far wrong with them.

Thanks. Do I need an insulated ski jacket or more of a waterproof shell that I can wear a fleece under?

I will try eBay also. We were just going to hire boots though.

Either an insulated jacket or fleece and shell. I do the latter, not that I've skiied for a few years. Base layer, thin fleece, thick fleece, shell.

Thanks. I have found some good-sounding things on the Tresspass website for me so have ordered them to take a look (I can always return them!). Will go in the local TK Maxx tomorrow and hope to be pleasently surprised!

YY to hiring ski boots, but I meant snow boots for general walking around the resort - depending on age and ski school for kiddies, they may have a walk to ski school before they get their ski footwear on; or just for general playing in the snow in the afternoons etc.

yes it is fine. TK Maxx worth a visit because if you can mix and match, colourful jacket black or navy trousers. Tesco have Trespass on their website - a set of jacket/trousers for kids is £50. Also try www.marshallleisure.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index , Little Trekkers and Snow and Rock websites which each have a clearance section.

We have always got DDs' skiwear from Boden. Excellent quality.

Yay TK Maxx! I got a Surfanic jacket for £50, so will compare with Trespass stuff I've ordered and take a view.

I also got DH some Oakley salopettes to try on.

They do refunds within 28 days so I thought I might as well get it then return if not OK.

Had I been a XS size, I could have had Patagonia...

They had more than I was expecting though but not much kids' ski stuff.

Also Decathlon are good value and Uniqlo for thermals/layers

Mountain Warehouse have a lot too and it's often on serious offer too!
H&m have been good for my DD. She also has had Helly hansen. Depending on the age of the kids it's often easier for them in all in ones

TK Maxx also have a fair bit of kid stuff online including Protest, Dare2Be, Killtec(which is sold by C & A in Europe) www.tkmaxx.com/ski+active/kids-ski+snowboarding/icat/7474#esp_pg=2

Decathlon! Its where all the French get theirs. Own brand very good value.

Lidl and Aldi stuff decent too - and there's one coming up- www.lidl.co.uk/en/our-offers-2491.htm?id=428&ar=3

Decathlon is excellent. Our kids do a lot of skiing and always in decathlon kit! Good value and excellent quality.

I've heard good things about lidl ski wear. It's starts on 20th November this year.

Does decathlon do toddler snow suits please? (18-24m)

pretty sure they do.

Yes they do. We've got one from this year

You can get some great bargains on eBay - most families only go once a year so things have had very little wear.

What time of year are you going? March/April a shell and fleece would be fine, but we go January and we all wear thicker coats with a thermal and fleece underneath.

Mountain Warehouse have some good ski gear at the moment and keep having discount days too. Have bought my DC waterproof jackets that will last all winter for school/everyday and also use as ski jackets. Don't buy the ones labelled snow proof, you want waterproof.

Ski trousers, thermals, socks, gloves, etc - I have bought unisex colours so can hand down through my children.