Is snowproof ok or do I need waterproof?

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We're all going skiing in Feb, for the first time as a family. I have bought snowproof trousers and jacket for my 5 year old - it was all they stocked in the shop when returning something else - but am worried now he should really have waterproof (lots of falling over etc).

Long story but it will be slightly tricky to return what I've already bought (will probably get credit note rather than refund), hence the dithering.

Does anyone have any views on whether snowproof might be ok?

Not sure what snow proof means but it was very wet in the Alps last week, skiing in the rain!!! I would want waterproof.

I would want waterproof too (for me and dc).

Sorry

Thanks for your answers! I thought that might be the case, especially for a young beginner. I will see if I can get a refund or credit note.

Now I'm fretting that the stuff we borrowed for DD (aged 9) isn't waterproof (It doesn't say on the labels) Only happy worrying, that's me.

Thanks again.

I've always had snow proof and scotchguarded it first. I am not a toddler but have skied lots in heavy rain/slush.

Generally, as I have come to understand, children's skiwear isn't truly waterproof like adult stuff. This doesn't mean they'll get wet, but means the seams aren't fully taped like adult waterproof kit is.

Generally children don't ski off piste or in deep powder so don't need the same level of waterproofing as adults might. Snow proof will b absolutely fine.

For our first ski holiday I bought the cheapest stuff I could find for myself. It wasn't waterproof but was fine for our first holiday as it was so cold, but for our second holiday it was milder and not pleasant at all! I was soggy while Dh and kids were fine. I bought myself a lovely Waterproof North face jacket the next year!

So yes, get waterproof if you possibly can.

Thanks for all your replies.

Yes, HermioneD, that's what the guy in the shop said, it was just whether or not the seams were taped. In fact, Mountain Warehouse says all its kids' skiing trousers/jackets are only snowproof However, Sainsbury's is selling kids stuff labelled waterproof with taped seams - but sadly out of stock in DS2's size.

I've found some stuff online for the same price, so I suppose if I end up with a credit note for Mountain Warehouse, it won't be the end of the world.

Thanks for the tip, gunpowder, I will buy scotchguard for DD's jacket and trousers.

Ooh just thought, when I learnt to ski as a kid in 80's the kit was pretty dreadful but I had waterproof gaiters that went over my boots and up to my knees that stopped the snow/water getting in. Don't know if they still sell such a thing.

Only ever remember having a wet bottom, and cold hands, but think I had rubbish hand me down gloves.

I'm going to rock the boat and say that snow proof will be ok. I've skiied a lot- on and off piste - and snow really does usually brush off.

I'd invest in good waterproof gloves and wool rich socks though. Keep the extremities warm and the rest will look after itself.

Unless you spend an utter fortune, fully waterproof will be extremely sweaty.

Thanks Gunpowder and BikeRunSki. Swithering now though .

Also, I just got out all our kit to see what we'd all got re base layers etc, and seen that my trousers are only snow proof! Definitely not buying more for me, will scotch guard them. (Am definitely not an off-piste skier.)

On that note, and relevant to the credit note issue, how many long johns and proper skiing base layers (as opposed to normal cotton tops) should I get each child? Have got quite a lot for the 5yo as he's messy, but only one of each for the 7 and 9 yos. I need more don't I?!

At least 2sets of baselayers each. They get hit and damp so airing or even a rinse out may be necessary between wears. Snow proof should be fine as long as they don't plan to roll in the snow !

A few sets of base layers are a good idea. All the kids seemed to spend most of the time not skiing just in their base layers. They very rarely changed out of them.

Ours have 3 sets of base layers and 3 fleeces for on top.

You will definitely need at least 2 pairs of mitts / gloves for your dc too.

I'm always surprised how hot I get skiing and also think snow proof would be fine - think that's what we all wore when we went skiing as a family a couple of years ago. Think we only had one base layer each - but it was an expensive wool one that said it wouldn't smell...Agree about several pairs of gloves/mittens though.

Thanks folks. I am 90% sure snow proof would be fine, but as I've evidently got to get more stuff anyway (and can use credit note), I'm going to be completely risk-averse and get waterproof stuff for my 5 yo. Just have visions of a rainy week, and having to pay £££ in the resort to upgrade his kit. Also, he is very likely to spend most of his time rolling in snow. He is quite wobbly without skis on .

Thanks though, for your advice.

In that case, get the best mittens you can buy!!!! Hestra are super, wool liners, leather and gore-tex outers. And socks with the highest wool content you can find, over 50%.

Check out Snartwool socks too.