Hi, looking for advice on ski kit for toddlers (2 and 4 year olds). I imagine they’ll spend a bit of time sledging and having snow ball fights and generally playing in the snow, rather than solely skiing! Would I be alright with second hand ski kit or should I buy cheapie new (mountains warehouse do cheap kids snow suit £29.99) or would it be worth splashing out and buying second hand or new proper scandi snow suits- like Didrikinsons?
I’m worried about the waterproof-ness of the cheaper and/or second hand options. Not sure how well waterproofing spray works. Although I did think, given they’re so little, we wouldn’t be out for more than a couple of hours at a time, so it’s not so disastrous if they get a bit damp from rolling around in the snow. Any suggestions?
Has anyone taken their kids in second hand/hand me down ski suits and found they weren’t overly waterproof?
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Ski kit for toddlers
Starrymummy1 · 25/01/2024 20:00
SilkFloss · 25/01/2024 20:03
Not the question you're asking but ski school doesn't take kids under 4 (I think). Will you be teaching them to ski yourself?
Re: clothes, nothing will ruin your holiday more than kids who are cold and wet so I would get the best-quality clothes you can for the most reasonable price - so that probably means second-hand.
Noorandapples · 25/01/2024 20:08
I used to work for mountain warehouse, I would not recommend their gear, it isn't particularly well made
idontlikealdi · 25/01/2024 20:20
Well a 4 yo isn't a toddler, they'll be ok in regular kit, helmet, mittens etc.
The younger one - wil you be trying to teach them? You'll prob have a small window a day when they're yo for that.
Boards or skis?
idontlikealdi · 25/01/2024 20:28
Layers. Where are you going, how cold will it be?
You need merino base layers and layer up according to temp, the outer layer is the waterproof layer. Is the younger one in nappies? That is a giant pain in the
Arse?
NotToYou · 25/01/2024 20:35
You can rent skiwear for kids, I'd do that rather than buying for a week of use.
turtletum · 25/01/2024 20:50
I've mostly used decathlon ski stuff for toddlers and it's been pretty good. Not as good as top end scandi stuff clearly, but did well for a few hours of snow play each day. They grow out of things so fast, so either second hand scandi or Decathlon new would be my vote.
For the 2yo, I'd suggest the bib style ski trousers. All in ones are warmer but less good for toilet trips - fine for an hour of sledging, not so good if you're out for longer periods. We did use both but used trousers more.
Two or more pairs of gloves is a minimum. Neck gaiter scarfs are good.
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PuttingDownRoots · 25/01/2024 21:00
Don't forget snowboots... they won't want to be in ski boots if not skiing!
Gettingcoldergettingolder · 25/01/2024 21:02
end of March and just for a week I would also get decathlon or nicer secondhand stuff. I find all in ones warmer and dryer, make sure you have a good place to dry everything, lots of layers and you’ll be fine. For what it’s worth my kids started skiing from 2 in ski school in the French alps, so it is possible for PP who said it wasn’t. Both my kids absolutely love just playing in the snow, they can spend hours out there and remember they’re moving around a lot whilst they do so stay warm anyways.
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