yet another what to wear question - please advise

[fabhead]

We are going skiing with a 5y old and 2y old - first time for all except me. I used to ski a lot at school many moons ago. In my day we just wore jeans and lots of jumpers (but were cold of course). So now I have understood the concept of layering. Have got us thermals from M&S (kids) and the Uniqulo heat tech ones for us. Then am a bit confused as to what else we need for the middle and outer layers. My 3 questions which I would love an experienced family skier among you to answer are:

I have lots of long sleeved winter running tops - technical fabric ones, but not fleece. Would they do for me between thermals and ski jacket? Or should I buy myself a fleece?

Have got 2 pairs of salopettes for the 4y old and a fleece plus the thermals. Now, does he need a specific ski jacket? He has 2 winter coats at the moment - a Bench one with hood (but not waterproof) and a Sainsburys winter jacket which is quite thick and lined. Does he need a Specific ski jacket as well? What is the difference? They all seem to be made of polyester.

What does the non-skiing 2y old wear? No point getting him salopettes is there? Again, he has a winter jacket but not specifically a ski one. I have some of thos Tchibo lined waterproof dungarees? Would they do? So far have just got him a set of thermals and a fleece. What else does he need?

And finally, DP is fully kitted out - thermal long sleeve top, long johns, salopettes, fleece and ski jacket. Will that really be warm enough - seems very thin?

We've had both Trespass and Dare2Be (and H and M) and they are absolutely fine even in bad weather and bitter cold. We bought dd a jacket/salopettes set from a Trepass outlet for under £20 and have had a D2B jacket for a fiver from TKMaxx. Have also had some TNF bargains from ebay and mix and match. A lot of European kids wear Quecha (Decathlon brand) and Tchibo ranges.

Thanks LizS, very helpful!

the aldi ski clothes were very good last year for kids - they have lift pass pockets, powder skirts, inner linings by the boots, very well done. even nice colour schemes (pink and brown for girls, red and black for lads)the thermals seem good quality too. i would recommend them.

i have been given a dare2b pair of salopettes they are now on their fourth child and equally seem very nice.

however our aldi gloves started to wear after a few months - for skiing i bought a pair of st barts specifically (at the same price as an aldi ski set!).

We've had both dare2b and trespass gear for several years - it is absolutely fine, especially as kids are growing and only wear the stuff for 2 or 3 years if you're lucky.

I do miss C&A (am I showing my age?) they used to be great for thermals! Go Outdoors are pretty good though.

have been informed by DH it is not 'St Barts' but 'barts'. how ignorant am I? i apologise to the label concious here.

Sun glasses for both children. . .all the babes in France/Italy wear them when out in the snow, . . .sunshine is so strong.
Personally i would advise. . .Snow suit for 2 yr old, and mitts and snow boots.. . .John Lewis or "Ski Wear.co.uk". . .Ski Jacket for 4 yr old and gloves (mitts).
Warm thermal underwear for both. . better too warm than too cold.
Plenty of high factor suncream.
And bed early for kids, , plenty of sleep, so little ones are happy and enjoying and not whining and grumpy.

Has anyone bought Fatface skiwear ? Are the cheaper snow trousers warm or just shellpants? Need a pair for December as seem to have "outgrown" my Columbia ones and don't really want to spend £££. Also Lidl seemot have skiwear this weekend but nto sure if it is worth the trip.

Fat face as you know is pricey. . . .Oswald Bailey is great for ski wear. . .do you have one in ur town? Lidl too is good. . .Cheaper snow trousers are warm and to add more just wear thermals underneath.

FF have a skiwear sale on atm ! I've ordered so will et you knwo . what is OB ? May get to Lidl on Wednesday but probably be sold out by then.

ok feedback - they are actually really nice quality and colour, soft lining and adjustable waist, but way too baggy and long in the leg for me. Good value for £29 if they fit ! Back to the drawing board ...

Decathlon now do online shopping.

Just got some for £29.99 in TK Maxx. Great selection of jackets and ski trousers for adults and kids at the moment.