Down jackets for skiing

[trifling]

7 yo Ds and I both have down jackets, his from LandsEnd so fairly hardwearing. Would they work for crosscountry skiing ?or do we need to find special ski jackets? And also, should I get paddd trousers for him ( seen some in h and m) or ordinary waterproof ones on top of layers? Thanks for any suggestions, total novice.

You can get very hot doing cross- country skiing. It depends a lot on where you are going and how cold it is, as well as how good you are. I have been cros- country skiiing in a down jacket and not been too warm. I have also skied in a t-shirt at Easter.
In general layers can be better so you can adjust for local conditions:Thin base layer or polo neck, one layer fleece or thin wool, ski- jacket. But if it is absolutely freezing the down jackets would probably do.
I would definitely get padded trousers for your son and tights for an underlayer are much cheaper than long johns. I have put my DS in the girls black school tights and he didn't object (as long as I promised not to tell his friends)

That is helpful, thanks ! so what is a ski jacket exactly? Basically a waterproof shell? Like the layering idea definitely. Pretty cold, I think.

Down far too hot for skiing!

For DC your age, I'd go for the H&M stuff - my DC are too young to ski, but DS has just got his second one of these jackets (grew out of last year's) and I have skiied a lot. I am also a total outdoor geat snob, but I totally rate this stuff.

Jackets
Salopettes

Yes to the layering that's a definite need. And merino wool tights and socks are good at wicking away moisture. ski jackets have a little pocket on one arm that zips closed to keep your ski pass in so the card readers at the turnstiles can open with a wave of your arm, rather than fiddle about with gloves, and skis and poles.
North face stuff is very good.
As for gloves, DC are usually warmer in mittens rather than gloves, but again, layer underneath depending on the conditions.
And a helmet. Decathlon do stick on Mohicans and other fun stuff to brighten them up.

You don't need a helmet for cross-country, but definitely a warm hat.
Cross-country ski-ing in -20 degrees on occasion, I have been known to wear a down jacket, but agree usually too warm.
i have had Dare2be before; reasonable price and quality. I have bought from TKMaks or Trekwear- on-line. I would have a wool free bottom layer for your son unless you know that it won't make him itch. But wool good over that.
Very important for him to be comfortable or you will get moaned at. Usual moans are itching, tights rucking up or falling down, head too hot or cold, hands and feet too cold.

Another cross-country skier here. Well, as has already been said, it depends on when and where you are going, but as a rule, you get much warmer and sweatier than you would with downhill skiing, so a down jacket would almost certainly be too much, although you might want to take it with you for après-ski.
Layers are key and a windproof outer layer is a good thing. A small rucksack is also a good thing to have with you for a drink (it's thirsty work) and to carry any layers that you shed as you warm up.

You don't need a helmet or a ski jacket with lift-pass pocket, there are no turnstiles on any cross country ski track that I have ever seen.

Oh god. I totally missed the words "cross country".
No excuse, just didnt see it!

Squirted, I can totally understand you getting excited about a little pocket on your arm if lift passes are such a problem. I've never tried downhill- think I should take the kids really, but it costs us very little to catch a Ryannair flight to Norway and get the skis out the garage so it wins every time.

Like your name

Thank you viewofthehills. Maybe I was a bit excited having just booked Austria for new year. Am still though!

Totally want the little pocket anyway now. Thank you everyone!