I know it may seem more than a little silly to take ski / cold weather clothing advice from a Floridian.  But hear me out, I cannot stand to be cold and have done some serious research.  I prefer to be toasty while skiing or in the snow rather than cold!  I remember in 2019, when we were packing for a ski/sightseeing trip for the boys in Switzerland, asking around to anyone who would answer on what all we needed to bring.  Since then we have skied in Big Sky Montana with our friends for two spring breaks, and are headed there again for our February break.  I am excited that in February it will likely be a ton of snow!  But it’ll also be COLDer than spring skiing.  So for Christmas, many gifts for the kids, JB, and for myself were ski related.

Worth The Investment for quality items

If you are planning on going year after year, like we are, it’s good to go ahead and invest in the good stuff.  And a classic silhouette /style you won’t get bored of!    Or buy second hand.  or Rent – you can even find plenty on Rent the Runway.  My favorite brands are Boden, Obermeyer, Spyder- for the kids.  For JB, he has a Helly Hansen ski suit.  For me, I have a perfect moment one (bought second hand on the real real), and I’m trying out Halfdays this year!    I will keep you posted.  

etiquette on borrowing ski clothes

I think it’s totally great to borrow- especially kids stuff since they are always outgrowing it all!  I always offer it up, if someone has a different spring break.  Wesleys Spyder one piece that I got second hand has been worn by many friends.  I love those pics!  So if you are reasonably close with someone, I think  it’s fine to ask to borrow their ski stuff.  Every time ours has been returned in good condition, occasionally dry cleaned, and if something is broken or lost (like a mitten) they have replaced it.  So as long as you give it back in good condition, I think it’s a great way to go.  Another reason I love to buy quality items is that it can go through a ton of kids, and still look new!    

What you’ll need to stay warm while skiing:

A really good baselayer: tight fitting thin base layer.

The boys have these Helly Hansen merino/life tech combo base layers.  They are their warmest, and they do the trick wicking away moisture, keeping them warm.  We seem to be constantly doing laundry on a ski trip, but still I bring a few pairs.  This is a nice set that’s not so bulky and is reasonably priced.  The main thing is to have it moisture wicking.  Smartwool seems to be the way to go, to keep super warm.  But there are plenty of similarly constructed smartwool-like base layers on amazon.  My own favorite are some Alo Leggings, but I’m not seeing them available.  This year, I’m also getting a set of Sweaty Betty’s for the coldest days.    I like to pick solid colors, so I won’t get sick of them year after year.  For ski stuff in general, I lean toward classic styles!  

A Midlayer –  An insulating mid-layer which is usually a fleece.

Depends on how cold you get, but I like to also add in a mid layer.  For the boys I opted for this Helly Hansen one.  They love all things camo, so it was perfect for them.  Mine is this HH one!  

Ski Socks are a must and really good gloves

Not just thick wool socks, which are just fine for lounging but you need specific ski socks.  I love the smartwool ones, but we also have plenty from Amazon.  Even when it’s cold, your feet will still sweat when you are skiing.  So it’s imperative to have ski socks that wick away moisture, to prevent frost bite and to keep you warm/dry.  

I feel like gloves are something that would ideally be tried on in store!

 

balaclava

This is a must for us – it’ll protect your face, ears, head from the wind and cold.  Both John and I have especially sensitive ears, so having them covered + a helmet is the way to go.  We have used this one for us and also this one for the kids.  

Winter Weather Boots

I love Sorels for the whole family. We have bought Boden too, which are cute and comfy and similar protection against the weather. But I think Sorels are probably a bit more heavy duty!

The Ski Clothes

Finally getting to the ski clothes part! You’ll want something waterproof, so if you fall, it will wick off and won’t get to you.

For the kids: I love bright colors on my boys, so I can easily spot them on the slopes. I feel like the more intense the print, the better for spotting them. We have used a jumpsuit, a bib + jacket. So many options like obermeyer, Boden, Spyder, marmot, hello Hansen to name a few.

For women: Similar options as the kids. Stay tuned on how the female designed ski brand Half Days is on me.

for men: check out Rei, where you’ll find all the major brands

Ski Helmet, protect your brain and also keeps you warm.

If it has Mips, and it fits – you are good to go! MIPS means Multi-directional Impact Protection System and it’s a carefully engineered protective system that is integrated into the internal parts of the ski helmet and can protect your brain should you have any impact.

There are plenty of them on Amazon. You can rent them at your ski shop. But I do recommend trying them on before you go to make sure it fits. Even in Florida, we have store’s like REI that has ski helmets you can try on. Smiths and Giro are currently two really nice brands to look for.

 

Ski Goggles

Not to keep you warm, but it is nice to see! Just like swim goggles, you want them to fit, so best if you can try on in person.

 

I know it’s A LOT to think about. And definitely allot more time to getting ready with kids than you think you need! But from the smiles on my kids faces, it’s worth it.