Making sure your kids are warm and dry on the slopes is vital. If you want them to make the most of their ski lessons, you better make sure their clothing is up to the task
Ski pants are an integral part of any kids mountain experience. They keep out the elements in harsh weather conditions, while also providing comfort and practicality.
Every product has its own key features, so choosing the best ski pants for kids can be a challenge. That’s where this guide comes in, giving you the information required to find the most suitable option
We firmly believe that a good pair of kids ski pants is an important part of a fantastic ski trip. That’s why we’ve listed the pros and cons of every option, helping you make an informed purchase
Best Ski Pants For Kids At A Glance
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Why Do I Need The Best Ski Pants For Kids?
Being warm, dry and comfortable is vital for any kid looking to enjoy their ski slope experience. This means that having the best ski pants can be enough to transform a good holiday into a great one.
Getting the wrong ski pants can cause multiple issues. Poor quality options are often restrictive, impractical, cold, permeable and lacking durability; all of which will hinder on-snow enjoyment.
The better-made products on this list are built to last. They provide warmth and durability through quality materials, while also being adjustable to accommodate growth.
If you get the right skiwear, it can be viewed as good investment – even if your kids are still growing!
How To Choose The Best Ski Pants For Kids
Weather Proofing
Making sure your kids are warm and dry is the first step to a great day on the slopes. The ski pants you choose will make a big difference in making sure this happens.
Each pair of kids ski pants will use different materials. Fabrics such as nylon and polyester are commonly used on the outside for their waterproofing qualities. The lining will often use a different material, with fleece a common option due to its warming characteristics.
The middle layers of the pants often contain the majority of the insulating materials; with the priority usually focussed around making them warm without added weight.
Try to choose the best level of weather proofing for your ski destination. Remember; overheating can also be an uncomfortable experience.
Durability
Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing ski pants. The last thing you need is your pants ripping while you’re on the mountain!
Materials used and quality of design are important contributing factors that need to be considered. Additionally, many of the best kids ski pants have reinforced the most common ‘wear and tear’ sections.
Buying good quality gear should always be viewed as an investment. We’re sure you don’t want to be buying new skiwear before every trip to the mountains.
Sizing & Adjustability
Getting the right size is important. This can become challenging when shopping online, so make sure you take the correct measurements and follow the size charts provided by the manufacturer.
In order to make this process easier, many of the best kids ski pants are adjustable. This allows for a tailored fit, while also providing some extra room for sudden growth spurts.
Style
Kids ski pants generally come in two different styles; regular pants or bib (overalls). Which one you choose is based on personal preference, but each option does have some key benefits.
Regular ski pants are easy to take on and off, can feel less restrictive and have the feeling of normal trousers – which many kids love.
Ski bib’s (also known as ‘overalls’) can provide an extra layer of warmth for your child’s midsection. They also help to stop snow getting down their waist – which especially important for kids who love playing in the snow.
The best style is based on the personal preference of each child, along with what is most practical. Usually, making sure they’re comfortable should be your first priority.
Best Ski Pants For Kids Reviewed
Arctic Quest Children’s Ski Pants
Key Features
- Insulation: Polyester Fill
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Material: Polyester
- Size Adjustable: Waist
These kids ski pants from Arctic Quest are more than capable of keeping most children happy on the slopes. They are wind-resistant, water repellent and water-resistant; providing great quality weatherproofing.
Although not fully waterproof, these snow pants have proven to be excellent at keeping out snow-created moisture. Their lining and insulation are both made entirely from polyester, used for its heat retention and weatherproofing properties.
They are also built to be durable, with articulated knee panels making sure they last the test of time. Additionally, they have an adjustable waist that makes it possible to reuse them for multiple seasons.
The Arctic Quest Children’s Ski Pants are a great choice due to their weatherproofing, durability and adjustability. They are also some of the best value around, making them a popular choice.
Pros
- Water and wind resistant
- Adjustable waist
- Extra durable knees
- O-ring waist attachment
- Machine washable
- Secure storage pockets
- Cost effective
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
- Size can run large
Arctix Kids’ Insulated Snow Bib
Key Features
- Insulation: ‘ThermaTech’ lightweight
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Material: Other materials
- Size Adjustable: Suspenders
The Arctix Kids’ Insulated Snow Bib is an excellent choice to keep your kids protected from the snow. Its ‘bib overalls’ style provides additional upper-body protection for extra warmth.
They use a material that is water-resistant and wind resistant, while also remaining breathable. This material has also been proven to wick away body moisture, making these overalls great for warmer ‘spring skiing’ days.
‘ThermaTech’ insulation uses heat-trapping micro chambers to provide warmth, while still remaining lightweight. Additionally, they are also built to last, with fully adjustable suspenders for any upcoming growth spurts.
This is one of the best snow bibs on the market; providing warmth, adjustability and durability for a budget friendly price.
Pros
- Warm and lightweight insulation
- Water and wind resistant
- Wicks body moisture
- Adjustable suspenders
- Zipper upper body closure
- Reinforced ankle, scuff and hem guards
- Machine washable
- Wide range of colours available
- Budget friendly price
Cons
- Stitching quality not the best
- Outer material can tear
Columbia Kids’ Bugaboo Ski Pants
Key Features
- Insulation: ‘Omni-Heat’
- Waterproof: Fully Waterproof
- Material: Polyester, Nylon
- Size Adjustable: Waist
The Columbia Kids’ Bugaboo Ski Pants are some of the best on the market. They are made to the highest quality, as you would expect from a Columbia product.
These pants use ‘omni-tech’ to provide a waterproof and breathable outer layer, making them perfect for all conditions. Additionally; they use a heat reflective liner that is designed to maintain warmth, while also allowing moisture to be dissipated.
They also have an adjustable waist, making sure there is plenty of wiggle room for growing skiers. With durability in mind, they have reinforced the knees and cuffs to make sure they last for multiple seasons.
These Columbia ski pants are some of the best on the market. They are adaptable to all weather conditions, fully waterproof and are made to last for many years.
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Air-permeable material
- Heat reflective insulation
- Dissipate moisture
- Reinforced knees and cuffs
- Adjustable waist
- Multiple colour options
Cons
- Leg length can run short
- Top price bracket
TSLA Youth Winter Cargo Ski Pants
Key Features
- Insulation: Insulation padding
- Waterproof: Water repellent
- Material: Anti-static fabric
- Size Adjustable: Waist
The TSLA Youth Winter Cargo Ski Pants are fantastic at keeping kids warm and dry on the slopes. They use a 3-layer construction that is designed to keep them warm and breathable in all conditions.
The liner uses an anti-static fabric with a layer of insulation padding. The outer layer features ‘Ripstop duratex’ material, designed to be extra durable.
They also have reinforced knees and ankle hems, adding to their durability. With practicality in mind, they have also included an adjustable waist and easy access pockets.
These are some of the best ski pants for kids. They have a great range of features and have been specifically designed with longevity in mind.
Pros
- Durable ‘ripstop’ fabric
- Anti-static liner
- Water repellent
- Reinforced knees and hems
- Insulating padding
- Reasonable price
Cons
- May not be washing machine friendly
- Not always the warmest
Arctix Youth Ski Pants
Key Features
- Insulation: ‘ThermaTech’ lightweight
- Waterproof: Water-resistant
- Material: Polyester, Other materials
- Size Adjustable: Waist
The Arctix Youth ski pants are one of the best options around. They use reinforced knees, seat and ankle guards to deliver great durability.
They use a ‘Polyester Dobby’ shell with a ‘Thermalock’ coating, providing weather protection while also remaining lightweight. Underneath, the ‘ThermaTech’ insulation provides lightweight ‘non-bulky’ warmth.
These pants are made to be water repellent, adding to their weather-resisting abilities. They also add practicality with an adjustable waist and easy to use pockets.
These Arctix Youth Ski Pants are more than capable of keeping kids warm, dry and comfortable. They are designed to be lightweight and flexible, giving your child the freedom to enjoy their ski time this winter.
Pros
- Water repellent
- Reinforced knees, seat, ankles
- Water-resistant coating
- Lightweight insulation
- Flexible outer fabric
- Machine washable
- Multiple colour options
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
- Could be more durable
Summing Up
Getting the right pants is a vital part of any kids ski trip. They provide the warmth and comfort necessary for your kids to excel on the slopes.
Each product has its own features, so make sure you take the time to assess the options and make an informed decision. Hopefully with this guide, you are one step closer to having a great family ski trip this season.
James is the founder of SnowSunSee. He started skiing when he was five years old and has been a qualified ski instructor for 8 years. He has taught skiing in many countries, including UK, Europe, Japan, China and Malaysia. When he’s not on the slopes, James spends his time travelling the world one trail at a time.