From Florida! Need help with how to dress kids for skiing?
Thursday, April 8th, 2010 at
8:18 am
We’re taking our family to Park City to go skiing. My kids were all born and raised here in Florida and we’re really out of our element. What are the warmest option for kids in terms of style and materials? We can’t wear wool. How do you layer – is it long johns, sweat pants and then ski pants? Any advice appreciated!
Tagged with: element • long johns • ski pants • sweat pants
Filed under: Kids Ski Gear
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There is a huge misconception that when people go skiing, that they should dress as warm as possible. I mean puffy jackets and layers upon layers upon layers of different heavy materials. This is really not the case. Dressing for skiing just means dressing a little warmer than you would in Florida. Good choice on Park City by the way. But back to the question: this is exactly what you need:
Layer 1 – NOTE: *do not leave out this layer, it is essential to comfort and survival – not really survival, but i’m trying to enforce a point here.* This layer is often referred to as the "wicking" layer, because the clothing includes a thin upper and lower layer that have the ability to move (wick) the moisture away from the skin and keep you dry. I recommend a polyester or another synthetic material for this purpose.
Layer 2 – This layer is often referred to as the "insulating" layer, because the clothes it includes are there to contain the heat to regulate your body temperature. Fleece jackets the most commonly used products in this area.
Layer 3 – This layer is often referred to as the "protection" layer, as its job is to defend you from the elements of wind, snow, and other moisture. Look for these jackets under the category of "winter/ski coats" in most stores. These are the thicker jackets that repel snow and rain. However, this layer should also be just loose enough to let sweat evaporate – another common misconception is that you won’t sweat when you ski – believe me, if you’re not covered in sweat at the end of a run, you’re not having a good time. The lower body layer of this should include "ski pants." If you purchase a well-insulated pair, only thermals (for wicking) and the ski pants should be necessary for lower body protection.
Depending on the weather conditions at the time, you may want to purchase thicker/thinner coats. If you feel that you are too hot, don’t hesitate to adapt and remove a layer.
Note that helmets are necessary and that if you choose not to use one, you are putting yourself at risk. Although I’m sure you are smart enough to wear a helmet, i am noting it anyway as a reminder.
Good luck, skier. Enjoy the trip!!!
Dress in layers like you said but there is a couple of things you need to do to ensure warmth.
For a base layer, this is excellent
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/sports/snow-sports/boys/ua-performance-layering/base-layer/pid1004780-Youth-ColdGear-UA-Base-2-0-Crew/1004780-001
and
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/sports/snow-sports/boys/ua-performance-layering/base-layer/pid1004781-Youth-ColdGear-UA-Base-2-0-Legging/1004781-001
you don’t want to wear anything cotton as it will get wet and make you cold
next comes layers of pants and sweatshirts, fleece is a good option. The number of layers depends on the temperatures
When is comes to base layer and mid layer i’ve always stuck to under armour because its quality stuff, its pricey but its worth it when you are warm and other people that go cheap are cold
here is a link to the snow sports section so you can look for fleece pants and sweatshirts if you don’t already have them
http://www.underarmour.com/shop/us/en/sports/snow-sports
when it comes to jackets and pants you want to try to stay at or above 10 K in breathability and waterproofing
dogfunk.com is a great site for getting quality gear at discounted prices
heres a link to their kids clothing section
http://www.dogfunk.com/dogfunk/cat/100000008/Kids.html
Multiple thin layers are the best way. Most parents will put too many layers on their children and then they overheat, sweat, freeze and get tired from dehydration. Under armor seems popular, the wicking layer is critical, forget the sweat pants, they do just that make you sweat, then your skin looses heat too fast and you freeze. With several thin layers you can easily adjust for temperature changes by opening or removing one layer at a time. Keep your ears covered if you are cold, this will help save your body heat. Keep hydrated, drink water, an adult will respirate about 2 L a day at modest altitude, this may lead to muscle cramps. Those need ice for about 20 minutes right after the exercise ends. Ski pants are water repellant, and close weave material that acts as a wind breaker, wear sunscreen when at high altitude the sun will burn right through a cloud layer. Fit the boots tight to your feet, a little looser for the kids. For you wear one pair of thicker type ski socks, do not double up in the boots. Take a series of lessons from a qualified professional instructor, this should have you skiing on the beginner chairlift in a couple of days. Do conditioning exercises before you go and sleep at a higher elevation to adjust to the air difference. Going from sea level to the mountains will take a couple of days to adjust. Welcome to the sport and have fun.
I live in utah, and i go snowboarding at least every other day in the winter. But what i put on is thermals (long johns), sweats or jeans what ever you prefer; sweats make it easier for you to move in, but jeans keep you warmer, than i put on ski pants.