What We Actually Wear on the Slopes: Family Ski Gear & Style Picks
Growing up in a small, mountain town definitely had its perks. From the time I was a little girl, I spent practically every winter weekend on the ski slopes with my family, and then friends. A full circle moment has been getting the chance to raise my kids in the same town, and watch them grow into confident young skiers who love the sport as much as I do. If the mountain is open, you probably know where to find us.
As a seasoned skier and mom, I know that having the right ski gear makes all the difference- especially when you’re outfitting the whole family for the slopes. Over the years, we’ve tested a lot of ski wear and equipment, from cozy base layers to outerwear that can handle long, cold days on the mountain. These are the pieces we reach for again and again because they are functional, comfortable, stylish (bonus points), and actually make skiing more fun for everyone.
Whether you are looking for long lasting gear that will grow with your family, or looking for a cute but functional ski look for an upcoming mountain getaway, I am sure this blog post will help you find ski pieces to keep your whole family feeling cozy and cute.
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My Favorite Ski Wear & Gear:
- Outerwear: I have tried a lot of ski wear brands over the years. I definitely want to look cute, but if the pieces aren’t functional, I am not purchasing them. You can easily find lots of cute ski looks at good prices but a few qualities that are non-negotiable for me when looking for ski gear are good waterproof material, PrimaLoft for cozy but thin layers, and the ability to withstand bitter cold and all the elements. If you are looking for great quality, mid-price point ski jackets and pants/bibs, my two favorite brands are Halfdays and Jorde. Both of the brand’s founders are former Olympic skiers and know how important quality ski wear is. I love that they both saw the need to add feminine silhouettes and styles to the male-dominant ski wear industry. I love every piece I own from both brands, I feel amazing in them, and love how they keep up with me on the mountain.
- Base Layers: Staying warm starts with a good base layer. I love merino wool base layers because they are moisture-wicking, work with your body to keep you the perfect temperature, keep you dry, and are so comfortable to keep you mobile on the slopes. I absolutely love this set, it is definitely my go-to base layer and I have it in so many colors. I also love Kari Traa base layers (another female founded brand), Halfdays, and anything Smartwool.
- Helmets, Goggles & Accessories:
- Helmets: I am just going to say before I go into detail, ‘no helmet, no respect’. I don’t care if you think they are ugly, there is no reason at this point in the game to not wear a helmet. They are comfortable, keep your head warm, and come in so many cute styles and colors. Throw your hair in a slick back and call it a day. The main thing to look for with ski helmets is a feature called MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system). It’s a layer inside the helmet that allows the head to move relative to the angled impacts that significantly reduces forces that can cause brain injuries like concussions. There are so many great helmets out there at all different price points. I own two that I love, this one from Smith, and my favorite is this style from Giro.
- Goggles: When it comes to ski goggles, the most important features are anti-fog, comfort, and good visibility. You can find great goggles at different price points. A good mid-range goggle that I have used for years in the Smith Squad MAG Goggles. I love that they come with two different lenses, a mirrored lens for sunny days, and one for low visibility days. Plus, I love the look of them with my helmet.
- Gloves: Cold hands are a deal breaker for most people so warm gloves/mittens are a must. I opt for mittens because they keep your hands a good bit warmer and are easy to throw and hand warmer into. You want a great waterproof glove or mitten that has layers to keep your hands warm. I love my Hestra mittens. I’ve never felt cold wearing them, and I love the built in bungie bracelets that allow me to easily take them off but keep them close by. I don’t have to worry about taking off a glove to check my watch on the chairlift and it falling to the trenches below, never to be found again.
- Ski Socks: The first pair of merino wool ski socks my husband wore changed his life forever. I love merino wool socks for the same reason I love base layers. They are so incredibly comfortable (I wear them all the time even when I am not skiing), and a thin layer keeps your toes cozier than a bulky pair made of different material would. They are moisture wicking, and allow your ski boots to fit properly and feel good. My favorite brands for ski socks are Bombas (so dang comfy), Smartwool, and Darn Tough (a Vermont-based brand I just love).
- Neck Gaiters: My current favorite neck warmer/gaiter is the Pullover by Powder Puff. I am next level obsessed, They are a quilted puffer material on the outside and made with merino wool and fleece on the inside. So cozy and chic plus make the cutest slope style accessory.
- Skis, Poles, Boots: I personally believe all of these things are preference and level-based, and recommend heading to your local ski shop to see if they offer demo days where you can test different boots and skis throughout a day to see which styles suit you best but I will tell you what I am currently riding, and why I love them.
- 4FRNT MSP CC Ski: This brand has such a cool story, definitely check them out to learn more. These skis are a great all-mountain ski. I feel like I can really use my edges and get some fun carving in. They are a great all terrain ski and can handle any conditions, have easy turn initiation, and have been a top rated ski in Ski Magazine for a few years in a row. They are fast, fun, and feel like I am flying. I am forever a 4FRNT girl.
- Blizzard Black Pearl 88 Ski: My second choice and a fun ski to hit the resort slopes on. Top-rated for easy turns and great grip through the turn. I demoed these a few years ago, and almost bought them. I felt like I had great control demoing these skis and loved the ride.
- Lange Shadow Ski Boot: I love the control these provide. I really feel like the power is coming from my shins and legs when I’m skiing a steep run and I love the easy grip bottoms that make it easy to walk in all conditions. They are the perfect amount of stiffness and comfort.
- Yardsale Poles: There are lots of great pole brands (Leki is a favorite) but I could not love my Yardsale poles more. They are magnetic, so I can keep them together on the lift and when carrying them to and from the car. Plus you can customize the colors which adds an element of fun and style. I customized mine to match the colors of my skis.
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My Kid’s Favorite Ski Wear & Gear: Tried, Tested & Loved
- The Base Layers We Swear By: A good base layer will keep a lot of tears on the mountain at bay, especially for kids who get cold easily. For warmer days, my kids wear this comfortable moisture-wicking set from Lands’ End paired with one of their pullover fleeces that has a streamlined fit to allow movement and mobility. On colder days, we opt for Smartwool sets and layer the same fleece over top.
- Outerwear that Actually Holds Up: There is only one brand we love a trust for kids outerwear, and that’s Northern Classics. Founded by a mom of four who made it her mission to create an outerwear brand that keeps up and is simultaneously ‘Instagram photo-worthy’. Northern Classics has thought of features no other brand has like mitten clips and all of the outerwear is made from premium waterproof materials, PrimaLoft insulations that delivers warmth without bulk. My kids live in these outerwear pieces in the colder months, and it’s the only outerwear brand I have purchased for my kids since my son was an infant. They also have amazing accessories like mittens, neck warmers, and beanies.
- Helmets, Goggles & Accessories: Safety and comfort go hand in hand. Well-fitting MIPS helmets, and comfy anti-fog goggles that fit small faces are essentials. For the tiniest skiers, I love these Smith Rascal Goggles. My son wore them when he was 2 and 3. He’s now upgraded to the Giro Buster goggles that are slightly bigger, but made for the littles on the ski slopes. For helmets, I recommend the Smith Glide Jr. for toddlers. My kids both wear the Giro Crue Mips Helmet now. For neck gaiters and warmers, my kids love to wear Northern Classics neck warmers that match their outerwear, my son LOVES his Turtle Fur overhood that goes over his ski helmet and keeps him warm on colder days. My kids also wear Northern Classics mittens that connect directly to their jackets thanks to the built in mitten clip. We never take them off unless I am washing their gear, and we haven’t lost a glove since we started wearing Northern Classics. For ski socks, I opt for Smartwool or Darn Tough merino wool socks for the kids.
- Snow Boots: My kids love these pull-on snow boots from Lands’ End, they have great traction and are a great price point and easy for kids to pull on and off.
- Ski Aids for Little Skiers: We started our kids skiing fairly young. My youngest wanted to keep up with his older sister, so we used quite a few more aids with him initially. Here are my favorites:
- Edgie Wedgie: Since little kids are not able to hold a strong pizza because they don’t have the muscle development or strength, this tool often comes in handy. This little bungie clips to the end of their skis and allows them to hold a better pizza on steeper hills, and helps build the muscles needed to pizza/turn on their own. I also love this version that is similar but easier to attach to skis.
- Launchpad Harness: This harness comes with a leash to allow you to gradually give your little skier independence on the slope while being tethered to you. I used this a good bit with my son, but I caution that you should not use the handle to pick your child up onto or off of the chairlift because they can slip out of it in rare occasions. I always picked my kids up by their torso to place them on the lift.
- Kindervest: In my opinion (and every ski instructor’s) this is the safest harness/vest. You can pick your kids up by the handles with it, and it allows you to give them independence without being tethered or leashed, while still having the ability to guide them or help them on/off lifts.
- Slope Rope: What I upgraded to with my kids when they no longer needed a leash but still needed some help steering/balancing.
- Apple Air Tag: I put an Apple air tag in the bibs of both my kids’ outerwear so I am able to track them if we ever get separated or they are in a lesson.
- Gizmo Watch: My 11 year old uses the Gizmo watch to text us when she is done with lessons and we can also track her on it. It’s very limited and she is only given permission to communicate with us and a handful of other family members.
Ski Trip Style:
If you have ski trip planned, I am sure you are looking for some chic slope style fashion for Après ski and beyond. Once the ski boots come off, it’s all about relaxed luxury-think chunky fair isle sweaters, faux fur accents, leggings, or relaxed denim, and the chicest, coziest boots you own. This is the moment for textures: shearling, knits, fleece, and soft cashmere blends. Slip into statement snow boots, or chunky clogs and throw on a quilted puffer or faux fur coat. Add your favorite drink weather it be hot cocoa or an Aperol spritz and cozy up by the fireside or grab a casual dinner in the ski village.
Kid’s Ski Trip Style:
When it comes to a family ski trip, kids’ style needs to do it all. I love a fun intarsia ski sweater styled with corduroy pants, joggers, or leggings for a cute look to cozy up with a hot cocoa after the slopes or go on an Après ski adventure. Many ski resorts have ice skating, and fun activities for the kids, and often an outdoor pool if you’re up for the polar plunge. I always pack cute, cozy layers that they can live in, and often add a swimsuit or two in case we want to take a dip in the pool or sauna after a day on the mountain. Minnow is our favorite kids’ swimwear brand and they just launched the cutest Après Ski capsule collection. I also love a cute ski-inspired pajama set to add to the packing list-Petite Plume has four darling ski/snow prints right now!
Have a Great Ski Season:
If you’re gearing up for a ski trip or season, these family favorite picks are a great place to start. They’re practical, stylish, and proven to work for skiers of all abilities and ages-because the best days on the mountain are the ones where everyone’s smiling at the end of the day. Skiing has been one of my family’s favorite things to do together, I will always cherish our days on the mountain together and I hope this post helps you feel better prepared, and inspired to hit the slopes with your own family this year!
Remember, never say ‘last run’, tips up, and…
…PRAY FOR SNOW!
xoxo, Kalyn
