Taking the kids to the snow for the first time? The gear question can feel overwhelming — and a single afternoon hiring everything at the resort can cost more than buying half of it outright. The good news: kids don't need a mountain of equipment to have a brilliant day at Perisher or Selwyn. They need to be warm, dry and able to move. Get those three right and they'll be building snowmen and demanding hot chips long after you're ready to head in.
This is a no-nonsense rundown of exactly what your kids actually need for the snow, what you can skip, and how to size it so it lasts more than one growth spurt. Everything here is sorted in our kids' snow clothing range, and we fit families across the counter at Vineyard every season — so this is the same advice, written down.
The golden rule: layers, not one big coat
Kids feel the cold faster than adults and they run hot when they're charging around, then chill the second they stop. One thick coat can't cope with that swing. Layering is the answer — it lets you add or strip a layer as they heat up and cool down, and it keeps them dry, which is what actually keeps them warm. Three thin layers beat one thick one every time.
The system is exactly the same as an adult's: a thermal base layer against the skin, a warm mid layer, and a waterproof outer. The one rule to drill in — absolutely no cotton, no jeans, no trackies. Cotton soaks up moisture and snow, goes cold and stays cold, and a wet, freezing kid is a day-ender. This is the single most common mistake families make.
The essentials: what they genuinely need
Here's the real list — the gear that makes or breaks the day.
1. Waterproof snow jacket
The outer shield against snow, wind and wet. Look for a 10,000mm waterproof rating or better (our snow is wet), taped seams, and a snug hood. Our kids' snow jackets are built for exactly our conditions, and many include handy "grow" features like fold-down cuffs that extend the sleeve as your child grows.
2. Waterproof snow pants
Kids spend half their snow day sitting, sliding and falling in the snow, so waterproof pants matter as much as the jacket — arguably more. Go for a bib or high-waisted style for little ones; it stops snow getting up their back when they tumble. See our kids' snow pants and bibs for the right cut.
3. Thermal base layer
A snug thermal top and bottom (merino or technical synthetic) trap warmth and wick sweat. This is the unsung hero — a cheap, light layer that does a huge amount of the work. Our kids' thermals are the warm foundation everything else builds on.
4. Waterproof gloves or mittens
Cold hands end snow days faster than anything else. For younger kids, mittens beat gloves — fingers share warmth and they're far easier to get on. They must be waterproof, not knitted woollen gloves (those soak through in minutes). Browse kids' snow gloves and mittens, and grab a spare pair — wet gloves are a guarantee.
5. Beanie or helmet, plus goggles
A lot of heat escapes through the head. A warm beanie is the minimum; a helmet is strongly recommended for any child skiing or boarding, and many resorts encourage it. Add goggles to protect little eyes from glare, wind and snow — sunnies fall off and don't seal. See kids' goggles and helmets together.
6. Warm, tall socks
One pair of proper merino or technical snow socks, pulled up tall over the calf so they don't bunch inside the boot. Not two pairs — doubling up cuts circulation and makes feet colder. And never cotton sports socks.
What you can skip (at least to start)
Don't blow the budget on a first trip. Plenty of gear is genuinely optional until you know they're hooked:
- Their own skis or board: Hire or use lesson packages for the first few trips. Kids grow out of hard goods fast and lessons usually include them.
- Their own snowboard boots: Worth buying once they're committed and riding regularly — see fitting tips below — but hire to start.
- Expensive branded everything: Kids are tough on gear and grow out of it. Solid mid-range that fits and is genuinely waterproof beats a premium label they'll outgrow in a season.
- Heated gadgets and extras: Hand warmers are a nice cheap bonus, but heated socks and the like are overkill for a kid's first season.
Sizing kids' snow gear: the growing-room balance
The eternal parent puzzle — buy big so it lasts, or buy fitted so it works? The answer is a bit of both, and it depends on the item.
| Item | Sizing approach | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket & pants | One size up is fine | Layers fill the gap; cuffs/hems can be rolled. Best value for growth. |
| Thermals / base layer | True to size (snug) | Must sit close to skin to wick and warm. Too big = cold gaps. |
| Gloves / mittens | True to size, slight room | A little room is warm; too big and snow gets in, dexterity drops. |
| Boots (snowboard/ski) | Half a size max | Too big ruins control and causes blisters. Fit closely. |
| Helmet | True to size, snug | Safety item — must fit correctly to protect. Never size up. |
Trojan tip: a jacket and pants one size up is the smart play for growth, but never size up a helmet or boots. A loose helmet won't protect properly, and oversized boots make learning miserable and cause blisters. If you're buying kids' snowboard boots, fit them like adult boots — snug, with at most half a size of growing room — and check the brand size chart on the product page.
Quick checklist before you leave home
Run through this the night before and you won't get caught short at the gate:
- Waterproof jacket + snow pants (or bib)
- Thermal top + bottoms (no cotton)
- Mid layer — fleece or hoodie
- Waterproof gloves/mittens — plus a spare pair
- Beanie and/or helmet + goggles
- Tall merino snow socks (one pair, no doubling up)
- Neck warmer or balaclava for cold, windy days
- Sunscreen (snow glare burns fast) and a small backpack for shed layers and snacks
Frequently asked questions
What should kids wear under their snow gear?
A thermal base layer (merino or technical synthetic) top and bottom against the skin, then a fleece or hoodie mid layer. Never cotton, jeans or trackpants — they hold moisture and go cold, which ends the day quickly.
Do kids really need snow goggles, or will sunnies do?
Goggles are well worth it. They seal out wind and snow, won't fall off in a tumble, and protect against intense snow glare far better than sunglasses. For any child skiing or boarding, goggles are the sensible choice.
Is it cheaper to buy or hire kids' snow gear?
For soft goods — jackets, pants, thermals, gloves — buying almost always wins if you'll go more than once, and you can pass it down. For hard goods like skis, boards and boots that kids quickly outgrow, hiring or lesson packages make sense until they're committed.
How many layers do kids need at the snow?
Three: a thermal base layer, a warm mid layer (fleece or hoodie), and a waterproof outer jacket and pants. Layers let you adjust as they heat up running around and cool down on the chairlift — far better than one thick coat.
Sorted for the snow — shop kids' gear
Kitting kids out for the snow isn't complicated once you know the essentials: warm, dry, layered, and sized so it lasts. Skip the hard goods to start, never compromise on waterproofing or a properly fitted helmet, and you'll have happy little riders all day.
Browse the full kids' snow clothing range to tick off the list in one go, or grab a deal from what's currently kids' snow gear on sale. Afterpay's available, shipping's free on orders over $99, and our team in-store at Vineyard will happily help you size everything up before your trip — so the only thing left to pack is the excitement.
