Kids' Snow Gear

To stay warm and dry in the snow, kids should wear several layers, starting with a synthetic, moisture-wicking base layer against their skin. Next, add an insulating layer, like fleece or wool. Finally, top it off with a waterproof outer layer, including a warm down coat, waterproof pants, boots, and gloves or mittens. Don't forget a hat to keep their head warm, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect their face. If your child is planning on any sort of downhill activity, like skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or sledding, you should also consider a helmet and snow goggles!

There’s no definitive answer to whether skiing or snowboarding is easier for kids. That said, skiing often feels more natural at first, due to its similarities to walking and running, independent leg movement, and gentler beginner slopes. Most children under the age of six typically have an easier time skiing! However, snowboarding may be easier if your child has experience with other board sports, such as skateboarding, wakeboarding, or surfing. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the child's age, athletic ability, and personality. Both activities can be safely enjoyed by children. The best way to find out is to let your child try both and see which they enjoy more! Many resorts offer lessons for skiing and snowboarding, and some even have programs specifically designed to introduce young children to both sports.

While some ski schools offer programs for children as young as 2 or 3 years old, most experts agree that around 4 or 5 is the ideal age to start skiing. By this age, children typically have the physical and cognitive development needed to understand and follow instructions, maintain balance, and control their movements on skis. However, every child is different, and some may be ready earlier or later depending on their individual development and interest.

Snow goggles are a must-have for kids hitting the slopes, offering crucial protection and comfort. They shield young eyes from the intense glare reflecting off the snow, which can cause both short-term discomfort and long-term damage. But it's not just about the sun! Goggles also form a barrier against wind, snow, and cold, preventing watery eyes and irritation. Even on mellow days, visibility can change quickly in the mountains, with falling snow, fog, or even just the spray kicked up by other skiers, and goggles ensure kids can clearly see where they're going and avoid obstacles.

It’s less common for children to wear goggles when sledding or tubing, but it’s just as good of an idea, for all the same reasons listed above. During any downhill activity, snow goggles will protect kids’ eyes from the cold, snow, ice, wind, and debris, ensuring a safer, comfortable, and more enjoyable experience all around!

Finding the perfect pair of ski goggles for your child is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience on the slopes. For starters, don’t consider goggles that don’t provide full UV protection. (The sun's rays are more intense at higher altitudes, and snow reflects up to 90% of UV radiation.) Next, consider the lens tint, and look for interchangeable lenses if possible. To maintain clear vision, you should also prioritize anti-fog coatings and good ventilation. On-head comfort is key, so explore features like soft, flexible frames, and triple-layer foam padding for a snug, breathable fit.

Durability is also important. Don’t buy kids’ snow goggles unless they have scratch-resistant lenses and rugged frames. If your child wears prescription glasses, be sure their goggles are OTG (over the glasses) compatible, like our Dipper Plus. Finally, it also helps to make sure your kid’s goggles are compatible with their helmet. (When you shop both from retrospec, you don’t have to worry about that.) Oh, and don't forget the fun factor! Let your child choose a style and color scheme that reflects their personality, encouraging them to wear their goggles every time they hit the slopes!

The three basic ski goggle lens shapes are cylindrical, spherical, and toric. Let’s break them down.

• Cylindrical lenses are horizontally curved, but vertically flat. This design was standard for ski goggles for many years, and it's still common in some models at lower price points. While they offer decent optics and a stylish “old-school” look, cylindrical lenses have some drawbacks. The flat vertical plane can cause visual distortion, especially at the edges of your vision. Cylindrical lenses also tend to create more glare because of the flat surfaces reflecting light.
• Spherical lenses, on the other hand, are curved both horizontally and vertically, mimicking the shape of the human eye. This curvature provides a wider field of view and significantly reduces distortion, giving a more natural, accurate visual experience. Think of it like looking through a bubble—the image remains clear and undistorted no matter where you look. This is particularly beneficial for young skiers who are still learning to navigate the slopes and need to be able to accurately judge distances and terrain. The curved surface of spherical lenses also minimizes glare, especially important in bright, snowy conditions. Finally, the shape of spherical lenses creates more volume inside the goggles, improving ventilation and reducing fogging, a common issue with kids who tend to generate more heat and moisture.
• Toric lenses are somewhere in between. A toric lens has more curvature horizontally, less curvature vertically, but isn’t flat. This is the most optically-true lens choice because the lens closely follows the shape of your face. Still, the horizontal curve provides excellent peripheral vision and enough room between your face and the lens to minimize fog.
This is why our Dipper and Dipper Plus kids’ snow goggles both use spherical lenses. We find they make for superior optics, reduced distortion, and wider field of view, as well as anti-glare properties and enhanced ventilation.

Not all kids’ snow goggles have interchangeable lenses, but the best—like our Dipper Plus— do! Different lenses are designed to filter light differently (at retrospec, we offer kids’ goggle lenses ranging from 5% VLT [visible light transmission] all the way up to 44% VLT), so you can customize your child’s goggles for ideal performance, whether it's a bright, sunny day with high glare, cloudy overcast day, or snowy whiteout. Our kids’ interchangeable snow goggle lenses, which attach to the lens frame via a magnetic rim, make it easy for your child to swap tint levels all by themselves.

Yes, absolutely! Helmets are crucial for kids when skiing and snowboarding. Just like when riding a kids’ bike, helmets provide protection against head injuries in case of falls or collisions. The slopes can be unpredictable, with icy patches, changing terrain, and other skiers and snowboarders to navigate. Even the most experienced skiers and snowboarders wipe out now and then—so young, new riders are particularly at risk—and a helmet significantly reduces the risk of head trauma.

Beyond safety, helmets offer additional benefits like warmth and comfort. Many helmets have adjustable vents for temperature control and cozy linings to keep little heads warm on chilly days. Wearing a helmet also sets a good example for other kids and reinforces the importance of safety on the slopes. By making helmets a non-negotiable part of their ski or snowboard gear, you can help your child develop good habits and prioritize their well-being, all while enjoying the thrill of winter sports.

To ensure your child's safety on the slopes, choose a ski or snowboard helmet with a durable outer shell (ABS), an impact-absorbing EPS foam interior, and good ventilation. Check if your helmet meets safety standards where you live, which can vary by country. You should also find a helmet that fits snug without wobbling, and features an adjustable fit system like the ErgoKnob dial adjuster on our Comstock Youth Helmet. Prioritize overall comfort with a lightweight design, soft padding, and a secure, padded chin strap. Don’t forget to consider compatibility with your child’s snow goggles. Finally, let your child choose a color or design they love to encourage them to wear it on the slopes. Remember to replace the helmet after any significant impact!

There is no significant difference between ski and snowboard helmets for kids. Both are designed to meet the same safety standards for impact protection in snow sports. Any perceived differences are mostly stylistic, with snowboard helmets sometimes featuring a more rounded, skater-inspired shape, and ski helmets appearing more streamlined and aerodynamic. However, both types will protect your child's head equally well, whether they're skiing or snowboarding. The most important factor is choosing a helmet that fits properly, is comfortable, and meets basic safety certifications like EN-1077.

Kids can start snowshoeing as young as 3 or 4 years old. However, just like riding a bike, it really depends on the child's individual development and interest. Some toddlers might enjoy short walks in snowshoes, while others might not be ready until age 5 or 6. The key is to start with easy, flat terrain and keep the outings short and fun. As their balance and stamina improves, you can gradually increase the duration and difficulty of your kid’s snowshoe adventures.

Yes, snowshoeing is great for kids! It's a fun way to get exercise in the winter, explore nature, and develop a love for the outdoors. It also improves balance and coordination, builds strength and endurance, and provides a low-impact workout. Compared to skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing is extremely low-speed and doesn’t require as much coordination, making it easy to monitor your child and less likely to result in injury. It’s also a relatively easy activity to learn, so it’s accessible to kids of all ages and abilities.

Like any snowshoe, kids’ snowshoes should be sized by weight. The more you weigh, the bigger the shoe you’ll need to distribute that weight over the surface of the snow. Our Drifter Kids’ Snowshoe Bundle is available either with 14-inch snowshoes for children under 50 pounds, or 17-inch snowshoes for kids from 50 to 100 pounds. The included trekking poles, meanwhile, are adjustable from 27 up to 35 inches to easily accommodate a growing child!

While not essential for flat terrain, snowshoeing poles offer great benefits for kids. They lessen leg fatigue and improve balance and stability, especially on hills. Consider adjustable poles with snow baskets, and let your child try snowshoeing both with and without them to see what works best. The best kids’ snowshoes—like our Drifter Kids’ Snowshoe Bundle—will come with poles anyway, so your child can try them out and see what they think. On mellow days, they may choose to leave the poles at home, but in many situations (especially as they’re learning), your kid will probably be glad to have poles for snowshoeing!

Teaching kids to snowshoe is a fun and rewarding experience for all involved! Start by choosing a day with good weather and suitable snow conditions—not too icy or deep. Make sure your child has warm, waterproof clothing, and properly fitted snowshoes and poles. Begin on a flat, open area where they can practice walking with a wider stance than usual (to avoid stepping on their own snowshoes). Encourage them to lift their feet a bit higher than normal, but to take shorter, more measured strides.

As they get comfortable, introduce gentle slopes and show them how to use their poles for balance. Keep the outings short and fun, with plenty of breaks for snacks and hot chocolate. You can make it more engaging by playing games like “follow the leader” or setting up a snowshoe scavenger hunt. Remember to always accompany your kids when they’re learning to snowshoe, and stay on established trails. Most importantly, be patient and encouraging, and remember that the goal is to have a good time!