When stocking up on winter gear, don’t forget about your kids. Whether they’re just getting into skiing or snowboarding, or are ready for an upgrade, this gear guide is covering our Outdoor Experts’ top pics for kids’ winter gear. Below you’ll find mountain essentials of all kinds, from hardgoods to base layers to accessories like helmets and hats. All are made not just in kids’ sizes, but with kids in mind. Meaning, boots that are easy to get on and off, neck gaiters in fun and colorful prints, and goggles that can be worn over glasses and that pair seamlessly with helmets. That way, your kids can spend less time suiting up, and more time having fun outside this winter.
Table of Contents
Best Kids' Skis
Best Kids' Ski Boots
Best Kids' Snowboards
Best Kids' Snowboard Boots
Best Kids' Snowboard Bindings
Warmest Kids' Base Layers for Skiing and Snowboarding
Best Kids' Ski and Snowboard Socks
Kids' Helmets, Goggles, Gloves, and Winter Accessories
Sizing Kids' Ski and Snowboard Gear: Questions Parents Ask
Best Kids' Skis
Blizzard Kids' Canvas Jr Skis w/ FDT 7.0 Bindings
Blizzard Kids' Canvas Jr. Skis with FDT 7.0 Bindings are built for young skiers who want to explore the mountain with creativity and confidence. Designed with a playful shape and forgiving feel, these skis encourage kids to learn tricks, ski switch, and build skills all over the resort. Complete with FDT 7.0 bindings, this setup delivers a simple and confidence-inspiring package for young skiers ready to have fun everywhere on the hill.
Blizzard Kids' Anomaly Jr. Skis w/ FDT 7.0 Bindings
Inspired by the adult Anomaly series, the Blizzard Kids’ Anomaly Jr. Skis with FDT 7.0 Bindings combine a stable feel with easy handling to make learning more fun and less intimidating. These skis also come with bindings for a reliable all-mountain setup.
Best Kids' Ski Boots
Salomon Kids' T3 RT Ski Boots
The Salomon T3 RT Ski Boots feature a thin shell construction, providing easy flex and making them simple to put on and take off. The My ThermicFit Junior liner ensures warmth and comfort, while the Alpine pads and Gripwalk-ready compatibility offer versatile performance. Plus, these boots are perfect for rental environments, including a rental barcode sticker and color-coded binding compatibility.
Elan Kids' EZYY 1 Ski Boots
The Elan EZYY 1 Ski Boots are designed to help young skiers learn quickly while enjoying comfort and flexibility. Built with Elan's U-Flex technology, these boots flex naturally with the skier's movements to make carving and turning easier on the slopes. The adjustable volume plate means that each boot size can accommodate three different foot sizes, allowing the boot to grow with your child.
Best Kids' Snowboards
CAPiTA Youth Brigade Snowboard
Built with a true twin shape and Park V1 camber profile, the CAPiTA Youth Brigade Snowboard delivers the response and stability needed for learning spins, jumps, side hits, and park laps. Its lightweight Poplar core provides a forgiving feel while maintaining the pop and durability needed for growing riders.
Burton Kids Custom Smalls Camber Snowboard
Burton built their Kids Custom Smalls Camber Snowboard with a true twin shape that allows kids to ride switch with confidence while learning new tricks. This board is designed to help young riders progress quickly and stay in control as their skills improve. It’s a versatile choice that supports freestyle progression from park laps to all-mountain riding.
Never Summer Kids Proto Wilder Snowboard
The Never Summer Kids Proto Wilder Snowboard is built to give young riders a serious performance experience right from the start. Never Summer designed this snowboard with the same advanced technology found in adult models so kids can progress faster with confidence.
Best Kids' Snowboard Boots
Nidecker Kids Micron Snowboard Boots
The Nidecker Kids Micron Snowboard Boots feature single BOA closure, making getting ready quick and simple, perfect for youngins who can’t wait to get outside. The Articulating Flex Zone allows natural movement while maintaining support, making the Micron a great choice for young snowboarders progressing from their first runs to more advanced skills.
Burton Kids' Smalls BOA Snowboard Boots
The Burton Smalls BOA Snowboard Boots are the perfect high-performance choice for the youth all-mountain rider who is ready to progress their skills across the entire resort. This boot features a forgiving, medium flex that provides the right blend of support for confidence and playfulness for creative exploration. Designed with kid-friendly independence in mind, the Single Zone BOA Fit System features Coiler technology, allowing small hands to quickly and easily manage their own gear with a simple, mitt-friendly twist of the dial.
Best Kids' Snowboard Bindings
Burton Kids' Smalls Re:Flex Snowboard Bindings
Designed with kid-specific flex, but adult-grade durability, the Burton Kids’ Smalls Re:Flex Snowboard Bindings let young shredders explore groomers, trees, and park laps with confidence. With pro level straps and Smooth Glide buckles, the retention tech mirrors the performance of higher end adult bindings while remaining easy for kids to operate.
Union Kids' Cadet Snowboard Bindings
The Union Cadet Kids Snowboard Bindings are built to give young riders confidence and control on the mountain. Its Stage 8 Duraflex baseplate provides a perfect balance of strength and lightweight performance for learning and progression, and the Cadet Duraflex highback offers forgiving support while maintaining responsiveness for turns and small jumps. Snap fit disk covers and kid friendly strap adjustments make setup fast and hassle free, making every ride enjoyable and safe
Warmest Kids' Base Layers for Skiing and Snowboarding
Hot Chillys Kids' Originals Print Crewneck Shirt + Hot Chillys Kids' Originals Print Tights
Suit your kids up from head to toe in the Hot Chillys Kids’ Originals Print Crewneck Shirt and matching Print Tights. These midweight base layers offer the perfect balance for softness, stretch, and durability for all-day wear.
Smartwool Kids' Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew Shirt + Smartwool Kids' Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Pants
Here’s another great base layer set, this time from Smartwool. The Smartwool Kids’ Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew Shirt and Pants are made from 100% Merino wool, which is prized for its temperature regulation, moisture-wicking, and odor-resistant qualities.
Burton Kids Fleece One Piece
Now we move onto a fleece base layer with the Burton Kids Fleece One Piece. It’s designed to keep young riders warm and comfortable in cold conditions, with a practical zip entry and zip butt flap to make changing simple and convenient.
Best Kids' Ski and Snowboard Socks
Darn Tough Vermont Kids Polar Bear Over-the-Calf Midweight Ski Socks
The Darn Tough Vermont Kid's Polar Bear Over-The-Calf Midweight Ski Socks are the perfect winter accessory for animal lovers and provide essential warmth and support. These socks are made with a special Merino wool blend and provide a no-slip fit so they can move comfortably in the snow. Plus, they’re super cute!
Smartwool Kids' Wintersport Fox Glade Over the Calf Snow Socks
More Merino wool here with the Smartwool Kids’ Wintersport Fox Glade Over The Calf Socks. Full cushioning throughout the sock adds warmth, softness, impact protection, and durability for active winter days, and the virtually Seamless toe technology creates a flat knit toe seam for a smooth feel against the toes.
Burton Kids' Weekend Midweight Socks - 2 Pack
This 2-pack of Burton Kids’ Weekend Midweight Socks come with midweight cushioning, providing the perfect balance of warmth and flexibility for every adventure. Elastic arch and leg support ensure a snug fit that stays in place, no matter how active your child is. Keep the second pair on hand for when you need to make a quick swap without cutting into playtime.
Kids' Helmets, Goggles, Gloves, and Winter Accessories
Helmets
Giro Kids Crue MIPS Snow Helmet
The Giro Kids' Crue MIPS Snow Helmet offers the style, ventilation, and protection your little one needs to enjoy the snow. It features Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology, which is designed to further reduce rotational forces during an impact, and is the gold standard in helmets.
Smith Kids' Glide Jr. MIPS Snow Helmet
Another helmet with MIPS technology, the Smith Kids’ Glide Jr. MIPS Snow Helmet keeps young skiers and snowboarders safe, comfortable, and ready for every run. Designed with a lightweight in-mold construction, this helmet combines durability with comfort that lasts all day.
Goggles
Giro Kids' Chico 2.0 AR40 Snow Goggle
The Giro Kids’ Chico 2.0 AR40 Snow Goggles feature a youth-specific extra-small frame, these goggles incorporate injection-molded cylindrical lenses to minimize distortion and enhance optical clarity. With seamless compatibility with Giro youth helmets and over-the-glasses friendly design, these goggles are the perfect companion for your child's mountain adventures.
Smith Kids Grom Snow Goggles
The Grom Snow Goggles give young riders the same clarity and performance trusted by the pros. Featuring advanced ChromaPop lens technology, these goggles enhance color, contrast, and detail so every turn, jump, and line looks sharper. They work seamlessly with helmets and work comfortably over glasses, too.
Gloves & Mittens
Burton Kids GORE-TEX Gloves
Built with a GORE-TEX membrane and DRYRIDE two-layer fabric, the Burton Kids GORE-TEX Gloves provide durable waterproof and windproof protection, while maintaining breathability for all-day comfort. Plus, they feature low-bulk Theramcore insulation for warmth that doesn’t restrict movement.
Hestra Kids' Army Leather Heli Ski Jr. Gloves
The Army Leather Heli Ski Jr. Gloves from Hestra are made with durable goat leather and a weather-resistant 3-layer polyamide shell for exceptional insulation and protection. A removable fleece liner with warming G-Loft synthetic insulation ensures that little hands stay cozy even on the coldest days, and little details like the wrist strap help prevent gloves getting lost.
686 Kids Heat Insulated Snowboard Mittens
The 686 Kids Heat Insulated Snowboard Mittens are truly built for warmth, with 280g fiberfill in the back and 100g fiberfill in the palm. They also feature exceptional waterproofing and insulation that both keeps hands dry, but also allows for breathability.
Beanies & Hats
Bula Kids' Beanie
The Bula Kids’ Beanie is a classic for little adventurers who want to stay warm and stylish throughout winter. Crafted with a double-layer liner and a soft blend of recycled polyester and acrylic, it delivers the perfect mix of comfort and durability. The folded cuff design adds a timeless touch while giving extra warmth around the ears.
Screamer Kids' Jingles Earflap Hat
The Scream Kids’ Jingles Earflap Hat delivers fleece-lined warmth and secure ear coverage that shields against chilly conditions. With its blend of warmth, comfort, and character, it is made to brighten up the coldest days.
Burton Kids' Fleece-Lined Pom Beanie
Winter adventures are meant for fun and warmth, and the Burton Kids' Fleece-Lined Pom Beanie is the perfect accessory that ensures your little ones stay cozy while looking stylish. Crafted for a medium fit, this beanie strikes that ideal balance between being snug and effortless, making it a fuss-free addition to any winter outfit.
Hoods, Balaclavas, and Tubes
Blackstrap Dual Layer Tube Neck Warmer
The Blackstrap Dual Layer Tube Neck Warmer is the ultimate all-in-one protection for cold weather adventures. Designed with a dual-layer construction, it offers the perfect balance of warmth, breathability, and wind resistance. Whether worn around the neck, pulled up for full face coverage, or flipped into a snug beanie, it adapts to your kids’ needs on and off the slopes.
Turtle Fur Little Kids' Chelonia 150 Fleece Shellaclava
A shellaclava is Turtle Fur’s hybrid design that features two separate materials: one around the neck, and one for the hood. The double layer fleece neck adds cozy insulation, while the lightweight hood keeps things breathable and stretchy for all day wear. Soft against the skin and built for long lasting comfort, this balaclava is a winter essential for kids who love the outdoors.
Turtle Fur Kids Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter
With the Turtle Fur Kids Totally Tubular Neck Gaiter, you get fun prints for the kids and reliable protection for your peace of mind. It’s quick-drying and breathable thanks to the Comfort Shell fabric, quick drying performance, and breathable goodness of the classic Comfort Shell fabric, while Totally Tubular™ design gives them over 10 ways to wear, so whether they feel like rocking a facemask or a headband, or something in between, they'll be protected from the elements.
Sizing Kids’ Ski and Snowboard Gear: Questions Parents Ask
What length skis should my kid get?
For beginners and cautious skiers, skis that come up somewhere between the chest and chin work best, since they’re easier to turn and control. Kids who are more confident can size up to between the chin and nose. But don’t buy skis for them to grow into. Skis that are too long make learning harder.
How should kids’ ski boots fit?
Snug. When your kid stands up straight, their toes should lightly touch the front, then pull back when they bend their knees. Boots bought too big are harder to control and can cause sore spots. Some boots (the Elan Kids’ EZYY 1 is one) use an adjustable volume plate so one boot size fits three foot sizes. Read our ski boot fitting guide for more fitting advice.
What size snowboard does my kid need?
A kids’ snowboard should stand somewhere between your child’s chin and collarbone. Shorter boards are easier for beginners to turn. Weight matters as much as height does, so check the brand’s size chart before you buy.
Do kids need a MIPS helmet?
MIPS adds a low-friction layer inside the helmet that’s designed to reduce rotational forces in angled impacts. The two helmets in this guide, the Giro Kids Crue MIPS Snow Helmet and the Smith Kids’ Glide Jr. MIPS, both have it. Whatever helmet you pick, it should sit level and snug, with no gap between the helmet and goggles.
What should kids wear under ski clothes?
Start with a base layer that wicks moisture, either Merino wool or synthetic. Skip cotton, as it holds sweat and gets cold. On colder days you can add a fleece mid layer, and use one pair of ski socks so boots fit the way they should.
About the Author, Sydney Fogel
Hi, I’m Sydney! I’m a writer and editor living in San Francisco. After attending college and kicking off my career in Boston, I made my way back to the Bay Area, where I grew up. When I’m not working, you can find me enjoying everything my beautiful area has to offer, from spending time at the beach (I live just a few blocks away!) to climbing those San Francisco hills to check out the latest restaurant. I’m also super into working out and have been dancing my entire life. Feel free to reach out at Sfogel@sunandski.com