Ski jackets and anoraks for kids

Difference between a winter jacket and a ski jacket

A ski jacket is not the same as a winter jacket. A ski jacket for kids is made so that you can move actively in it and sweat is wicked to the outside. A ski jacket also protects against snow, rain and wind. Many ski jackets for kids have vents under the arms, so excess heat can easily escape. These vents can often be zipped shut, so you can decide for yourself whether or not you want extra ventilation.

Multiple layers of clothing

If you are heading into the snow, you can dress using the 3-layer system. This system was devised as a guideline to help you dress well and be prepared for different weather conditions. The first layer consists of thermal wear. This clothing keeps your body warm and dry. Over that you put on the second layer, in the form of a ski sweater or a fleece. This layer insulates and wicks the sweat from the first layer further to the outside. Then comes the ski jacket, the third layer. This layer keeps out snow, rain and wind and wicks the sweat from the first two layers to the outside. If the first two layers do not breathe, the breathable function of the ski jacket is of little use. You will still get wet under your ski jacket from sweat and cool down quickly as a result.

Extras

Most ski jackets for kids have handy details, such as a pocket on the sleeve where you can put your ski pass. That way you do not have to take the pass out of your ski jacket when you hold it to the scanner of the gate to open it. A hood, detachable or not, is pleasant during a snowfall or when it is icy cold. Ski jackets often have a snow skirt, so snow stays out when you fall. Thumb holes at the cuffs stop your sleeves from riding up.

Waterproofness of ski jackets

When you go on a wintersport holiday, you of course want to wear a ski jacket that is warm and waterproof. The waterproofness of ski jackets is measured in water column. You can read what the different values mean in the overview below.

• From 0 mm: A ski jacket is water-repellent, but not waterproof.
• From 1,000 mm: A ski jacket keeps water out, but cannot withstand pressure. If you sit down on a wet chair, for example, the jacket will eventually start to leak.
• From 2,000 mm: The ski jacket stays waterproof even in longer snowfall, but will still leak under pressure.
• From 5,000 mm: The ski jacket withstands long and intense weather, and stays waterproof even under high pressure. Under very prolonged high pressure the product may eventually start to leak.
• From 15,000 mm: The ski jacket withstands heavy snowfall, and even under water the clothing keeps you dry.

Make sure the ski jacket you bring is breathable and offers good ventilation. This means you will not get very hot so quickly, and when you do, perspiration is wicked away to the outside air. In short, the waterproof layer may let moisture through from the inside out, but not the other way round.

Tip

Give your child a bright ski jacket, so they stand out and you can easily find them again. Choose a jacket with some room to grow in the sleeves and combine it with ski pants for kids. Prefer everything in one? Take a look at the ski suits.