Technical Skiwear for the Slopes

There's nothing more exhilarating than waking up mountainside to a blanket of freshly fallen snow. But before they grab their skis and head out for a day's adventuring, it's important to layer up with a quality base. Thermal clothing works by trapping pockets of air close to the skin, helping to conserve body heat whilst cleverly wicking away moisture at the same time.

Merino wool is a fantastic natural insulator, locking in warmth between its lofty, crinkled yarns. It’s also super soft and stretchy, which is essential for kids on the go. We love Smalls Merino’s collection of joggers, vests and snoods for tucking underneath their jackets and salopettes, and they’re stylish enough for après-ski activities too. Functional synthetic fibres are also a great choice for maintaining an optimum core temperature. Moncler Enfant uses Polartec® Power Grid™ fleece to offer superior warmth underneath their snow gear. This lightweight performance fabric is hydrophilic, meaning that it will effectively absorb and disperse cold sweat vapour. And don’t forget a pair of thick thermal socks to keep toes toasty warm inside their snow boots.

Grab your skis; it’s time to hit the slopes! For excursions across snowy terrain, you’ll want to ensure that their clothing is going to keep them dry. That’s where outerwear expert Molo comes in. “When buying skiwear, it’s important to look into the technicalities of the design,” says Molo’s director of product, Rikke Bundgaard Jepsen. “Durable shell fabric, taped seams, protected zippers, and a water- and dirt-repellent coating all measure up to the strictest demands in the great outdoors.”

The first thing to look out for is a water-resistance grade. This is displayed as two numbers: the first shows the resistance to external moisture and the second, the level of breathability. Column ratings are measured in millimetres and demonstrate how high water needs to be before it begins to leak through the fabric. “Our ski jackets are integrated with HeiQ Eco Dry technology that can withstand a water column level of 20,000 mm,” Rikke explains. “It also offers outstanding breathability. This function allows internal moisture to escape through the layers, preventing condensation build-up on the inner side of the garment.” The breathability of a fabric is measured in grams and demonstrates how much water can pass through a square meter of fabric in 24 hours. The higher the number, the more breathable the material, and the more comfortable they’ll be when mastering those epic tricks.

"Molo is designed for an active lifestyle. Our skiwear offers all the necessary technical features a child may require. Notably, all our outerwear is PFC-free and made without the use of harmful chemicals."

Rikke Bundgaard Jepsen, Director of Product and Marketing at Molo

When it comes to staying warm in the snow, what goes on inside your child’s skiwear is just as important as the outside. Down is one of nature’s best insulators, and whilst superior in dry conditions, it doesn’t fare well in wet weather — it’s best to leave those cosy padded pieces for après-ski activities or check that the outer fabric coating has a high column rating.

Mountaineering-apparel designer Moncler Enfant has thought of everything. Its world-renowned Grenoble collection has been exclusively designed for the slopes, and alongside a range of lofty down jackets you’ll find kids’ skiwear padded with PrimaLoft® Active technology. This smart synthetic material offers all the insulating properties of its natural counterpart but with the added benefit of water resistance. It’s also extremely lightweight and breathable.

If you’re looking to kit them out from top to bottom, Deux par Deux’s stylish snowsuits will have them ready for anything. The brand’s owner and operator Zacharie Elmaleh notes that the most important features of a functional snowsuit are “warmth of insulation, waterproofness of the fabric, and features that grow with your child.” This smart colour-block design comes with a long list of smart features to keep little ones warm, including padding that can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The matching salopettes also come with reinforced panels and storm cuffs to keep the snow at bay. Team with that water- and wind-resistant fabric and you’ve got yourself a get-up that will withstand tricks, tumbles and the most energetic of snowball fights.

"Marble-effect prints, colour-block stripes and florals are some of the patterns that you'll see on the slopes this ski season."

Zacharie Elmaleh, Owner & Operator at Deux par Deux

With cosy padding keeping them warm on the inside, and smart fabric coatings keeping them dry on the outside, now it’s time to talk details. All our performance skiwear is integrated with high-tech features, from reflective trims to zip-off sections that adapt both on and off the slopes. For skiwear that lasts beyond one season, look out for Deux par Deux’s Grow-with-Me system. This internal stitching technology allows the jacket sleeves and trouser legs to extend and grow with your child. How handy is that?

Alongside a whole list of technical credentials, Moncler Enfant’s Moriond and Corserey ski jackets and matching salopettes also come with a particularly cool bit of technology to help kids stand out in the snow, literally! Situated on one sleeve is a RECCO® reflector indicator. This clever tracking system works by using radar signals which, when picked up by a detector, can pinpoint the exact location of your child, offering added peace of mind whilst skiing and snowboarding off-piste.

Images by Deux par Deux, Roarsome, Molo & Childrensalon