How many layers for kids to wear in January - Italy

A snowHead

Hi,

I feel a bit daft posting this, but just would like some advice. We are going skiing in January to Pila. The question is how many layers for the kids to wear? We normally go in early March and do base, mid and jacket, plus neck warmer which is fine. But January I expect to be colder.

Is a roll neck the next layer to add over base layer. Or a zip up fleece or body warmer over the mid layer? They have leggings to wear under salopettes.

Balaclavas?

Any advice greatly received. Most of the kids ski wear is trespass or Aldi so functional but not highly spec'd.

Thanks 🎅🏻❄️

A snowHead

@Hils68, it is reasonable to expect somewhat colder weather, but it’s not set in stone.

So having an additional layer available would be prudent.

Do any kids like balaclavas? Maybe a super lightweight one so it fits comfortably under the helmets.

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Super lightweight balaclava is great. I have several - wear them under cycling helmet on cold days, too.

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Thanks for speedy reply. We have balaclavas which I thought would be okay but maybe they are too thick as they are standard fleece ones.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

@Hils68, are your base layers merino wool? We'd go long sleeve merino base wool layer for my kids, long sleeve 2nd layer and fleece on cold days vs T shirt + long sleeve on top in March.

Also thin inner gloves are good if that doesn't make the outer gloves too tight.

Take some disposal hand warmers with you, very useful to shove in trouser pockets, inside jackets, inside gloves or in gondolas etc etc

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We have tried merino wool before and they found it too itchy. ( think it was mountain warehouse). Current base layer is polyester plus bit of elastacine which they are okay with. Good idea with inner gloves and yes to hand warmers. Thanks

Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...

Oh yes, inner gloves a good idea. I always carry a pair. Take up zero space.

After all it is free

Base layer, mid (fleece etc), and insulated jacket should be fine. My son was wearing nothing more in -20C. But baliclava was essential then for potential frost bite. And we only stayed out for 1 hour stints before stopping to warm up.

A second base layer works for me, I use a base T then a zipped roll neck so it can be opened up if it's too hot, you can also strip off a layer and bung it in a pocket. If it's really cold a thin fleece top is good.

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There are a few, "it depends."
- Age of the kids
- How good/active they are
- Whether they generally feel the cold

We always erred on the safe side, so brought extra layers, in case.

- I found that Trespass made decent enough kids stuff.
- As said above...look after the extremities....snoods/scarves/balaclavas; decent quality Mitts and Glove Liners (with cheaper ones for playing about in the snow, so the good ones don't get sodden); avoid cheap socks with no warmth.

snowHeads are a friendly bunch.

Cheaper merino does seem to itch. The other think to keep an eye out in the sales is cold base layers, Under Armour do they as one example. The inside is a little bit furry so traps warm body air better....

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@Hils68, +1 for advice above. A couple of optional items, both light & cheap, in case weather gets really cold and/or snowy.
Skull cap for beneath helmet. Cycling suppliers do them for about £5-£10.
Neoprene face mask. About £5-£8. Great on very cold days, especially on long chairlift rides.
Both easy to take off and put on as needed. Take hardly any space in pockets. snowHead

When I was a kid, I HATE the many layers my parents put on me. Inevitably, they all bunched up inside the jacket. Leaving me cold in the tommy or waist, but sweating round chest...

Even as an adult, I keep my layering to 3: base for comfort, mid for insulation/warm, jacket for wind/snow/ice repellent.

I change the thickness of my mid layer to achieve optimal warmth. I do have one insulated jacket, which I use without mid-layer. I suppose on seriously cold days, it can be paired with a mid-layer also for maximum warmth. But I never found my body not warm enough to need that.

It’s my hands and feet that tend to feel cold on really cold days. Nice gloves/mitten, with well fitting helmets works wonders. Just make sure the little ones have them on with the “interface” (edges) fully covered so wind (and snow) don’t leak in.

(Disclaimer: I’m not a parent, though I instruct, mostly kids. The most frequent complaint are cold hands. Though oddly enough, often times once I adjusted their helmet/collar/neck gaiter interface to stop the wind from getting in, the little ones hands warm up Puzzled

)

You know it makes sense.

Thank you all, shall invest in roll top, inner gloves and some kind of snood / cap and hope it snows! ⛄️

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A snowHead

A snowHead

@Orange200, Very true.

@ the OP try searching for a flash vest, we've got the Western Mountaineering version and they're great. Not the most flattering fashion statement but they work very well at keeping the core warm.

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@homers double, a WM flash vest for the kids? That's a bit "flash Harry"!

We do one thin thermal, one thick one, then insulated jacket with a fleece under if its really cold. In addition, we find chemical handwarmers (bulk buy on amazon or costco) are indispensable as is a buff.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Help!!

How many layers for kids to wear in January - Italy

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