Pro Tips for Skiing With Toddlers – Stress-Free!

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a great day on the mountains with our kids. Skiing has become our favorite winter activity—it’s thrilling, fun, and truly one of a kind. Living close to awesome ski resorts, we definitely take advantage of it, hitting the slopes several times a week with our two young kids.

They started skiing at three, and seeing their excitement reminds us why all the behind-the-scenes planning and preparation is so worth it.Our top priority? Making sure the kids enjoy every moment. We aim to keep each ski day short and sweet, ending at a spot where they’re already looking forward to putting their skis on again.

We’re not trying to make Olympic skiers—just happy little adventurers! Over the many ski days, we’ve picked up some tips and tricks that make the experience smoother, and I’m excited to share them with you.

The Right Gear Makes All the Difference

Getting your kids ready for the slopes starts with the basics – having essential ski gear that keeps them warm, dry, and safe. After years of trial and error with my own son, I’ve learned that a good system matters more than individual pieces. Our favorite?

The Elevated collection from Shred Dog—their Hardshell jacket, Insulator, and Bibs work together seamlessly, just like what my little guy uses for his ski team.

For tiny hands, waterproof insulated mittens with a zipper are a game-changer—no more frozen fingers! Base layers should never be 100% cotton (it traps moisture); we swear by Little Sleepies and Posh Peanut pajama sets. On cold days, add a polyester fleece mid-layer (we love this affordable Amazon one) and fleece pants under their snow pants.

Skip thick socks—they make chubby feet too bulky for boots. Instead, opt for light cushion wool socks. And never compromise on safety: a MIPS helmet (like this one with an integrated visor) and toddler goggles (we use Bollé) are necessary.

Here’s the secret: let them personalize their gear! My kids cover their helmets with stickers and iron patches onto their fleece layers. It sounds silly, but when they enjoy their outfit, getting dressed becomes easier—and that’s half the battle won.

Tips for Skiing with Toddlers: Snack Essentials

The Perfect Ski Snacks Checklist

• Must fit in pocket without getting crushed
• Should be small enough to pop directly in mouth
• Need to be filled with quick energy
• We’ve tested different options across multiple categories

Best Chairlift Snacks

• Peanut butter M&Ms (good protein/low sugar)
• Skittles and gummy bears (kid favorites)
• Made Good Granola Minis (allergy-friendly)
• Our homemade trail mix (ask for recipe!)

Heartier Break-Time Options

• Yogurt pouches and chia pouches (no mess)
• Granola bars (choose soft varieties)
• PB&J sandwiches cut into strips
• Grilled cheese strips or quesadillas (wrap in foil)

Smart Hydration Solutions

• Avoid Camelback packs (food bits clog straw)
• Use insulated tiny bottles that fit in pockets
• Our eight-year-old carries his own bottle
• Easy to refill at mountains stations

Ski Harness: Your Back-Saving Essential

A quality harness transforms skiing with kids from exhausting to enjoyable. We never ski without ours – it lets us lift our daughter onto chairlifts, drag her across flat sections, and pick her up after falls without destroying our backs.

The NipperGrip (with dual handles) was our favorite, but ski vests with back handles (like resorts use) work wonders too, especially in powder when little legs get stuck. For safety, our son used his until age seven on the ski team.

Toddler Leashes: Safety vs. Freedom

For two and three-year-old toddlers, a leash is invaluable. These fearless little speed demons will bomb down hills with reckless glee – the leash helps slow them and prevents terrifying close calls with skiers and snowboarders who zoom too close. We still bring it for steeper runs when she asks, more for her confidence than necessity.

Bathroom Breaks: The Inevitable Challenge

Bathroom needs always strike at the most inopportune moments! After many stressful gear-stripping races, we learned to:

• Go before suiting up
• Use pull-ups even for potty-trained kids
• Plan breaks before the “I need to go now!” minute
• Account for time – resort bathrooms often have lines and steps

Rest Stops: Preventing Meltdowns

We’ve spent countless hours in the lodge with sleeping kids – and that’s okay! Skiing drains toddlers:

• Most last just 30 minutes before needing a break
• Schedule snack breaks (we use chocolate or gummy treats on the chairlift)
• Our seven-year-old now skis four hours straight
• Always consider weather – cold zaps energy faster

Ski Lessons: Are They Worth It?

While we teach our kids plenty, professional lessons offer unique benefits:

• Instructors make learning fun with games
• Group settings build confidence
• But be prepared – many kids get exhausted mid-session
• One friend’s child fell asleep before his lesson even started!

Teaching Toddlers: Patience Pays Off

With the right perspective, teaching your toddler becomes rewarding family time. Start small:

• Focus on fun over technique
• Celebrate every little success
• Before you know it, you’ll have a tiny ripper conquering the mountain!