There's nothing quite like a family adventure on the slopes. To make sure your kids are enjoying the winter weather to the fullest, you may want to invest in high-quality youth snow pants. Snow pants and snow bibs keep kids warm while they're skiing and snowboarding.
However, the specially designed material is also waterproof and ventilated. Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops has snow pants and bibs for the whole family, including sizes for your littlest sports enthusiasts.
If you have a trip to the slopes coming up, it’s important to make sure your family has on the proper winter apparel, especially a good pair of snow pants for kids. Just like adults, kids need snow pants that are both warm and comfortable but also easy to move in. This means you shouldn’t just reach for any pair of jeans or sweatpants.
Snow pants are made to keep your legs warm but still provide breathability, that way you still feel comfortable while gliding down the slopes. To find the best snow pants for kids and learn more about what features to look for in them, I spoke with several winter apparel experts for their guidance and recommendations.
What are Snow Pants?
Snow pants are a necessity for skiers, snowboarders and other winter athletes. Before they hit the slopes they make sure to slip into their snow pants. They’re designed to keep the legs warm and ventilated, but also allow the body to move freely while walking or moving in the snow.
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They often look like your average pair of cargo pants, but they are made of waterproof material and usually have features like zippered pockets, articulated knees (knees in pants sewn to give the body more range of motion), adjustable and elastic cuffs (also called gaiters) and belt loops.
What are Snow Bibs?
Snow bibs are basically snow pants with suspenders attached to them. They sort of resemble overalls. Whether to choose snow pants or a bib depends on a few aspects and preferences.
Kids' snow bibs, which are designed with suspenders, offer additional protection to the torso against wind and snow. “Snow bibs are recommended for younger kids as they provide more warmth and protection and can accommodate a wider size range as kids grow,” says Kari Swindle, a children’s apparel buyer at REI.
“Bibs tend to provide more protection during activities where kids spend time sitting in the snow, such as during early ski and snowboard lessons or when they’re building a snowman.” Bibs are also similar to a snowsuit.
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Key Features to Consider
Before finally choosing a pair of snow pants, be sure to consider the below aspects, as recommended by our experts:
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- Warmth: Skiing and snowboarding are winter sports. Therefore, it goes without saying that extra-warm snow pants are essential.
- Ventilation: Zipper vents release pent-up heat that can get trapped inside your kid's snow pants.
- Water Resistance: Since most people who wear snow pants either take part in winter sports that require walking or standing in snow, it’s important to choose a pair that mentions water resistance or proofing in its product details. When the snow melts it can permeate through your clothing depending on the material.
- Leg Gaiters and Adjustable Cuffs: Another common and essential feature of a good pair of snow pants is adjustable elastic cuffs on the hem. For some pants, this means a flexible hem that fits securely around the ankle or calf to prevent snow from getting inside the pant legs, according to Swindle. These are commonly called “powder cuffs.” Many snow pants also have leg gaiters which serve the same purpose, but aren’t always attached to the pants themselves. Instead, they wrap around the bottom of snow boots and fit securely on the lower leg.
Other considerations include:
- Layering: Similar to buying a winter coat, it’s important to look for snow pants that either come with a regular fit and/or choosing one size up from your child’s usual size to leave room for layering. This will make sure they can wear layers of clothing without it being uncomfortable or too warm. This applies to both snow pants and overall-style snow bibs.
- Anticipate growth: Depending on your child’s age, they are likely growing fast every couple years or so. With this in mind, you should look for snow pants and bibs that have a regular fit that they can grow in and one that has extendable cuff lengths, meaning you can make them longer by at least a couple inches.
Types of Kids' Ski Pants
When it comes to selecting your child’s wardrobe for winter sports, countless options can become overwhelming to choose from. Kids’ ski pants are typically broken down into three major categories: shell ski pants, insulated ski pants, and bib ski pants.
- Shell Ski Pants: Shell ski pants offer a thin shell outer layer. These ski pants feature a thin waterproof shell that is designed to be worn over a child’s base and middle layers . While shell ski pants are more commonly worn by adults, there are kids’ shell ski pants available.
- Insulated Ski Pants: The most popular style of kids’ ski pants are insulated ski pants because they provide ample warmth. Insulated ski pants for kids will feature that same waterproof shell that we discussed while also boasting an inner liner for additional warmth. While kids should still pair these with proper layering beneath, insulated ski pants are great for little ones.
- Bib Ski Pants: Bib ski pants are another popular option for kids because they offer additional coverage while spending time on the slopes. Designed to be worn like overalls, youth snow bibs prevent the pants from shifting around during excessive movement while providing the same protection and warmth when spending extended periods outside in the snow.
Top Recommended Snow Pants and Bibs
All of the snow pants and bibs below are either direct recommendations from our experts or have at least a 4-star average rating from at least 500 reviews on Amazon or at least 50 reviews on their respective brand sites. Some products are also from brands that we’ve covered before and/or are staff favorites.
| Product | Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Kids’ Bugaboo III Pants | Adjustable waist tabs, thermal lining, articulated knees | Large range of shades and sizes, elastic cuff linings | Nothing to note at this time |
| Patagonia Kids’ Powder Town Pants | Yoke-stitch waistband, articulated knees, zippered pockets | Insulated dual-layer lining, water-repellent finish | Could have more pockets |
| The North Face Boys’ Freedom Insulated Pants | Has extendable cuffs, Zippered hand pockets, Relaxed fit | Ankle gaiters to keep out snow and water, reinforced kickpatches | Nothing to note at this time |
| REI Co-Op Timber Mountain Pants | Available in many sizes, Elastic waistband, Extremely warm | Ventilated, water-repellent and windproof outer layer, zippered pockets | May be too warm for some |
| Land’s End Kids Squall Waterproof Insulated Iron Knee Snow Bibs | Reinforced knees, Elastic cuffs, Adjustable straps | Provides extra warmth compared to traditional snow pants, zippered cuffs | Best for younger kids |
| Arctix Kids’ Insulated Snow Bib Overalls | Fleece-lined pockets, Leg gaiters, Affordable | Windproof and water-resistant, protects against snow and rain | Select styles available |
| Helly Hansen Kids’ Rider 2 Insulated Ski Bib | Elastic suspenders, Adjustable length, Reflective logo | Adjustable buckled suspenders, reinforced and articulated knees | Best for toddlers |
| L.L. Bean Kids’ Cold Buster Snow Bib | Available in many sizes, Elastic waistband, Extremely warming | High warmth level, an elastic waistband, zippered leg cuffs and adjustable suspenders | May be too warm for some |
When you shop at Buckman's, you can enjoy a variety of ski and snowboard merchandise for the whole family. Our kids' snow pants and bibs will keep your kids warm while they're enjoying their time on the slopes. Before your next family ski trip, be sure to plan a trip to Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops. We'll ensure you and your kids have the best gear, apparel and accessories so you are all ready to go.
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