Kids' Ski & Snowboard Gear Guide: What to Bring and What Size
Getting your child ready for their first day on snow? The questions parents ask most are "what do we need?" and "what size?". This page is for parents: the gear list, how to dress for an Ontario winter, ski, boot and helmet size charts, renting vs buying, where to shop, and a lesson-day checklist. For beginners, we recommend renting skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet at the resort; clothing, gloves and goggles are on you. For adults, see the Adult Gear Guide.
01First lesson: what to rent, what to bring
| We recommend renting | Bring your own |
|---|---|
| Skis + poles, or a snowboard | Waterproof jacket and bib snow pants |
| Boots | Waterproof mittens (plus a spare pair) |
| Helmet | Goggles |
| Base layer, fleece mid layer, ski socks, neck warmer |
A helmet is required in all SSnow lessons; if you don't have one, rent one at the resort. Buy lift tickets in advance. At SSnow camps, instructors help kids rent gear at the resort and put their boots on; meeting points and the full packing list are in the camp parent handbook.
02Essential gear list
Hard gear
- Helmet: required in lessons; made for snow sports (not a bike helmet), fitted to your child's head now, not one to "grow into"
- Goggles: try them on with the helmet, no gap at the top or around the nose; Ontario has lots of grey days, so a light or all-weather lens is most useful
- Boots: fit comes first. Toes lightly touch the front, and the heel stays down when the knees bend
- Skiing: skis + bindings + poles (small beginners can start without poles); bindings must have their release setting (DIN) set for your child's height, weight and ability
- Snowboarding: board + bindings; find out which foot your child puts forward (regular or goofy); padded shorts and wrist guards are a good idea
Clothing and accessories
- Waterproof jacket and bib pants: 10k waterproof rating or higher; bibs keep snow out after a fall
- Base layer: merino wool or synthetic, never cotton long johns
- Fleece mid layer: add on cold days, take off when warm
- Waterproof mittens: warmer than gloves; choose long cuffs that go over the jacket sleeves
- Ski socks: one pair of calf-length socks, not cotton and not two pairs
- Neck warmer: instead of a scarf
- Sunscreen and lip balm: snow reflects sunlight, so kids can burn even when it's cloudy
- Hand warmers: for mittens and pockets on very cold days
03Dressing for an Ontario winter: layers
From December to March, resorts near Toronto are often between −5°C and −15°C, and wind makes it feel colder. Instead of one thick puffer, wear three layers: a base layer that moves sweat away from your skin, a mid layer for warmth, and a waterproof, windproof shell. Take off the mid layer when you're warm and add it back when you're cold.
| Temperature | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Above −5°C | Base layer + waterproof jacket and pants; lighter gloves are fine |
| −5°C to −15°C | Base layer + fleece mid layer + waterproof jacket and pants; face mask or neck warmer |
| Below −15°C, or very windy | Thicker mid layer or light down liner; mittens + hand warmers; full face mask with no exposed skin; take more indoor breaks |
Check the resort forecast and wind chill before you leave.
04Tips for parents
- Don't size up boots or helmets. Extra room in a boot means your child can't control the skis or board, and feet get sore and cold. A loose helmet won't protect properly. Clothing can have a little room to grow.
- Buy helmets new. A helmet that has taken a hit may have a crushed liner you can't see. Used skis, boards, boots and goggles are fine.
- No long scarves. Use a neck warmer, because a scarf can get caught on a chairlift. Skip thick knit hats under the helmet too, since they stop it from fitting; use a thin balaclava if it's cold.
- Label everything: gloves, helmet and goggles. At camp, a lot of kids' gear looks the same.
- Pack a spare pair of mittens and socks, plus snacks and water. Wet hands and feet get cold fast.
- Don't push goggles up on the forehead: heat from the forehead fogs the lens. When not in use, hang them on the back of the helmet.
05Kids' size charts
Measure four things at home: height (barefoot against a wall), weight, foot length (barefoot on paper, heel to longest toe; use the longer foot) and head size (tape measure around the head just above the eyebrows). To get the sizes by tapping a height or weight range, use our kids' ski gear size calculator.
| Height | Ski: beginner | Intermediate / advanced |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 cm | 75–80 cm | 85–90 cm |
| 100–110 cm | 85–90 cm | 95–100 cm |
| 110–120 cm | 95–100 cm | 105–110 cm |
| 120–130 cm | 105–110 cm | 115–120 cm |
| 130–140 cm | 115–120 cm | 125–130 cm |
| 140–150 cm | 125–130 cm | 135–140 cm |
| 150–160 cm | 135–140 cm | 145–150 cm |
| 160–175 cm | 145–150 cm | 155–160 cm |
Stand the skis up: the tips should reach between the chin and the nose. Beginners should go shorter, since shorter skis are easier to turn and control.
| Weight | Snowboard length |
|---|---|
| Under 18 kg | 80–90 cm |
| 18–23 kg | 90–100 cm |
| 23–28 kg | 100–110 cm |
| 28–34 kg | 105–115 cm |
| 34–41 kg | 115–125 cm |
| 41–48 kg | 120–130 cm |
| 48–55 kg | 130–140 cm |
| 55–63 kg | 135–145 cm |
| Over 63 kg | 140–150 cm |
Snowboards are sized mainly by weight. Stood up, the nose should reach between the chest and the chin.
| Foot length | Boot (Mondo) | Approx. US kids' size |
|---|---|---|
| 14.6–15.5 cm | 15.5 | 7C |
| 15.6–16.5 cm | 16.5 | 8.5C |
| 16.6–17.5 cm | 17.5 | 10C |
| 17.6–18.5 cm | 18.5 | 11.5C |
| 18.6–19.5 cm | 19.5 | 13C |
| 19.6–20.5 cm | 20.5 | 1Y |
| 20.6–21.5 cm | 21.5 | 2.5Y |
| 21.6–22.5 cm | 22.5 | 3.5Y |
| 22.6–23.5 cm | 23.5 | 5Y |
| 23.6–24.5 cm | 24.5 | 6Y |
| 24.6–25.5 cm | 25.5 | 7Y |
Mondo size is foot length in centimetres. Leave half a size of room at most; don't buy boots a size up to last two seasons.
| Head size | Helmet size |
|---|---|
| 44–47 cm | XXS |
| 47–49 cm | XS |
| 49–52 cm | S |
| 52–55.5 cm | M |
| 55.5–58.5 cm | L |
| Over 58.5 cm | Adult L and up |
Brands vary. If the size names don't match, go by centimetres, and always try gear on before you buy. With the helmet on straight, it shouldn't move when your child shakes their head; then tighten the dial at the back.
06Rent, buy or used?
| Option | Best for | Typical cost (set) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rental at the resort | One or two days, or a first try | Resort rates |
| Seasonal rental | A first season while kids are growing; most shops allow one size swap mid-season | About $175–275 / season |
| Used | Fast-growing kids; there's plenty of used gear around. Get the bindings checked after buying | About $100–300 |
| New | Kids who will ski the whole season, or gear a younger sibling can inherit | About $350–700 |
| New + Half Back | New gear without worrying about growth spurts: buy at Skiis & Biikes, bring it back after one season for store credit of half the original price, and size up | About half the new price for one season |
These are typical GTA ranges (CAD, before tax; skis or board + bindings + boots, without helmet and goggles). Check with the shop for current prices. On used skis, always have the bindings re-set for your child's weight and ability, and buy the helmet new.
07Where to buy or rent in Toronto
Kids Half Back: bring your child's skis, snowboard or boots back after one season and get store credit for half the original price (a quarter after two or more seasons), then size up for next year. No receipt needed, and comparable junior gear bought elsewhere is accepted too. Check with the store for current terms.
- Sporting Life
- Toronto, York Region and more. Lots of brands and a full range of kids' sizes, good for outerwear too; watch for end-of-season sales.
- Corbetts
- Oakville. Popular with west-end families; check the clearance section and online kids' package deals.
- NorthLine Sports, Play It Again Sports
- Toronto and area. Both sell used kids' gear and offer buy-back or trade-in; the best selection is early in the season.
- Online and parent groups
- Facebook Marketplace and local parent groups. Search by ski length and Mondo size, and try boots on before you pay.
- Resort rentals
- Mount St. Louis Moonstone, Blue Mountain and other resorts have rental shops for daily rentals, the easiest option for a first try.
Not sure what to buy or which size? Send your child's height, weight, foot length and head size to us on WeChat (ssnowclub) or WhatsApp +1 (647) 806-9895.
08Lesson-day checklist
- Lift ticket bought
- Waiver signed (once a year)
- Base layer and ski socks on before leaving home
- Waterproof jacket and bib pants
- Helmet (required in lessons; rent one if needed) and goggles
- Mittens + a spare pair
- Neck warmer
- Spare socks
- Name labels on gear
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Snacks and water
- Renting on your own? Arrive 45 minutes early
For chairlift tips and the rules on the slopes, see Safety.
FAQ
Does my child need a full set of gear for a first lesson?
No. We recommend renting skis or a snowboard, boots and a helmet at the resort (a helmet is required in lessons). You'll need your child's own waterproof jacket and snow pants, mittens, goggles, base layer and ski socks.
Can I buy kids' ski boots a size up so they last two years?
No. Boots that are too big let the foot slide around, so kids can't control their skis or board, and their feet get sore and cold. Leave half a size at most. Jackets and pants can have a little room.
Is a helmet required?
Yes. All SSnow students, kids and adults, must wear a snow sports helmet in lessons; you can rent one at the resort. It needs to fit properly, and kids' helmets should be bought new. See Safety for more.
What length skis or snowboard does my child need?
Skis go by height: stood up, the tips reach between the chin and nose. Snowboards go by weight: stood up, between the chest and chin. See the kids' size charts above or the size calculator.
Kids grow so fast. Do we need new gear every year?
Try Half Back: junior skis, snowboards and boots bought at Skiis & Biikes can be brought back after one season for store credit of half the original price, so you can size up the next year. Seasonal rentals and used gear are other good options.
Do young kids need ski poles?
Small beginners can start without poles; the instructor will decide when they're ready. Snowboarders don't use poles.
What should my child bring to camp?
See the camp parent handbook for the full packing list and meeting points. Gear can be rented at the resort, and instructors will help.
Where can I buy kids' ski and snowboard gear in Toronto?
Skiis & Biikes (an SSnow partner), Sporting Life and Corbetts sell new gear; NorthLine Sports, Play It Again Sports and Facebook Marketplace have used gear. For one or two days, renting at the resort is easiest.
Got the gear? Now find a great instructor. Questions? WeChat ssnowclub or WhatsApp +1 (647) 806-9895
Kids' lessons and campsHow to chooseAbout SSnow: SSnow (Serendipity Snow) is a ski and snowboard club in Toronto (GTA) with 80+ CSIA/CASI certified instructors, mostly Level 2 and Level 3, teaching in Mandarin and English, with Cantonese-speaking instructors too. We run private ski and snowboard lessons, kids' group lessons and full-care camps at Mount St. Louis Moonstone and Blue Mountain.