11 best kids’ ski pants to keep them warm on the slopes

Part of Frugi’s brand new range of snow and ski clothes, these salopettes are thoughtfully designed and come in a great unisex teal colour. Waterproof to 8k and breathable at 5k they’re made from recycled ripstop polyester and have fully taped seams so have proved rugged and warm. 

They have a durable water-repellent, dirt-repellent and fluorocarbon-free finish, which we like – it means stains can be brushed off easily. Fit details include Velcro tabs on the outside of the elasticated waist (so simple to use) and adjustable and removable bib braces. The inner snow cuffs are standard size and have a hook to attach to boots. Available in sizes from two-three years to nine-10 years.

A stylish and snug pair of salopettes from Quiksilver, these boogie pants have a built-in bib lined with soft tricot and taffeta and a secure zip and Velcro fastening. A relaxed fit, they’re wider than usual at the bottom (the inner cuffs don’t have boot hooks) and the legs can be lengthened to grow with your child (simply release the pull cords in the front pockets. Along with the adjustable shoulder straps, it’s feasible to get several years’ wear from these. 

Quiksilver rates them extra warm with breathable (to 5k) insulation and 10k waterproofing, and we couldn’t find fault with them. Quiksilver also says these are for boys, but we can’t see any reason why they’re not unisex. They’re available in this brilliant blue, as well as shocking orange, black, and a navy camo print, and in sizes from age two to six/seven. 

An impressively technical pair of trousers, the great snow pants are a great investment. The fabric is waterproof to 20k, breathable at 15k and windproof, and the insulation is made from recycled synthetic fibres. The fit is designed for skiing, with mild articulation at the knees and scuff guards at the ankles, and has a handy feature to make the trousers last a bit longer – the cuffs can be shortened/lengthened by 4cm thanks to some internal press studs. The waist size is easy to adjust with Velcro straps and the braces can be removed.

We loved the soft touch feel of the fabric, and the colour – very eye-catching. They’re available in this bright red, as well as flashing pink and black, and in sizes from 92 to 176.

A great value option, these snug salopettes from JoJo Maman Bébé are warm, waterproof and wonderfully functional. The removable braces, adjustable waist and zipped gaiters make them extremely easy to get on and off, and adjust to fit, no matter how wriggly the toddler. 

They’re ideal not just on the slopes but also at nursery or school for outdoor play in all conditions (they’ve withstood the worst that forest school can throw at them with aplomb). Available in navy or pink, they’re sold from size 12-18 months to five-six years.

Wonderfully practical, these blizzard salopettes from Muddy Puddles are spot on for playing in the snow, and we love the reinforced fabric at the knees, seat and ankles, as well as the zips at the gaiters, which just make life so much easier. They’re more than happy on a chilly wet day – they’re waterproof to 5k, breathable to 5k, and have 160gm insulation. One of the largest ranges of adjustment at the waist featured here – with Velcro straps on either side – the braces can be zipped off when not needed.

The only negative to these otherwise outstanding trousers are the front pockets – the opening is fine for kids’ hands but too small for grown ups to access. Available in black and navy, and from size 18-24 months to 11-12 years.

We love these trousers for the thoughtful little extras added, such as the fleece lining to the seat and down to the knee (ideal for when you’re sitting on a chair lift), the discreet zipped back pocket, and not just a zipped gaiter but an internal cuff with popper and Velcro fastening too.

They’re perfect for budding skiers and snowboarders with their relaxed fit and knee darts, meaning all the moves are possible, and they’re waterproof to 5k, breathable to 5k and windproof. Available in navy or black, they start at 128cm and go up to 170cm.

These ski trousers have everything you need for the slopes, and more, at an incredible price. Their best feature is the toggle and pull cord to subtly shorten or lengthen them by a few centimetres, but we also love the shape that’s nicely fitted over the hips before straightening out by the knee.

Lined with soft brushed knit, they feel cosy but aren’t too warm or too cold with their 100gm thermal wadding and have a 5k waterproof and breathable outer. The braces are some of the most comfortable here, and can be removed if necessary, and like the Muddy Puddles’, the waist has a large range of adjustment. They’re impossible to fault. Available in this slate blue, as well as navy, coral and fuchsia, and from six-eight years to 12-14 years.

We’re really impressed by these bib pants from Helly Hansen – for serious or silly snow fun, they’re the complete package. The dungaree shape alone would be enough to provide plenty of warmth, but they’re also enhanced with light but effective recycled Primaloft insulation and are waterproof and breathable to between 10k and 20k, and ‘highly’ windproof. They were excellent at keeping our little tester dry and warm.

Great details include reinforced fabric on the knees, seat and ankles, adjustable, removable rubber stirrups, stretch panels on the sides and the option to extend the leg length by a few centimetres by removing the red stitching at the cuffs. It’s a shame this can’t be easily redone to shorten them again for the next child, especially considering the label includes space to write the name of up to three kids. Available in 11 different colours, including blues, greens and pinks, and from size 86cm to 152cm.