Snow Clothes
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Nov 2006
My 4-year old will go to ski camp in Tahoe this ski season. We
usually borrow a snow suit from friends but I am thinking it's
probably time to get our own. However, I'm not sure what she
needs. A lot of the catalogs have kids gear for really cold
weather. I'm from back east and it just doesn't feel that cold
to me in Tahoe. Does she really need something rated to -5
degrees? Should it be water resistant or water proof (more
expensive? Recommendations for outerwear (jacket, pants,
gloves) and other accessories (long johns, other layers, things
I'm not thinking of) would be so appreciated! I don't think
we'll ski more than a few weekends so I don't want to spend
tons of money. And it would be great if the jacket/pants was
one of those systems that we could let out so it would fit her
for more than one season. Thanks in advance!
East Coast Mama/West Coast Skier
I've taken my two kids to Tahoe for the past few winters, and
they have been fine wearing snow bibs from Target ($18), and
layers underneath: poly (not cotton) long underwear (top and
bottom), turtleneck, fleece pullover, puffy jacket. Also fleece
hat and waterproof fleece-lined gloves from Old Navy. Wool
socks, and bring an extra pair in case the first pair gets wet. We typically go to
Tahoe in January or February so sometimes the
weather can get pretty warm--that's why layers are key. Kid-sized ski goggles are
useful but not necessary since the snow
can be bright on the eyes. Be sure to rent a ski helmet from
your child from the place where she is in camp. If your child is
mostly skiing, rather than sledding, she is less likely to get
her clothes soaking wet from the snow
CC
We have had our twin 6 year olds skiing Tahoe area ( a lot!)for the past 3 years
and been very happy with all our assorted gear. Since you are starting out with
your son, to borrow gear from friends is a economical way to go until you want to
spend the money. We are on year two or three of most of our gear: To summarize
what we found worked:
If you are skiing in Dec - March, it can be very very cold during '' rainy'' SNOW!
season. Jacket: you want a parka with a hood and a jacket length that covers the
bottom. The systems from Land's End with zip out fleece area great deal and offer
a lot of options with and without lining for early and late season skiing. Good
quality. Don't deal with a cheap zipper when it's 30 degrees out. Ski bibs - Ours
were from Target. bought size up for $20. got 3yrs out of them so far. Kids stayed
plenty warm. Underlayers - bought nice soft poly pro layer from REI kids. top and
pants. you want this! don't but cheap stuff they will sweat and get cold in
You want a turtleneck on top to cover neck
Head - ideally you want a helmet. Hat for sure. We ended up buying the fleece
hoods that cover the neck and lower face last winter to go under our helmets.
Super nice idea.
Have fun!
We have skied a couple places at Tahoe and have lots of feedback on the kid's
programs if you want to email me.Sugarbowl, Heavenly; Alpine and Squaw. We are
converted to Bear Valley these days!! Very family friendly. Great value. Not as
far as Tahoe! Great kids programs. MAURA
Dec 2003
Does anyone have any suggestions for where to buy inexpensive kids snow
clothes? My two children have never been to the snow and really want to go
and play in it. I want them to stay warm and dry so they will actually enjoy the
experience, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes that will most
likely only be worn once before they outgrow them (they are ages 7 and 3). I
am interested in snow boots, pants, jackets, hats & gloves. Any and all
recommendations are appreciated. Thanks.
Janie
A great place to get snow gear for kids (and adults) is the
Marking Room at 799 Magnolia Ave, Piedmont. All the winter gear
is upstairs (and is not included in the $5 bag sale on the last
Sat of each month). It is a carriage house behind the pool and
across from the high school. This is where donated items are
sorted to be sold at the Dress Best for Less store (3861
Piedmont ave)to raise money for the schools. The Marking Room
hours are Tue 9-1:30, Wed 9-4 Sat 10-12.
I found snow suits for my 4 and 6 yr old boys and snow pants for
a grand total of $14!!! When I was there they had snow boots,
hats, etc... Good luck.
Kathleen
everyone else's kids grow out of their snow clothes fast too!!!
try good will, salvation army, those types of places - and keep
going in to check on their selection because people are just now
taking out their snow clothes and donatinn them realizing their
kids have out grown them
good luck
anon
We've had some luck buying clothes on ebay. You have to be
persistent and also have a good sense of the maximum amount you
want to bid, because people will often swoop in at the last
minute to outbid you.
A sometimes successful bidder
I had good luck at Target. Try Old Navy too. My advice is to
wait until after Xmas when everything is on sale.
m
I saw a lot of sizes of kids' snowbibs (like pants with
suspenders)at Thrifttown in El Sobrante for $5 each. (San Pablo
Dam Road at El Portal, Goodwill is across the street too)but it
was about a month ago so they may be cleared out now that it's
getting colder.
Chris
I have had good luck finding kids' snow gear at Thrift Town (San
Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante). If you prefer new stuff, you
might try www.sierratradingpost.com; their ''kids corner'' has
good deals. If you're feeling brave, you might try Ross... I
found a beautiful Osh Kosh snow jacket for my daughter (3T) for
$20. Good luck!
Try ''Dress Best for Less'' - this is a consignment shop run
by the Piedmont Schools to raise money for the schools. I
have many times gotten my kids snow clothes there. They
have two locations - one on Piedmont Ave down near Bay
Wolf and another in Piedmont right behind the swim club in
an old carriage house/garage. I believe they keep the snow
gear only at the latter which has pretty restrictive hours but
they are open on Sat. ams. I have gotten great deals on
kids boots, bibs, coats, gloves - everything. You can
definitely outfit a kid for less than $20.
Shopper
I bought some at Target this week.
J12
you can try the Northface outlet
store on Gilman Street.
terri
I regularly see children's snowsuits/ski wear in excellent
condition at Goodwill (I like the one on San Pablo south of Ashby
on the Berkeley/Oakland border)and other thrift/consignment shops
precisely because as you said the suits aren't usually used very
often.
Karen
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