Start with how your kiddo spends time outside. Are they skiing every weekend, playing in the snow, walking to school, or doing a little bit of everything? For ski days, look for a waterproof, breathable, insulated jacket with a powder skirt, a pass pocket, pit zips, and room to layer. 

For everyday winter wear, warmth, comfort, and durability may matter more than technical ski features. The best kids’ winter jacket fits well, handles the weather, and is comfortable enough that they’ll actually want to wear it.

Also, note! When we say “ski,” we mean sliding on snow in general: skiing, snowboarding, Snurfing.

A kids’ ski jacket keeps out snow, wind, and wetness during long days in the mountains. It typically has a waterproof, breathable shell and ski-specific features like a powder skirt, wrist gaiters, and a pass pocket. 

A puffy (or puffer) jacket focuses on lightweight warmth, using down or synthetic insulation to trap heat. 

Puffies are great for school, cold-weather play, and dry winter days, but generally aren’t as waterproof as a technical ski jacket. If your kid spends a lot of time skiing or playing in wet snow, a dedicated ski jacket might be best. But layer a puffer under a ski jacket and they’re golden!

It depends on the weather and how much time your kid spends in the snow. 

Waterproof jackets are best for skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and wet or stormy conditions. Look for a waterproof rating of at least 10K, plus sealed seams. 

Water-resistant jackets are great for dry snow, light precipitation, and everyday winter activities, but won’t hold up as well in prolonged wet conditions. Town Hall’s Mountain Town Winter Jacket offers 15K waterproofing and breathability for serious snow days.

Warmth depends on the temperature, wind, activity level, and how easily your child gets cold. Kids who are constantly moving may need less insulation than those spending lots of time on chairlifts or standing around at recess. 

For cold ski days, choose an insulated, wind-resistant jacket with room for a base layer or fleece underneath. 

Down offers awesome warmth without much weight, while synthetic insulation keeps providing warmth when damp. Layering is key: it lets kids adjust as the weather and their activity change.

A kids’ ski jacket (remember, we mean ski/snowboard/etc) should fit comfortably over layers without being too tight or overly bulky. Make sure your child can reach overhead, bend, twist, and move freely. Sleeves should cover their wrists, and the jacket should stay in place when they move. 

Resist the temptation to size up too much just to get another season out of it, because an oversized jacket makes it harder to move and keep snow out. Instead, look for grow-with-me features, like Town Hall’s Grow System, which lets you extend sleeve length as your kid grows.

The most important features are waterproofing, breathability, warmth, durability, and a comfortable fit. For regular skiing and snowboarding, look for:

• a powder skirt to keep snow from going down their pants or up their back
• wrist gaiters to keep snow out of sleeves
• a hood for warmth and heavy weather
• pockets for a ski pass and other goodies (e.g. lip balm, gummy bears, library card)

Ventilation zippers (i.e. pit zips) in their armpits or on their torso are especially helpful for active kids who heat up quickly. Durable fabrics, quality zippers, and extendable sleeves are smart investments, too.

Absolutely! A well-designed, insulated waterproof jacket can take kids from the chairlift to the playground to the school bus. If you’re choosing just one winter jacket, prioritize weather protection, warmth, and versatility. Town Hall’s Mountain Town Winter Jacket is built for skiing and serious snow days, while the Around Town Cold Weather Jacket offers water resistance and cozy fleece-lined comfort for everyday winter activities.

NOTE! The Around Town uses the same waterproof, durable fabric as the Mountain Town. We call it water-resistant only because its super durable YKK zippers aren’t seam-sealed. Instead, they’re covered by plackets so little hands can use them easily.

A well-made kids’ ski/snowboard jacket should last multiple winter seasons with proper care. Look for durable outer fabrics, reinforced construction, reliable zippers, and features that extend the fit as kids grow. Following the care instructions helps, too. 

At Town Hall, we believe kids should outgrow their gear before they wear it out. That’s why we design jackets for durability, extended wear, and a second life as hand-me-downs, so more kids can enjoy them and fewer end up in landfills.