Your first family ski day: plan, packing list and kid-friendly mountains

A simple plan for a happy first day on the snow, from booking lessons to the drive home.

Good first-day mountains near you

Mountains with verified kids lessons or childcare, nearest first if you've set your home city on the home page (tap "Change"). We add more mountains every week.

The plan

Two weeks before: pick a quiet day on SkiWhen (look for 👍 Good day for kids) and book kids lessons online. Weekend lessons sell out.
The week before: sort out rentals (book ahead to skip the line) and try on helmets and boots at home if you can.
The night before: check the forecast and the drive card, pack the bag below, and lay out layers so mornings are calm.
On the day: get there early, give yourself extra time to park and find the lesson spot, and plan snack and warm-up breaks.
Stop while it's fun: a happy half day beats a tearful full day. End with hot chocolate.

Packing list

🧥 Wear on the mountain

Waterproof ski jacketBright colors make kids easy to spot
Snow pants or bibsBibs keep snow out for little ones; a one-piece suit works for toddlers
Base layer top and bottomMerino wool or synthetic. No cotton: it stays wet and cold
Mid layerFleece or a light puffy. Add one more on cold days
Ski socks, one pair onTall and thin to midweight. Two pairs in a boot means cold, sore feet
Waterproof mittens or glovesMittens are warmer for kids; clips or wrist leashes stop lost ones on the lift
Neck gaiter or balaclavaSkip scarves: they can catch on lifts
Thin hat that fits under a helmet

⛑️ Gear (bring or rent)

HelmetSnug fit, no wobble. Rent one if kids are growing fast
GogglesA low-light lens helps on cloudy and snowy days. Keep them in a case or goggle sock
Skis or snowboardBook rentals ahead to skip the line
Ski or snowboard boots
PolesMost young kids learn without them
Boot bagCarries boots, helmet and goggles, and stays in the car or a locker

🎟️ In your pockets

Lift pass or ticketA pass holder or pocket away from your phone helps the scanner
ID and a card
Phone in a caseCold drains batteries; keep it in an inside pocket
Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higherSnow reflects sun. A stick is easy to reapply
Lip balm with SPF
Hand and toe warmersOpen them on the drive up so they're warm when you start
TissuesRunny noses are guaranteed

🎒 Day bag and car

SnacksEasy pocket food: bars, fruit snacks, jerky, trail mix
Water bottleMountain air is dry, so drink often
Spare mittens and gaiterWet mittens end ski days
Dry socks
Change of clothes for the drive home
Small first aid kitBandages, blister pads, pain or fever reliever, any inhalers or prescriptions
Lesson or rental confirmation
Chains or traction tiresCheck the drive card on your mountain's page before you leave

🧒 For the kids

Your name and phone number inside each jacketSo staff can call you if you get separated
A meeting spot everyone knowsPick a landmark like the lodge door or a lift sign
A favorite treat for a breakHot chocolate counts
Wipes, plus diapers for little ones
Layers that come off fast for bathroom trips

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🖨 For the kids

A printable My First Ski Season card to check off milestones and add stickers: first chairlift ride, first green run, top of the mountain and more.

Get the printable card ›

Your first family ski day