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For many parents, sharing a ski tour with their offspring is one of the most delightful winter experiences. However, to make sure everyone has fun and stays safe, there are several important points to consider—from choosing the right equipment to proper tour planning. In this post, you’ll learn what matters most when going on a ski tour with children.
Why Go on a Ski Tour with Children?
A ski tour with children is more than just a sporting activity: It offers quality family time outdoors, strengthens family bonds, and nurtures a connection to nature. Youngsters learn how to handle snow in a playful way, experience their first adventures away from crowded slopes, and develop endurance and coordination. To make the outing a success, fun and safety should always come first.
The Right Equipment for Young Ski Tourers
No matter the age, embarking on a ski tour with the wrong gear can quickly turn into a fiasco—think blisters, boots that are too big or small, skins that won’t stick properly, skis that are too heavy, or a climbing aid that keeps coming loose. We’ve all been there!
That said, especially for children, having lightweight and easy-to-use equipment is crucial. After all, everyone should enjoy the tour, not just the adults. The lighter children’s gear is, the easier the climb will be. Of course, a family’s budget also plays a role in equipment purchases.
Children’s Alpine Skis with an Alpine Binding Adapter
If you want to first try out ski touring with your child without a big financial commitment, you can use so-called touring adapters with existing alpine skis and regular ski boots. In just a few steps, these adapter inserts turn standard alpine bindings into touring bindings. For the uphill climb, you can simply leave the top buckles of the ski boots open. Once the tour is done, you can remove the adapter easily and stow it in your backpack. Manufacturers like Kohla also offer adhesive skins that you can trim yourself to fit your alpine skis. A ski length about 10 centimeters shorter than regular piste skis is recommended because skis that are too long or heavy can spoil the fun for kids.
Special Children’s Ski Touring Sets
If your child takes a real liking to touring, special kids’ ski touring sets are ideal. They include touring skis, bindings, skins, and matching poles, all designed for children’s lower body weight. A big plus: Many of these bindings have a wider adjustment range, which allows them to “grow” alongside your child or be resold more easily. That’s particularly practical because kids grow out of gear quickly.
Key points:
- Lightweight gear: Helps children enjoy the climb more.
- Easy handling: Ski touring shouldn’t be a constant battle.
Ski Touring Boots for Children
You can also find special touring boots for children, for example from Scarpa or Dynafit, with a flex rating between 60 and 70. Some freeride boots for teens even have a higher flex (80–100) and can be a good choice if they also like regular alpine skiing and you’d prefer not to buy two pairs of boots.
- Pay attention to fit: Boots shouldn’t be bought too big; otherwise the heel may slip during ascents, causing blisters.
- Light construction: Weight plays a major role in comfort and enjoyment.
Safety Equipment
Complete avalanche safety gear (transceiver, shovel, probe) is essential on any ski tour—even for children.
- Avalanche transceiver: There are voice-guided models (e.g., from Ortovox) that are easier for beginners to use.
- Probe: Shorter variants (240 cm) are often sufficient; in a serious burial situation, a very deep burial would be challenging for a child anyway.
- Shovel: Avoid plastic shovels if possible, as they may not be robust enough in an emergency. A light, smaller metal or “superlight” shovel is ideal.
Backpack & Clothing
What should kids wear so they don’t freeze but also don’t sweat excessively? Start with functional ski underwear. Since family tours aren’t about competition, a regular ski pant is often enough as the next layer. Of course, there are also dedicated kids’ touring pants on the market. During the climb, a fleece or performance pullover is usually ideal. A warm jacket should go in the pack for the downhill. Don’t forget extra layers—just like for adults. A hat and sunglasses are also important, and for the descent, a helmet and ski goggles are recommended.
Young children generally shouldn’t carry their own backpack. However, older kids can wear one if it’s well-fitted (adjusted to their torso length). A women’s backpack in a small size often works well for kids. Make sure there’s enough space for snacks, drinks, and extra warm clothing.
- Layering principle (“onion principle”): Kids need more breaks, so multiple layers are essential for adapting to changing temperatures.
- Lightweight functional clothing: Brands like Dynafit offer light, breathable collections for kids that provide warmth and freedom of movement.
Saving on Equipment Costs
Children outgrow their equipment quickly, and many parents shy away from expensive investments. Some cost-saving ideas:
- Buy and sell secondhand: Used sets that have been used for only a season or two can often be resold without much loss.
- Short adult skis: Occasionally an option, but be sure the bindings have a broad, easily adjustable DIN (Z) range that can go low enough for a child’s weight.
Planning and Preparation
To ensure a successful ski tour with children, you need solid planning but also a relaxed approach.
- Tour length: Beginners and younger children should start with short distances and minimal elevation gain.
- Terrain: Pick simple, easy-to-navigate terrain—ideally marked ski routes or the edges of secured slopes.
- Weather check: Always check the avalanche report and, in poor conditions, opt for a short alternative route or choose a different day.
- Breaks & snacks: Plan for sufficient breaks. Snacks, warm drinks, and encouraging words can do wonders when energy dips.
Requirements: Age, Fitness, Snow Conditions, and Safety
How challenging a ski tour can be depends primarily on the child’s endurance. But that’s not all—proper snow conditions and suitable tour length matter just as much. You can roughly estimate that children can handle 250 to 300 vertical meters in an hour. Steep, icy slopes or tricky snow (like breakable crust) that even challenges experienced tourers should be avoided with kids in tow. Children have shorter legs, smaller skis, and they weigh less than adults, making certain conditions more difficult for them.
If children are around ten years old, you could consider tours to nearby peaks. Start with routes of about one and a half hours and roughly 400 vertical meters. It’s wise to check webcams and the weather forecast ahead of time. Safety first! Besides, it’s much more fun for everyone when the sun is shining.
Tips for a Successful Day on a Ski Tour
- Start Slowly
Familiarize children with the gear through play. Small exercises for putting on skins or practicing with the avalanche transceiver can be done at home or in flat terrain. - Focus on Motivation, Not Performance
For children, the overall experience is key. Setting smaller goals, rotating “who leads” (e.g., who gets to break trail next?), and fun break spots help keep spirits high. - Teach Risk Awareness
Children should learn that venturing off-piste can involve avalanche danger. A simple transceiver search game helps them understand the equipment and stay safe. - Team Spirit & Family Bonding
Sharing the tour is a fantastic accomplishment. Encouragement, support, and a little sense of adventure boost kids’ self-confidence.
Conclusion
A ski tour with children can become an unforgettable highlight—provided that equipment and route choices suit their needs. Lightweight gear, properly fitting touring boots, complete avalanche safety equipment, and well-planned routes are the keys to fun in the snow. With plenty of breaks, patience, and playful learning, every ski tour becomes a family adventure that everyone will fondly remember. And if you’re unsure about which gear to get for your child, our in-store experts and service team are happy to help.
Ski touring is your great passion? Stay on top of things with these articles and our tips:
→ Ski touring guide – The right ski for your tour
→ Stay safe with the right avalanche equipment
→ KNOW-HOW: Trimming your ski touring skins