Snow Gear (ie clothes) - what do we need and where to get

Hello Tars,

Aldi's had some thermal underwear (long sleeved polyester tops/botts) for under 20 bucks for sale.
If you're lucky they still have some left where you are.

Important: keep feet dry and warm, so treat leather shoes/boots with silicone spray, long socks definitely recommended.
Put on many layers of thinner stuff, so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
A beenie definitely recommended if ears are sensitive to cold.
If the cold gets to you, start moving around/jumping up and down does wonders and you'll be surprised how quickly good blood circulation warms your body.
Gloves are a bonus.
Plenty of (warm or hot fluid) because the cold/dry air can dehydrate you too.

Oh yes, get some strong plastic bags (or several shopping bags together) and fill them with snow.
Great for tobogganing down the slopes not only for the kids hehehe.

Have fun!

Peter

Have you tried a snow and ski shop...they may be able to help you.

You have tree choices.

1 - Buy good quality gear that will last many many years and have a happy comfortable holiday.
2 - Buy cheap stuff that doesn't last and will not keep you warm.
3 - Do nothing and freeze.

I would speak to someone at a snow and ski shop and tell them that you want cheap gear to keep you warm.

Hire some proper gear for a few days. Keeping dry is the most important thing, once you get wet then nothing keeps you warm and normal gear gets wet, proper gear doesn't. I wouldn't be buying snow gear for 3-5 year olds and if they get wet and cold then everyone will suffer :-).

Mike

Unless you are going to the snow a lot, I would suggest hiring ski gear for kids. Otherwise you could be buying new gear every season. And the way kids grow you may get one wear out of your snow gear.
There are plenty of ski shops that open early and close late in and around Bright. You can get hire gear there.
I do recommend wearing undergear as conditions can get cold.
My kids usually wear a longsleeve t-shirt and windcheater under their parker. I take a backpack and if they get hot I get to carry the excess clothing. I prefer to have too much gear rather than have cold kids and have a miserable experience. You don't know if conditions are going to change for better or worse.
Importantly, take a spare set of clothes. Between snow and sweating everything gets wet. Having something dry to change into at the end of the day makes things a lot more comfortable.

Over the years we made the obligatory trip to the snow to play each year.

One trip... an hour or two in the snow and then on for a picnic somewhere else.

Two pairs of socks, with a plastic bag in between.
Changes of clothes.
Mittens [I stitched some up out of old jumpers!]

Don't wear gumboots!!!! bad news.

Wool is good [do they use that anymore??]

Changes of clothes.

Have fun!!

If you have leather boots treat them with sno seal or the like to keep them waterproof.

Phone some vinnies stores in the areas and ask if they have any snow clothes they often get the cast offs from the local kids who outgrow stuff.

Outer clothes anyway.

Layer clothes so you can keep warm in the snow but don't cook in the car or inside.

Take plenty of high carb snacks chocolate and nut bars are good.

Thermoses of hot chocolate as well.

Make sure you have a change of dry clothes for everyone and warm blankets or sleeping bags just incase you get stuck or someone gets really cold.

Tars,
As others have said, hire the necessary gear, you are going to the snow to have a good time, so do it right. We took the kids (2 Girls) to Selwyn last year and hired everything. It's amazing how the proper snow boots keep out the cold and wet. And don't forget the sunglasses for everyone!, it gets REALLY bright.

Rob

Hi Tars
there is a hire shop on the Bright side of Myrtleford and there is a hire shop at Porpunkah and most likley one in Bright.
cheers reggy2

The worst think for kids and snow is cold hands and feet, so thats the first two things to take care of.

Dont let them eat snow, that chills the insides.

Take spare socks, gloves/mittems and have a good time.

Hire a toboggan too. They're safer and more fun than the alternatives.

Sunnies, hats and sunblock too; on a sunny day it's brighter than at the beach. Think about the sun reflecting off the snow; and put sunblock under the chin, ears eyebrows etc.

Many kids tire quickly but bounce back after a break and want to go on playing.

Cheers
Thanks everyone for your comments. There have been a few good snow specials on so we have bought quite a bit of gear and then I am going to flog it back off on Ebay after we get back (judging by some of the prices that were going when I was looking!!!!). Thanks for tip re Falls Creek too. I only heard that yesterday as well.
Thanks again.
Cheers
Tars