Cold little kids

[legalskier]

I don't know about you but lately I've noticed more little children who just aren't dressed right. I'll be on a lift line and hear a child say, "I'm cold." I look over and see that their gloves are those thin knit things sold in a dollar store...or they're wearing a thin cotton jacket. No neckie. Probably have cotton socks inside their boots too. And it's like, 7 degrees out. They're too little to dress themselves, so someone else did. The parent then acts surprised, but they're decked out in a warm designer outfit with thick mittens, neck warmer, etc.

Seems to be happening more often. I've been tempted to say something but end up biting my lip instead. I just don't get it.
Has anyone noticed this? Would you say anything? Any new parents care to weigh in?

 

[jrmagic]

I usually only see this in newbie/seldom ski/board families. All the families I see with kids in tow that seem like they are regualr visitors to the mountains tend to have kids dressed more appripriately.

 

[Nick]

I went to wachusett in december with my wife, sister in law and brother in law, and their kid.

The kid has never skied before (5 years old). My SIL sent him out for beginner lesson with knit gloves. His hands were completely numb a little later and the instructor came over and asked if she had other gloves, and she had to go buy some real snow gloves. I didn't realize it until later, I still make fun of her like WTH were you thinking? It's snow. It melts and then it gets wet. Fabric gloves??

 

[SkiFanE]

In defense of parents...even though we have appropriate gear for kids, early season my kids when young don't always realize how cold it gets. My 6yo and I battled his first day out this year, he insisted on wearing his favorite fleece gloves, little warmth, I told him no..he insisted they would be great. Okay kiddo...have a nice day in your gloves...you can have your way. Well...next day he asked for his real ski gloves. Same thing every year with neck gator...don't need it...they freeze and then next day no complaint. Although newbie parents may be ignorant on day 1, many times it's just the damn stubborn kids that put up a stink about a particular piece of gear and you just give in to get to the ski hill lol.

 

[hammer]

In defense of parents...even though we have appropriate gear for kids, early season my kids when young don't always realize how cold it gets. My 6yo and I battled his first day out this year, he insisted on wearing his favorite fleece gloves, little warmth, I told him no..he insisted they would be great. Okay kiddo...have a nice day in your gloves...you can have your way. Well...next day he asked for his real ski gloves. Same thing every year with neck gator...don't need it...they freeze and then next day no complaint. Although newbie parents may be ignorant on day 1, many times it's just the damn stubborn kids that put up a stink about a particular piece of gear and you just give in to get to the ski hill lol.

In the days when I had to worry about this, I would let them wear what they wanted but had the appropriate gear packed just in case. I didn't want a whining kid messing up my ski day...

 

[Smellytele]

Saw some kids at the after school program the other day with socks on their hands. EEK!

 

[ceo]

I was guilty of this to some degree when I started my son skiing; got him ski gloves and warm snow pants etc., but no long underwear or neckwarmer and a poorly insulated helmet with no ear coverage. Then I was planning on taking him to Cannon on a really cold day, and made sure to get him warmer stuff. He still wanted to quit early (couldn't blame him, it was pretty brutal out there).

 

[Cheese]

A lot of it can be chalked up to forgotten and lost clothing as well. Kids are easily distracted and very forgetful.

 

[Tooth]

My wife and I see it all the time up at the Loaf. Its sad. Its tough for those who dont ski/ride everyday to understand the gear needs.

 

[KD7000]

Heh.

The other weekend, my daughter was rockin' long underwear, a mid layer shirt, an LL Bean parka, face mask, gloves with hand warmer packets in the top, real ski socks, and a toasty warm helmet of course...

Possibly overkill, but I've been out there with her on days where I underestimated the cold and hadn't brought enough layers.

It is quite a challenge to: A. remember all that shit, and B. convince kids to wear it.

 

[Tooth]

With the gear options out there for kids there really is no excuse for cold kids. I am speaking for those who ski/ride every weekend. I give out handwarmers all the time to little kids. I always carry an extra pair no matter what. Makes people really happy on the lift if they need it. Spreads the home mountains good will.

 

[legalskier]

I give out handwarmers all the time to little kids. I always carry an extra pair no matter what. Makes people really happy on the lift if they need it. Spreads the home mountains good will.

That's really nice of you. Like getting candy on Halloween!
:beer: