Children's ski fleeces

The fleece, the mid layer of the ski outfit

In the three-layer ski outfit, the fleece sits between the technical base layer, which wicks away sweat, and the waterproof jacket, which stops the wind and snow. Its fluffy polyester fibres trap warm air while allowing moisture vapour to escape, and it remains warm even when slightly damp. For a child who alternates between skiing, chairlifts, and breaks, this mid layer is easy to adjust: you take it off in the spring sun, and keep it on in the freezing cold. Fleece fabric, developed in the late 1970s in the USA, has replaced the itchy woollen materials that dried slowly.

The rest of the wardrobe

Kids' ski clothing also includes:

• Ski suits.
• Down jackets and Ski Jackets.
• Ski trousers.

All the clothing is gathered on the kids' clothing page.

CMP, Peak Mountain and Protest: three styles of fleeces

CMP, a family-run Italian company from Bassano del Grappa, has been making fleece since the 1970s: its children's models, featuring zip collars or hoods, focus on a dense knit and strong finishes. The Peak Mountain Faynur, Gasana, and Shell fleeces come in bright colours that help spot a child on a busy slope. Protest, a brand founded in 1993 by Dutch snowboarders, offers the Fabrizoy with a half-zip and a high collar that protects the neck, and the zip-up Jaggy hooded fleece, designed for a sporty look that teenage girls love.

What size fleece for a growing child

The fleece should be chosen according to age size or one size up, to last throughout the winter without being restrictive under the jacket: if it's too baggy, it creates folds that pinch the shoulders and arms. The sleeves should cover the wrists with arms stretched out, to meet the gloves without leaving any skin exposed. A zippered fleece provides ventilation in one motion when the child gets warm on the lift, and an all-around zip makes it easier for younger ones to put on. The hood, comfortable at the resort, stays pushed back behind the helmet while skiing.

Good deals

Great bargains can also be found in the good deals, special offers, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals feature the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year come in a regular order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

Thin or thick fleece: which one goes under the ski jacket?

A medium-weight fleece, around two hundred grams per square metre, is suitable for most days. In extreme cold, a thicker model is preferred; in spring, a thin fleece is enough under the jacket.

Can a fleece replace a child's ski jacket?

Only in mild, fine weather for a short outing. The fleece lets the wind through and absorbs melted snow: as soon as the weather turns bad, the waterproof jacket goes back on top.

Should you wear a technical base layer under the fleece?

Yes, it wicks away sweat from the skin while the fleece retains warmth. A cotton base layer, which stays damp, cools the child down as soon as they stop on the chairlift.

Why does a fleece pill?

Repeated friction on the arms and sides causes fibres to come loose and tangle into small balls. Washing inside out at thirty degrees, without fabric softener, reduces this phenomenon, and a lint remover refreshes the surface.

Is a different fleece needed for a girl and a boy?

The girls' cut is often a bit more fitted, and the colours vary, but the insulation remains the same. CMP offers its children's fleeces in both versions, including mixed models that suit everyone.