Packing for your family's first snow trip? Here's the short version. Dress kids in layers, keep cotton away from their skin on the slopes, and save the fun graphics for the lodge, the car ride and cozy time after the lifts close. A great kids snowboard shirt won't replace a base layer, but it will make the whole trip feel like yours.
From coast to peak
If your family lives in Southern California, you know the summer routine: sunscreen, salty hair and a board under one arm. Then winter shows up, and the board changes. We call that Coast to Peak, and it's the spirit behind our Shred Club collection.
A first mountain trip is a big deal for little riders. It's cold, it's bright, and everything takes longer than planned. Even getting boots on can feel like a team sport.
The good news? A little prep goes a long way. Then the rest is just kids having an epic day in the snow.
What goes under the snow jacket
Think in three layers. Most winter safety guidance says the same thing:
- Base layer: thin, snug long underwear that wicks sweat away from the skin. Pick synthetic fabric or wool.
- Middle layer: a fleece or wool top for warmth on colder days.
- Outer layer: a waterproof, wind-blocking jacket and snow pants.
A handy rule of thumb is to dress kids in one more layer than you'd wear yourself. Small bodies lose heat fast.
Now the honest part. Cotton soaks up sweat and dries slowly, which can leave kids chilly. So cotton isn't the right choice for next to the skin on the mountain. Our tees and crews are cotton blends, so we think of them as lodge, car and après-snow pieces. More on that below.
A few more things that make the day better:
- Socks: wool or a wool-synthetic blend, one pair at a time. Pack a spare pair in case of wet feet.
- Hands: mittens usually keep little hands warmer than gloves.
- Head and neck: a snug hat that covers the ears, plus a neck gaiter. Skip scarves for little ones, since they can be a strangulation risk, and remove drawstrings from clothing.
- Wet clothes: change out of wet clothes and boots as soon as you can.
Safety basics for toddlers and kids
Keep this short list in your bag. It comes from pediatric and health-agency guidance.
- Helmet: use one made for skiing or snowboarding, fitted so it sits snug.
- Goggles: choose UV-protective eyewear to cut snow glare.
- Wrist guards: these can help snowboarders avoid wrist injuries.
- Sunscreen: use it even on cloudy days, since altitude and glare make sunburn more likely. Add lip balm with sun protection.
- Lessons: book a certified instructor and keep kids supervised.
- Weather: conditions can change fast, so bring extra clothing and be ready to call it early.
Wondering about toddler snowboarding? The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that most resorts start ski school around age 4, and some won't teach snowboarding to kids under 7. Check the age policy wherever you're headed before you book.
Après-snow: the cozy part
Once the helmet comes off, the fun designs come out. These are our picks for kids winter graphic tees and crews that fit a family ski trip, from the drive up to hot cocoa at the lodge.
Send It Factory tee
This is our new snowboard tee, and a kids snowboard shirt with a story. The back shows a snowy mountain lodge with snowboards lined up by the barn doors, pine trees, and two little signs that read "Boards in" and "Good times out." Underneath it says "Coast to Peak since '22." It's a soft black tee made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex. It fits true to size and comes in sizes 2 to 9/10.
Powder Days Ahead crewneck
Snow's falling, and powder days are ahead. This vanilla crew has "Powder Days Ahead" in warm orange lettering on the back, set inside a winding ski-run path with mountains and blue snowflakes. It's 60% cotton and 40% polyester, true to size, with sizes up to 9/10.
Shred Club crewneck
Members of the Shred Club ride hard and dream big. This black crew has a goggle-wearing yeti on a snowboard on the back, with "First chair to last chair" underneath. It's for little skaters, surfers and snowboarders. It's 60% cotton and 40% polyester, true to size, and comes in toddler sizes through 9/10.
Yewww crewneck
A big "YEWWW" across a pair of snow goggles, with mountains reflected in the lens, for the kid who cheers loudest on the first run. It comes in Slate Blue and Vanilla. It's 60% cotton and 40% polyester, true to size, with sizes 2T through 9/10.
Want more? You'll find the full lineup in the Shred Club collection, made for surf, skate and snow.
Sizes and care
Every style above runs true to size. If you're between sizes, or shopping for a kid who's growing fast, email us at contact@radwildbrave.com and we'll help.
To keep the prints looking good, machine wash cold, inside out, on gentle. Tumble dry low or hang dry. Don't iron directly on the print, and skip the bleach.
Frequently asked questions
What should kids wear under a snow jacket?
A snug synthetic or wool base layer, plus a fleece or wool middle layer on colder days. Skip cotton next to the skin.
Can toddlers snowboard?
It depends on the resort. Most start ski school around age 4, and some won't teach snowboarding until 7, so check the age policy first.
Are cotton tees okay for a snow trip?
They're great for the car, the lodge and après-snow. On the slopes, a synthetic or wool base layer is the better choice.
Ready for your first snow day?
Whether it's your first snowboard trip with kids or your fifth, a little planning keeps everyone warm, safe and smiling. Pack the layers, bring the sunscreen, and let the kids lead the way. Then come see what's new in the Shred Club collection.
Stay Rad Wild and Brave.