Editor's note: ski school ages, conditions and rates are from the 2026 season and may change in 2027. Always confirm them on each resort's official website before heading up.
A snow day with kids comes down to the details. A glove that gets wet, goggles left in the car or a ski school that won't take your child because of their age can turn the best outing of the trip into a mid-morning retreat.
This guide covers the essentials for a day that works, whether the kids are going to ski or just play in the snow, with recommendations from pediatricians, the World Health Organization and official information from the ski resorts.
Traveling with a tour agency? Your agency will also walk you through the details of the day: what time they'll pick you up, how the transfer works and what the package includes, for example whether it comes with ski lessons for the kids. This guide will help you arrive with everything else sorted out.
How to dress kids: one more layer than you
Pediatricians' rule is easy to remember: dress children in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Several thin layers are better than a single thick one, because they keep kids warm and dry. And always boots, gloves and a hat.
In practice:
- Base layer: thermal, close to the body (no cotton).
- Mid layer: a warm fleece or sweatshirt.
- Outer layer: waterproof. For little ones, a snowsuit is the most practical choice: the jacket doesn't ride up when they fall and snow doesn't get in at the waist.
To sort everything out at once, our Kids' Snowsuit Kit includes a snowsuit, boots, gloves and goggles.
A tip for the car ride
In car seats, children should wear thin, snug layers rather than bulky coats or snowsuits, which keep the harness from fitting tightly. Put the snow clothes on when you arrive. Also remember that in Chile children up to age 9 (or up to 135 cm tall and 33 kg) must ride in a child restraint, and children under 12 in the back seat.
High-altitude sun and children's eyes
Fresh snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, and radiation increases by 10% to 12% for every 1,000 meters of altitude. Children under 15 also have especially sensitive skin and eyes.
What pediatricians recommend, whether or not the kids are skiing:
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 15 to 50, reapplied every 2 hours.
- Sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection; in the snow, goggles are better, since they also block the wind.
- Keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight.
Signs that the cold is winning
Kids lose heat faster and often don't say anything. There are two warnings worth knowing:
- Frostbite: the skin hurts or burns, then goes numb and turns white, pale or gray, sometimes with blisters. Don't rub the area or pop the blisters; rewarm it with warm water.
- Hypothermia: shivering first; then the child becomes sluggish, clumsy or slurs their words. It's a medical emergency.
Check hands, feet and cheeks regularly, and change wet gloves or socks right away.
If they're going to ski: how old does your child need to be for ski school?
Each resort has its own rules. Here's what they published for the 2026 season:
| Resort | Program | Age | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valle Nevado | Snow School | 4 to 11 | Must be potty trained |
| La Parva | Private Baby School | 3 to 5 | Individual lessons |
| La Parva | Mini School | 6 to 12 | Groups of up to 8 kids, ski only |
| El Colorado | Private lessons | 3 to 7 | Always with an accompanying adult |
| El Colorado | Mini School | 4 to 8 | Ski only, subject to availability |
Two things worth knowing: at Valle Nevado, helmets and goggles are mandatory for everyone under 14 in lessons, and the resort has no reservation system for lessons, so it recommends arriving at the mountain rental shop at least an hour early.
Safety rules for kids who ski
At Valle Nevado, a helmet is mandatory for everyone under 12 who skis or snowboards, children under 1.25 m must ride the chairlift with an adult, and carrying a child without skis in your arms or in a backpack is not allowed. If the kids are only going to play in the snow or take photos, they don't need a helmet.
If they're not skiing yet: tubing, sledding and a mini park
Not every child needs a lesson on day one. In Farellones, Parques de Farellones offers tubing, sledding and a kids' mini park with games, a climbing wall and slides. It's ideal for families with children, with free entry for anyone under one meter tall; for tubing, the minimum height is one meter. We share more ideas in What to do in the snow if you don't ski.
If you bring a sled, always supervise children under 12, have them sled seated or feet first (never head first) and avoid crowded areas.
Checklist for a family snow day
- Thermal layer and fleece for each child (plus a spare change of clothes in the car).
- Snowsuit or snow jacket and pants, waterproof gloves and boots.
- Goggles.
- If they're going to ski or snowboard: the gear for it and a helmet. You can choose our Kids' Ski Kit or Kids' Snowboard Kit, or get clothing and gear together with the Kids' Full Ski Kit (Clothing + Gear) or the Kids' Full Snowboard Kit.
- Sunscreen and lip balm; reapply every 2 hours.
- Water and snacks.
- Car seat, with the child in thin layers for the drive.
- If they're taking lessons: school age and conditions confirmed on the resort's official website or with your agency.
Now go enjoy it as a family
With everything ready, the best part is next. Few things compare to a child's face when they see snow for the first time: that mix of wonder and wanting to dive right in and play. The first snowman, the first sled run, the first snowball fight with mom and dad. These are memories that last forever, for them and for you.
The day doesn't have to be perfect, and the kids don't need to learn to ski: they just need to be warm, comfortable and ready to play. Take lots of photos, laugh together and enjoy every moment as a family. Dress to live the snow.
At Andes Premier Rental we have snow clothing and gear in sizes for the whole family, including the little ones. We open at 5 a.m. in Las Condes, so you can pick everything up the same day, early and on your way to the mountains; many agencies stop by with their groups before 6 a.m. See real photos of our clothing in the Winter 2026 Catalog.
Main sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Cold weather safety
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Sun safety
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Winter sports safety
- WHO — Global Solar UV Index: a practical guide
- 24horas — Child car seats by age, weight and height
- Valle Nevado — Ski and Snowboard School and safety regulations
- La Parva — Ski and Snowboard School
- El Colorado — Ski School
- Chile Travel (Sernatur) — Parques de Farellones (2026)
- La Tercera — Parques de Farellones attractions