[momnh]

Lands End and LL Bean are both great quality for kids at reasonable prices. And if you only need it for one season, they have good resale value on Ebay. We buy our kids ski gear in resale shops (like Childrens Orchard) year after year and I always get Lands End or LL Bean because they hold up so well.

Don't forget that you'll need snow boots too. ALthough hiking boots will work fine in a pinch. I second Sierra Trading Post for anything that you may need to buy new.

[RunawayJim]

I swear by LL Bean for most of my stuff (except pants, their pants don't fit me for some reason). Their close and shoes last forever and are reasonably priced.

Until this year, I have worn only hiking boots in the snow. Snow boots are tough to drive in and not usually very comfortable. Honestly, I only got a pair because we've been getting harder winters here in RI and my hiking boots don't come up as high and aren't as warm or good on slick surfaces. But whenever I go up north for skiing, it's usually just hiking boots, even low cut ones. They give enough traction in the snow and are more comfortable to put on after a day of wearing ski boots. Heck, even sneakers work fine unless the forecast calls for snow.

I won't wear mittens because i don't like my fingers being "trapped". I wear a helmet now and it's the best thing. They're super warm and a lot of them have adjustable vents to allow for good air flow when your head gets warm. I bought this little Turtle Fur beanie thing that fits great under the helmet (I also won't wear a balaclava because it's too enclosing, but I do wear one of those fleece neck warmers that I can pull up over my mouth and nose).

Ski socks are a must IMO. They're warm and make getting the boots on and off so much easier, plus they're padded in the right spots.