Children's equipment manufacturers know kids and their parents are looking for durability and quality in whatever they buy. Most have responded with high-quality products that fit and perform at a child's level.

Equipment

• Snowboards for children are quite durable. One company, Head, offers two-year warranties on its children's gear. Boards are built specifically for kids, rather than as scaled-down adult models. Boards that are lighter, stronger and more versatile allow kids to meet the challenges of bigger terrain parks at resorts.
• Ski and snowboard boots are being produced to allow for the rapid growth of children's feet. They are now available with special inserts so boots can last for an entire season or into a second season. Many new boots feature easy-to-get-on and-off characteristics, some claiming to be virtually "parent-free."
• Skis for children are as diversified as those for adults. Children have twintip (turned-up tips at both ends) skis for the terrain parks, race models for speed, all-mountain carvers for exploration and learning skis. Companies make specific products for children of both genders.

Apparel

Waterproof fabrics, function details and cool, trendy styles are attracting kids from teen years to toddlers.

• Looks are paramount to older children and teens. With that in mind, companies design their children's and junior lines with the latest style trends.
• Some brands enlist the aid of design teams comprised of children to come up with "kid-approved" leading edge styles.
• For 2003-2004, styles run the gamut, from freeriding designs to race-oriented pieces to outfits that follow street-style trends.
• Jackets offer zip-in linings, detachable hoods, fleece-lined collars and moisture-wicking mesh linings.
• Fabrics also keep pace with the latest trends in winter wear in addition to being functional. Finishes include soft shells, stretch and satin. Waterproof denim is very popular, and much more practical than cotton denim, which becomes soggy and cold if worn for snow sports.