A Skiing Mom’s Gear Guide: Kikkan Randall’s Essentials for Skiing with a Baby

Skiing with kids can feel like, well, a daunting junk show. The gear explosion, the logistics puzzle, and the constant battle to keep everyone warm and happy can make you wonder if it’s worth stepping foot out of the door. As a mom of two, I live this reality, staring down the barrel of a long winter filled with wrestling squirmy little bodies into layers upon layers of wool, fleece, and down. Can kid-pulling ever be more than just a logistics hassle and a sufferfest?

When I reached out to five-time Olympian and gold medalist Kikkan Randall for advice, she told me to hold on a few days. “I have a new device. I want to trail test it before we talk,” she said. Ok, ok. Interest piqued. A few days later, she got back to me. Here is someone who has not only figured it out but turned skiing with kids into something enjoyable—maybe even relaxing? I took close, personal notes, and her strategies are a guidebook and practical packing list for any parent dreaming of making ski outings more than a chore.

The Setup: Packing for the Trail

“It’s all about having a system,” Kikkan explains. “I start by loading the Kid Runner, which has been a game-changer for skiing with a baby. I pack the main carriage, attach the telescoping poles to the waist harness, and add my skis and poles. Then, of course, there’s the diaper bag.”

Inside the Kid Runner, Kikkan uses a down puffer suit and a fleece bunting to keep her baby snug. “It’s furry on the inside and adds a cozy layer of insulation,” she says. She also employs a clever hack she learned from fellow skiers Brian and Caitlin Gregg – using half of a pool noodle wrapped in a fuzzy blanket to stabilize her baby’s head. This trick prevents any bobble-heading on uneven terrain, keeping her little one’s head steady and secure. Even though her baby has pretty good head control for five months, it helps keep her extra supported. Plus, she always falls asleep in the Kid Runner, so this setup makes it quite comfortable for her.

Kikkan also tucks a bottle between her baby’s legs, inside the bunting. “It stays warm there and is ready when she needs it,” she says. It’s a simple trick that keeps everything streamlined and ensures her baby stays content mid-ski.

On the Move: Transforming the Experience

At first glance, the Kid Runner looks like any other kid-pulling contraption, but Kikkan highlights several details that make it particularly well suited to Nordic skiing. “The single-point harness is a big deal,” she explains. “With other systems, like the double-point harness I used with my older son, you’re constantly fighting against the weight pulling you back. It makes it harder to stay in your natural ski stride and can really wear on your lower back after a while.”

The single connection point pivots with your movement. “That pivot point is what allows you to ski dynamically,” Kikkan says. “You’re not locked into a rigid position, so you can lean forward, flex your ankles, and really feel like you’re skiing—not just towing.”

Stability is another key feature. “It tracks so well, even on downhills,” Kikkan adds. “I was worried about it tipping or dragging on uneven snow, but it’s been super predictable.”

Kikkan said she has been out for several genuinely good skis towing her baby.

The Gear List: Kikkan’s Must-Haves

Here’s a breakdown of Kikkan’s go-to gear for skiing with her baby:

1. The Trailer: The Kid Runner is an innovative ski trailer designed to let you ski naturally while towing your little one. Its single-point harness and pivoting connection allow natural movement, preventing the strain and discomfort common with traditional setups. Lightweight, adjustable, and smooth-tracking, the Kid Runner is a game-changer for skiing parents.
2. Baby Layers
   • LL Bean Ultralight 650 Down Bunting: Perfect for keeping the baby cozy in the Kid Runner.
   • Fleece hat with chin strap: Keeps the hat in place, which is so helpful.
   • Mittens and booties: These are tucked under the puffer suit to ensure they stay securely in place, keeping your baby’s hands and feet warm throughout the adventure
3. Quick In and Out Poles: Kikkan uses One Way Storm GTX Poles with magnetic click-in straps. These poles make it easy to stop and check on your baby without fussing with complicated gear. “When your baby fusses or you just want to peek back and make sure everything is good, you don’t want to be fumbling with straps. These poles let you stop, unclip, check in, and get back to skiing without missing a beat,” she says.

4. Drink Belt
Great for carrying water and a phone. Worn above the trailer belt for easy access.

5. Ski Boot Covers
These make walking to the trail much easier and safer while preventing snow and ice from getting packed into your boots during multiple trips back and forth from the parking lot.

Finding Your Groove: Advice for New Parents

For parents who feel overwhelmed at the thought of skiing with a baby, Kikkan’s advice is simple: start small and be patient. “The first couple of times might feel like a circus, but once you find your rhythm, it’s so worth it. The fresh air, the movement—it’s good for both of you. The Kid Runner has roll bars and a five-point harness, so I feel confident my baby is secure.”

She emphasizes the importance of taking your time to get dialed in. Each outing, she learns something new—whether it’s how to load the car more efficiently or a small adjustment to make her baby more comfortable.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete like Kikkan or just looking for a way to get outside with your little one, her gear recommendations and tips offer a practical, approachable guide. “It’s not just about getting out for family time,” she says. “With the right setup, you can actually enjoy a great ski experience, too.”