The sheer volume of gifts for skiers/snowboarders can be overwhelmingly expansive, with some easy to find and others obscure. On top of that, finding the right gift for your friend who’s been skiing/snowboarding for years and has all of the gear can be difficult. In addition, their arsenal of clothing and equipment can prove it hard to find something new that will not only surprise them, but delight them.
Though a pair of gloves or a hat is easy enough to purchase, it will likely end up in the bottom of their closet. However, with Christmas approaching and it being the optimal time for giving ski/snowboard related gifts, now is the time to find a unique gift that your snow-lover will really appreciate. Any of these unique ski gifts will make their next trip to the mountains all the better. From survivalist’s watches to portable bonfires, here are a few ways to step up their outdoor game.
MountainCut Wood Ski Trail Maps
Every skier/snowboarder has their favorite mountains. It could be there most memorable ski trip or where they took their first turns. MountainCut commemorates their favorite mountain with handcrafted, wood ski trail maps of over 200 ski areas/resorts across North America. Yep, this is MountainCut's blog and, of course, we add our own product because we believe IT IS the best gift for skiers!
Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die
They’ll love the photos and gorgeous visuals of Fifty Places to Ski and Snowboard Before You Die by Chris Santella. This fantastic book will be one to leaf through at any time of day, become inspired, and pine for their next destination. Your friend will learn about the most incredible, jaw-dropping, and stunning winter challenges in the entire world, followed by legendary photos of beautiful ranges, from the Chugach Mountains to Portillo, Chile. $21.50
Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch
Suppose your friend considers themself to be an athlete. In that case, they will appreciate any equipment that helps with tracking stats and logging their trails. The Garmin Instinct watch does just that, and has been designed specifically for winter sports, and is one of the more valuable gifts for skiers and snowboarders out there. Anyone wearing this watch can expect up to 54 days of battery life. Its 100m water resistance rating will ensure that any activity involving sports - save for scuba-diving - will keep the watch functioning. $205
DryGuy DX Forced Air Boot Dryer and Garment Dryer
None can deny the importance of warm, dry snow boots. Perhaps unnecessary for single-day excursions, this machine is a unique and useful one for skiers and snowboarders, especially if they’re planning to hit the slopes for a weekend or longer. Wet, cold boots are the last thing you want when hitting the mountain. This DryGuy DX Boot Dryer guarantees that they’re fully dry, warm, and cozy before the next use. It’s a beloved tool, and highly recommended for avid skiers and snowboarders. $89
Oakley Flight Deck Ski Goggles
Whether your friend wishes to stand out among the snowy crowd or ensure clear vision while going downhill, the Oakley Flight Deck goggles bring a package that never lets down. These goggles boast bonus space for those wearing glasses, with an anti-fog coating to ensure that the wearer will always have 100% visibility. They will find this among their most treasured ski and snowboarding gear. $190
Feile Heated Gloves
With six hours of warming, soft fingertips, and palms, the Feile Heated Gloves are the perfect pairing with the DryGuy DX Boot Dryer to ensure that your friend is warm from head to toe. Even with the highest quality clothing, the skier and snowboarder often find themselves with frozen digits. These gloves ensure that that will not happen, and on an extra cold day, your friend’s hands will be as warm as those by a bonfire. $80
WhiSki Poles - Flask Ski Poles
As much as skiing and drinking hard liquor maybe shouldn't go together, they just do. So finding a good liquor transportation device on the trails is important for those who imbibe on the mountain. Enter the WhiSki Poles, completely functional ski poles that double as a flask for your favorite hooch. Each pole holds approximately 8 fluid ounces (235 ml), or a pint per pair. Should be enough to get you buzzed enough to make it to the bar after the run. $129
Astis Mittens
Maybe gloves fitted with electric heating are not your friend’s style, and they want something a little more old-school. The Astis Mittens still perform an exceptional job at warming the hands while boasting an antique and unique style. These leather gloves are lined with dry-wicking thermal insulation to keep hands dry and warm in the wettest and coldest of conditions. Cozy and different for your classy skier friend, with dozens of options for colors, patterns, and even tassels. $160+.
Airblaster Merino Ninja Suit
This fast-drying, warm, and lightweight merino fabric long underwear is equal parts thoughtful and luxurious. It has thumb loops at the cuff (for preserving toasty palms). It has both a front fly and a 350-degree waist zip, giving flexibility for any bathroom situation. And for your animal-loving friends, Airblaster only uses non-mulesed wool from New Zealand and Australia, because sheep are people too. $210.
Poleplant Bamboo Poles
Poleplant poles need to be featured on your friend’s ski gear list for the eco-conscious skiers out there. Not only are they constructed with sustainable and solid bamboo (twice as strong as aluminum), but Tignes-based Poleplant also handcraft poles to direct specifications. So, you and your friend get to choose the type and color of your handles. Add an extra touring grip if you want it. Even personalize your poles with your name or some inspirational quote engraved onto the bamboo to remind you to shred all the harder. Yes, practical personalized gifts for skiers do exist. $95.
Unique Skis
Unique Skis is an Austrian-based boutique ski-making company specializing in making its customers gaga over their beautiful, handcrafted wooden skis. They say that true beauty comes from within. As visually appealing as these may be, that does not mean they lack physical quality either. Unique Skis designs their skis to excel in intense conditions, made hand-selected materials for only the very best in durability and aesthetics. They are skis that will float wonderfully on the powder for days. They’ll deal with hard-packed snow beautifully, and are easily maneuverable on all terrain. There is one shape available in three different lengths. $1,165+.
Black Diamond Equipment Jetforce Tour Pack 26L
In an avalanche, this pack instantly inflates to float you above the snow and potentially save your life. It also recharges for re-use in less than an hour, but if you happen to make it through two avalanches in one day, it’s high time to hit the bar. At less than 6lbs, this sleek and stylish backpack guarantees absolute safety for your backcountry friends seeking that extra thrill. $1,100.
Leatherman Free P4 Multi-Tool
The Free P4 Multi-Tool, despite its name, owns 21 differing tools for every occasion, and is one of Leatherman’s most recent and advanced tools. Boasting to be the work of 35 years of perfection, this tool is suited for every environment and situation. From serrated knives to can openers, this is especially useful for the backcountry skier and snowboarder that you wish to bless with this tool. $140.
Patrol Parka
A stylish homage to the National Ski Patrol's origins, this beautiful and full-grain leather bomber is a heavy duty full-zip shell providing two-ply windproof & waterproof protection. The parka features a full lifetime warranty. $695.
Skull Orbic Comp SPIN Julia
Give the gift of protection. The Skull Orbic Comp SPIN Julia is one of the most advanced ski helmets around. A combination of technologies, EPP and VPD 2.0, helps minimize the impact of falls. In addition, the deflector panel is reinforced with an Aramid Penetration Barrier to improve safety, and ear chambers are designed to improve balance and hearing. $212.
YETI Hopper Flip 8
YETI brings soft coolers to new lengths with the leakproof, rugged Hopper Flip 8. The Hopper's unique design features a wide-mouth opening that makes for easy loading and unloading. In addition, the highly portable cooler packs an insane amount of insulation for up to 6 cans or 8 pounds of ice. Lightweight and small, your friend can bring the Hopper along any ski trail for lunch or for drinks. $200.
Fjällräven Kånken Backpack
Originally designed for Swedish school children in 1978, the Kånken is made from moisture repelling Vinylon F fabric and comes in over 40 different colors. Perfect for that one aesthetic that your friend has been trying to capture, and capable of carrying everything they need on the mountain top for a day of skiing and snowboarding. $80.
Eddie Bauer Fleece Cap
Your friend needs a hat to cover their helmet hair and keep their head warm when they’re not skiing. Of course, you could go with getting them a classic beanie, or this superb option, which is essentially a ball cap made from cozy polyester fleece, keeping them ready for their next foray into the wild. $30.
Solo Stove Bonfire
Looking for a firepit you can spark up in the ski area parking lot? The Solo Stove Bonfire is portable and easy to use. Whenever the need arises to cozy up by a fire this season or prepare food in the great outdoors, you will be invited for every meal made over this quick and easy fire-pit. $300.
Teva Ember Moc Slippers
Enhance your friend’s parking-lot footwear with these insulated slip-ons. After a day of skiing and snowboarding, your friend will, of course, love swapping hard, plastic boots for these hotel pillow-soft slippers. The Teva Ember Mocs elicit universal appreciation: They’re great for camping, long flights, sleepy rides in the passenger seat, and even for a casual day at the office. A collapsible heel allows for easy on-off and wearing them like clogs, while a ribbed, rubber outsole provides some traction. Available in womens and mens. $75