Gifts for Skiers & Snowboarders
Best Gifts for Skiers and Snowboarders
Help them chase winter with these slope-ready gift ideas.
Everyone knows that skiing and snowboarding aren’t just sports–they’re a way of life. The right gear makes the experience, whether it’s traveling to the best peaks around the world or trying to get as many snow days as possible at the local hill. We have tons of gifts for skiers and snowboarders that will have them hitting the slopes in comfort and style this season.
Our Top Gifts for Skiers and Snowboarders:
- Baselayer
- Insulated Jacket/Pants
- Mittens/Gloves
- Helmet
- Skis/Snowboard
Baselayer
The fabric that rests against the skin is arguably the most important layering piece in winter. There are a few adages that are relevant here: “Cotton kills,” and the Norwegian saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.”
Snowsports are hard work, and it’s easy to work up a sweat. Having high-performance baselayers that wick moisture away from the skin to keep them dry is essential for maintaining body temperature. Cotton isn’t a good baselayer because it retains moisture and keeps them cold. This is why a synthetic fabric or Merino wool baselayer is the foundation of a successful snow kit.
Insulated Jacket/Pants
Insulated layers are the second-most-important part of a great snow kit. Insulation is designed to trap heat and keep the body warm, letting your snowboarder or skier stay out on the slopes longer. There are two different kinds of insulation: synthetic and down.
Down insulation is great because it’s extra warm, but it’s not ideal for snowsports because it’s not effective if it gets wet. We recommend saving the down jacket for après-ski.
Synthetic insulation does a great job of keeping snowboarders and skiers warm while also letting moisture (i.e: sweat) pass through to the surface fabric where it can evaporate. That surface fabric is designed for one-way traffic when it comes to moisture. It lets sweat out, but it has a water-repellent finish to prevent moisture from getting in.
An insulated jacket with a removable or fold-away hood makes it easy to pivot if the weather takes a turn. Plus, interior and exterior pockets are a nice option for stashing their phone, hand warmers, and snacks.
We love a pair of insulated bib pants because they’re guaranteed to stay up and the higher back prevents wind from sneaking in and cooling things down. If you’re shopping for a snowboarder, keep an eye out for pants with reinforced zones at the seat and knees.
Mittens/Gloves
They can never have too many pairs of mittens or gloves. Trust us. Gloves get sweaty, and nothing beats the feeling of pulling on a dry pair for the post-lunch ride/run. Plus, a lightweight glove or liner is perfect for loading up the car with the day’s gear.
Helmet
A helmet is a practical gift and lets your favorite skier or snowboarder know you care about their safety. While helmets aren’t required for recreational snowsports, it’s common to see them on the slopes. Ski and snowboard helmets differ from other sports thanks to specific features like ear coverage and moisture-wicking liners, and they’re designed to work well with goggles.
Skis/Snowboard
Probably the most exciting gift to receive is a pair of skis or a snowboard. However, this is a highly personal choice and there’s a dizzying array of options. We have a chart to help you find your ski length and boot size and this sizing guide from On the Snow helps for snowboards. We recommend checking in with your favorite enthusiast to see what length/style/brand they like and shop armed with that information. And don’t forget to check out our four tips for buying used skis and snowboards.
Holiday shopping is easier when you handle it all at once, right? Pair a helmet with a gaiter, or gloves with ski poles to get them fully kitted up. Our hand-picked list of gifts for skiers and snowboarders makes it easy for you to get everything on your shopping list.