Whether you’re settling in for an epic winter of endless fresh lines and backcountry exploration, or getting ready for your first week of skiing ever, being as prepared as possible is key for a fun and safe time on the snow. From time-saving convenience to life-saving essentials, there’s something for everyone in this selection of very cool and unique gifts for skiers, no matter how experienced you are. However you hit the slopes, may you stay warm, ride safe, play hard and be cool!
22 unique gifts for skiers
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Gifts for skiers don’t need to be mundane or useless. So if your skiing pals have already received one woolly hat too many from you then take a look at our list for some inspiration:
Rossignol Unisex Podium Apres Ski Boots
If you’re buying for someone who enjoys the ski scene as much as the skiing itself, then these Apres Ski Boots by Rossignol are sure to be a hit. Designed with icy and snowy conditions in mind, these fully waterproof winter boots are ideal for stomping around on the days when the slope sliding conditions aren’t optimum. They boast super grippy and rugged injected EVA / rubber soles for extra grip and confidence around town or on the trail. Plus, their sneaker-like, casual aesthetics make them as suitable for an evening at the bar as they are for general winter wear. One of the more versatile gifts for skiers that snow bunnies will love you for!
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Rossignol
Bombas Antelope Heavyweight Merino Wool Ski & Snowboard Socks
It may seem a little pedestrian, but gifts for skiers really don’t get any better than a good old pair of ski socks! They’re one of the few items of ski gear that you need multiples of and they need replacing more frequently than most other ski products.
Plus, if you opt for these magical merino Bombas socks and all their moisture-wicking, anti-odour and anti-itch properties, it’ll be hard for the recipient not to love everything about them. They’re super fun and funky and they have pro-level cushioning, providing comfort and protection for even the most die-hard mountain chargers out there. But best of all, for every pair purchased another pair of socks is donated to someone experiencing homelessness. Best skiing gift ever!
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Bombas
Backcountry Access Float 32 Pack Backpack
The Float 32 backpack is the ultimate backcountry pack. It has all the bells and whistles you would expect from a high end avalanche backpack, and more. From a fleece-lined goggle pocket, BC Link radio sleeves and ski carry straps, to dedicated probe and shovel sleeves, gear loops and hydration sleeves. And of course a 150 litre airbag to help keep you as close to surface of the snow as possible, should get caught in an avalanche. An air cylinder is not included in the pack, but it is the most easily refillable system on the market and one of the best gifts for skiers who like to hit the backcountry.
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Amazon | REI
The Man Behind The Maps
Missing your snow fix this winter? Live vicariously through the iconic coffee table book The Man Behind The Maps: Legendary Ski Artist James Niehues published by Open Road Ski Company. With a 30-year career of ski artistry under his belt, this book features a compilation of over 200 individual resort trail maps all hand-painted by Niehues. Learn about his exacting process from capturing aerial shots to his self-exploration of the mountain so that he can nail his illustrations of every run, chairlift and tree by hand. In this modern digital age, Niehues may very well be the last of the great mapmakers. Been skiing in North America, South America, Europe, Asia or Australia? Chances are you’ve used one of his hand-painted maps already!
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James Niehues
Odlo Natural + Kinship Warm Baselayer Bottoms
A good pair of long Johns are an essential item for time on the slopes. But not all baselayer bottoms are created equal. The right pair should keep you warm on the long and windy chairlift rides but not overheat you on the downhill charges or backcountry hikes. Thankfully, these Odlo bottoms have you (well, your bottom half) covered. Boasting 52% merino wool content, the fabric has natural thermo-regulating properties that also takes much longer than synthetic to get stinky. Plus, the minimal seams of these snug fitting tights make them incredibly comfortable. No hitching them up as you ride, and certainly no riding up!
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Odlo | Nordstrom
Thermocharge Handwarmer
If you constantly struggle with frozen fingers when out skiing, then having a hand warmer at the ready is a must. Disposable warmers are not only wasteful but they also struggle to give you the heat you really need. The Thermocharge however, provides 6 hours of heat for your hands to hold onto on the ski lift, and can be charged overnight via a USB port. But what makes this a ergonomically designed aluminum hand warmer really stand out from the crowd, is its secondary function as a phone recharger! When phone battery life gets zapped that much quicker in the cold, it’s a godsend to simply plug into your hand warmer and boost the juice. Multi-functional gear at its best.
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Amazon
Picture Organic Clothing Boot Bag
Made of 50% recycled polyester, this 30 litre ski boot bag is better placed in our eco-friendly ski gear article than in this one. But sustainability shouldn’t stop just because it’s Christmas. Plus, it’s a highly useful gift as well as having a cool pattern that will stand out in the locker room. It features a zippered entry at the back to store your boots in, as well as a front pocket where you can stash your goggles, helmet, hat and gloves. Couple it with the ski and pole carrier (below), and you’ve got yourself a highly portable and easy to carry setup.
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REI
Sukoa Ski and Pole Carrier Straps
Wonderfully simple and highly functional, this lightweight ski and pole carry system is also easy to use. It features a padded shoulder strap which can be adjusted to the perfect length for the carrier. And it even has Velcro straps to securely attach your poles to the system too. To top it off, the ski holder straps are cushioned to protect your planks when hauling them around. For short hikes in deep snow or even just walking to and from the ski hill, the ski carry system will make life so much easier.
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Amazon
Black Diamond GlideLite Mohair Mix Skins
For snow-based missions out into the backcountry, a set of reliable skins is a must. Designed to stick to the bottoms of your skis, these clever yet simple contraptions enable ski tourers to climb uphill without sliding back down the slopes. They have adjustable tip attachments to fit a range of different ski sizes, and are superbly packable and lightweight. Additionally, the combo of nylon (35%) and mohair (65%) ensure efficiency on long approaches to those hard to reach dream runs.
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REI
Panda Optics RS1 Goggles
Brand new in 2020, the Panda Optics RS1 Goggles are the ideal optical companion for all mountain exploration in unpredictable conditions. With quick (and I mean quick!) changing magnetic lenses and a bold style, these high quality snow goggles aren’t just reserved for the ski racers they are designed by. They provide excellent optics and high levels of comfort. Plus, they come at a price that is worth their high quality and functionality.
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Panda Optics
Poleplant Bamboo Poles
For the eco-conscious skiers out there, Poleplant poles need to feature on your ski gear list. Not only are they constructed with sustainable and exceptionally strong bamboo (twice as strong as aluminium), but Tignes based Poleplant also handcraft poles to your specifications. You get to choose the type and colour of your handles, add an extra touring grip if you want it, and even personalise your poles with your name or some inspirational quote engraved onto the bamboo to remind you to always shred as strongly as your poles! Yes, useful personalised gifts for skiers do actually exist!
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Poleplant
Dakine Ski Tuning Kit
If you spend any significant amount of time on the ski hill, then investing in a tuning kit will be a mega saving in the long run, unless you’re happy riding beat up skis all season. This Dakine kit has everything you need to get your skis into the best shape possible, and is complete with an edge tuning tool, file, cleaning brush, all temp wax, Ptex, pocket stone, a couple of scrapers and scuff pads. And they even throw in some tuning tips all in neatly packaged zippered case. Just be sure not to tell too many of your friends about your it, or you’ll find yourself being owed a lot of favours for tuning everyone else’s skis too!
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Amazon | REI
Outdoor Research Illuminator Sensor Gloves
Getting the right gloves for ski touring is not as straight-forward as it might seem. They need to be the perfect balance of breathability, so you don’t get too sweaty on the uphills, and warmth for when you’re cruising back down. Add in having to deal with your smartphone for navigation and suddenly maintaining an ideal hand temperature becomes a fine art. Thankfully, Outdoor Research have developed the Illuminator Sensor Glove that takes care of all these issues in one. They are Insulated with lightweight PrimaLoft Silver Insulation, are water resistant and breathable, and have touch-screen compatible goat leather thumb and index fingertip for optimal usability and comfort. Problem solved!
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Amazon | Outdoor Research
Pole Clinometer
If hitting the backcountry is on your agenda, then this low cost, painfully simple incline gauge has to find its way onto your ski pole. The sticker enables you to measure the steepness of the slope by line-of-sight, so that you can then access the avalanche risk. Of course this just solves one piece of the puzzle and further assessments must be made and precautions taken to ensure maximal safety. However any method that helps to keep you and your loved ones safe in the mountains should be adopted, and every ski pole that goes out of bounds and into the backcountry should be decorated with the ever-so smart Pole Clinometer.
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Pole Clinometer
Glower Snowflake Sweater
Another ideal gift for eco-friendly skiers everywhere is this gorgeously festive snowflake sweater. It sparkles with winter style that is as casual as it is classy, and is guaranteed to turn some google-clad heads at the end of a tough day on the slopes. The handprinted design by Glower is a Fair Wear garment that is created using Phthalate-free ink and made from 85% organic cotton. It is also available in men’s and women’s hoodies and t-shirts. But hurry, this popular winter snowflake design is falling off the shelves thick and fast.
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Glower
Click Ski Carabiner
Skiing without an adjustment tool is just asking for something to go awry with your gear, and unless you’re staying close to the resort facilities, it’s best to never ski without one. Thankfully there are some mega lightweight tools around that you won’t even know you are carrying. Like this very well thought through Ski Carabiner, that you can just clip to the belt loop of your pants if you’d rather not have it rattling around in your pocket. Its simple design features three different screwdriver heads, a spring loaded quick clip carabiner and an all-important bottle opener. Click have also developed Glove Technology which uses specifically designed tool sprockets for easy use with gloves on.
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Amazon
GoPro Hero Session
This super powerful little action sports Hero is the little brother of the famous GoPro camera. And with incredibly high performance specs for something so small, it sure does a pretty good job of keeping up with its big brother. Waterproof, robust and compact, the Hero Session makes the perfect partner for your skiing adventures. A super simple single button to turn on, record and turn off, makes it easy to use with gloves and ensures you don’t waste any time setting it up, when you could be out charging on the mountain. Slip it onto a helmet mount and your whole day can be recorded and re-lived.
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Amazon
Racysuits
If you’re tired of everyone on the mountain taking things so seriously, then bring back some retro fun and add some style to the slopes in a Racysuit! Their 80’s inspired patterns and figure-hugging fit are bound to draw some smiles from onlookers wishing they had the courage to be so bold. But these unique unitards aren’t just about the look. The stretchy and extra durable warm fabric, is lined with a second layer of spandex that is moisture wicking and super comfortable. Thumb holes, zippered arms and legs, a ski pass pocket and a zippered phone pocket all help to bring the Racysuit right up to date in modern ski culture. We hope to be seeing far more of them on the slopes and the dance floor for many seasons to come!
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Racysuits
Buff
Every lover of the outdoors needs a Buff in their life. If you don’t have one then you need to get one. Simple as that. They are so incredibly versatile and functional for almost all adventures, and this yeti mountain scene is the perfect addition to your winter slope style. The seamless design is super comfortable when worn under your helmet, as a neck scarf it is a highly effective draft excluder, or bust out the full balaclava option on the really chilly days.
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Amazon | REI
Unique Skis
Unique Skis are a boutique ski making company that specialise in making its customers drool over their beautifully handcrafted skis. But they say that true beauty comes from within, and as visually appealing as these may be, they certainly don’t lack in the quality department either. Made with hand selected materials for only the very best in durability and aesthetics, Unique skis are designed to excel in a ‘real’ conditions. They are skis that will float wonderfully on the powder days, deal with hard packed snow excellently and are easily maneuverable on all terrain. There is only one shape available in three different lengths. And according to Unique Skis, that’s all you’ll ever need for versatile freeskiing experience.Find the latest price at:
Unique Skis
DryGuy Boot and Gear Dryer
There’s nothing worse than putting on soggy boots and gloves each morning. It’s just asking for a day of numb toes, frozen fingers and general unpleasantness. Get your gear on the DryGuy and within a couple of hours things will be warm and dry and ready for action. With a whisper-quiet rotary blower that heats up to 105ºF (40.5ºC), the DryGuy also helps to eliminate odours and reduce the growth of bacteria. For those living the ski life, a boot and gear dryer will change your world!
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Amazon | REI
Beardo Animal Ski Masks
New to the Beardo repertoire of gimmicky ski masks are the awesome HD printed Animal Balaclavas. Not only will these furry-faced ski masks turn a few heads on the slopes, they’ll also keep you toastie warm and protected from the wind with a fleece lining and element-repelling Polyester Flex Material. Choose from a variety of animal prints to match your character and style. A sure fire way to add even more fun to your ski trip – whatever your age!
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Beardo
If our list of useful and unique gifts for skiers doesn’t have what you’re looking for then take a look at this round up of gifts for snowboarders.
