The 15 best gifts for skiers and snowboarders – picked by a winter sports writer

Years ago, when I relocated to Boulder, Colorado, I knew I was moving into ski territory. But I wasn’t prepared for the full-blown obsession people had for snow sports.

As a Pennsylvanian who had viewed winter as a season to be endured rather than enjoyed, I was puzzled by my new friends who rushed to the slopes at the first falling flake. Now I’m a snowboarder and a writer who covers outdoor sports, and I see that the hype is real.

I’ve also learned that snowboarding requires so, so much gear. So the best gift you can give to a skier or snowboarder is something that helps them have a perfect powder day. Below are 15 of the best holiday gifts for your snow-crazed loved ones.

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Smartwool Ski Summit Shot Over The Calf Socks

$30 at Smartwool $30 at Zappos

Socks get flack for being boring holiday gifts – not the case for winter sports lovers. Well-cushioned socks that keep toes toasty and prevent chafing from tight boots? Total win. I own a ton of socks, and Smartwool is always my pick for sliding into my snowboarding boots. This calf-length pair has a comfortable fit and holds in warmth with merino wool so you can do run after run without getting cold feet. It comes in different colors, so pick the one that best matches your friend’s vibe.

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Vallon Freebirds Goggles

$99 at Outeru $189 at Vallon

On the mountain, few things are more annoying than goggles constantly fogging up or slipping off. I’ve found that this pair of Vallon goggles seems to do everything right. It offers excellent glare reduction (without making vision too dark), the anti-fog lenses stay crystal clear all day and the frame’s soft foam fits on my face without budging. Plus, I love the retro look. With anti-scratch lens coating and a sturdy nylon strap, these goggles are a gift that will last for years.

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Marmot Snoasis Gore-tex Glove

Men’s

$80 at Marmot

Women’s

$79.95 at Backcountry $80 at Marmot

We all know someone whose hands are always cold. Thick gloves are a must when you’re spending all day in icy temps, and Marmot’s Snoasis Gore-tex glove gets my stamp of approval for keeping hands warm and dry. This pair is waterproof – so there’s no worry of it getting soaked – and its grippy palms and fingers let you handle other gear without needing to peel the gloves off. It comes in both men’s and women’s sizes, making it a great present for anyone on your list.

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Espieve Sheer Mineral Lip Sunscreen SPF 40

$13.95 at Espieve

Being out in the snow for hours + high elevation = a recipe for sunburn, even when only the lower half of your face is exposed. (Burned lips are a special kind of pain.) A stick of lip balm with sunscreen makes a perfect stocking stuffer. Espieve uses minerals (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) rather than chemical sunscreen filters and resists water for more than an hour. Its small size makes it super easy to keep in a jacket pocket for reapplication throughout the day.

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Helly Hansen Lifa Merino Midweight Base Layer Pants and Crew

Pants

$105 at Amazon $105 at Helly Hansen

Crew

$80.71 at Walmart $105 at Helly Hansen

Base layers are an all-season staple; they provide critical warmth in frigid conditions, and they’re all you need on warm days. Helly Hansen’s merino wool tops and bottoms are, in my opinion, peak comfort. They hold in body heat while staying breathable, and the soft (not itchy!) wool is comfortable enough that I don’t want to take them off after riding. The elastic waistband on the pants keeps them secure without cutting off circulation, and the crew’s long sleeves keep wrists protected from chilly breezes.

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Reks Sport Sunglasses

$30 at One Stop Board Shop $50 at Reks

Once the riding is done, it’s time to swap out goggles for sunglasses and check out the après scene. These Reks shades not only look sleek, but they also boast flexible, rubberized frames that endure being bent and sat on – great news for those who like to just throw things in their gear bag. They’re also incredibly lightweight, hovering around one ounce, which is a welcome relief after wearing thick goggles all day. With several lens types and colors to choose from, all offering 100% UV protection, these glasses are a gift that every rider (or après lover) can appreciate.

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Dakine Tour Snowboard Bag

$80 at Sunny Sports $110 at The House

It’s tough staying organized when there’s so much stuff to bring to the resort. A good gear bag is enormously helpful, and this Dakine bag has been fantastic for holding my snowboard, boots and loose items like gloves or a beanie. Every snowboarder needs a great bag to ensure their most important piece of gear stays in one piece, and this one checks all the boxes. It has strong handles, a hefty shoulder strap and thick padding to protect what’s inside.

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Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Pack 26+6

$90 at Amazon $100 at Back Country

For everything that won’t fit in a ski or snowboard bag, you need a manageable extra pack. The Osprey Daylite backpack is ideal for toting the rest of your gear – and makes the perfect carry-on for flights to snowy destinations. With just the pull of a zipper, the 26-liter main compartment can expand six more liters to fit bulkier items, and the stretchy side pockets are great for a water bottle or coffee thermos. Besides the pack’s comfortable fit and utility, I love the bright, happy colors it comes in.

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Burton Step On Package

$499.95 at Backcountry

Bending down to strap in and out of snowboard bindings has long been an annoying yet necessary part of a day on the slopes. When I first started, I was constantly plopping down in the snow and removing my gloves to get my boots on and off the board. The Burton boots and bindings Step On Package has allowed me to quickly step and lock into bindings hands-free. This is a gift that will save snowboarders of all skill levels from wasting time fiddling with straps and buckles – and free up more time for them to ride.

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Hydroflask 20oz All Around Tumbler

$18.93 at Macy’s $19.56 at Backcountry

A ski day isn’t complete without piping hot coffee on the drive to the mountain and hot cocoa for the ride home. I sip from my handy Hydroflask on the road, in the resort parking lot and around town. The double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks warm even when temperatures are frosty. I love that the sliding tab on top is easy to open with big gloves on. This tumbler comes in vibrant colors, making it exciting to unwrap and fun to bring on trips.

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Marmot Refuge PrimaLoft Insulated Jacket

Women’s Refuge Primaloft jacket

$193.99 at Camp Saver $350 at Marmot

Men’s Glades jacket

$249.95 at Macy’s $250 at Marmot

When it gets bitterly cold on the mountain, an insulated jacket is a winter sports lover’s best friend. The roomy Marmot Refuge jacket makes moving easy and provides just-right warmth without the bulk. I’m a big fan of the large zippered pockets that can hold a phone, snacks and ski pass. (For those who run hot, the uninsulated Marmot Glades Jacket is a great alternative with the same big pockets and waterproof fabric; my husband prefers this shell for keeping out the elements without making him overheat.)

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POC Obex MIPS Ski Helmet

$156 at Steep & Cheap $192 at Backcountry

For the shredder who flies down the mountain at warp speed, a reliable helmet is critical – and it’s time to upgrade if they’ve been wearing the same one for years. I give this POC helmet points for both style and safety. Its minimalist design keeps you from sporting the giant head look, and the cushy inner padding and ear flaps offer all-day warmth and comfort. Most importantly, it’s a Mips (multi-directional impact protection system) helmet, which means it has a protective inner layer specially designed to help avoid concussions or severe brain injuries during crashes or wipe-outs.

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Turtle Fur The Hat

$22 at Amazon

A beanie is great for all sorts of things: hitting up the slopes, taking a break for lunch and wandering town in search of the best après-ski spot. And perhaps it’s greatest for covering up helmet hair. My husband and I have plenty of beanies, but we both rank Turtlefur’s The Hat at the top of our collection. Its simple, understated look goes with any outfit, and its thick, soft fleece keeps head and ears protected from the cold (and helmet hair unseen).

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Whitespace AMF Twin

Men’s

$359.40 at The House $599 at Backcountry $599 at Whitespace

Women’s

$309.49 at Tilly’s $433 at WHITESPACE $619 at Bob’s Sports Chalet

If your favorite snowboarder has been in the market for a new board, this is one I’d recommend. It’s a highly rated model that is versatile enough to be ridden just about anywhere. Thanks to its poplar and paulownia core, it’s fairly lightweight and not a pain to carry from place to place. I love how responsive, speedy, and smooth-riding this all-mountain freestyle twin is, and its bright, glow-in-the-snow color is a bonus. It comes in men’s and women’s sizes, so it’s a great choice for any rider.

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Skida Balaclava

$32 at Skida

A beanie-scarf hybrid, this sleek piece of headwear layers softly under a helmet. Plus, it snugly covers the nose and mouth for extra sun and wind protection. The Skida balaclava strikes a good balance of being lightweight and warm while not overheating your face. It’s literally breathable – the thin fabric allows for good airflow so you don’t need to gasp for breath. My favorite feature: it’s tight enough that it doesn’t slip down my face, but it also doesn’t squash my nose.