The Best Gifts for Skiers

Got a powder hound on your gift list this year? The Enforcer 99 Skis from Nordica excel in all kinds of terrain, from mellow groomers to sidecountry pow. Tip and tail rockers (with even more rocker in the tail than previous iterations) make for an ultra-responsive playful ride, whether their style is wide turns or ripping down the mountain. Plus, a badass, crimson-red mountain wrap lets your loved one show off a little on the slopes.

It’s a big swing to buy a loved one skis for the holiday season, but it could be one worth taking with the Black Pearl 88 from Blizzard, a well-rounded ski suitable for just about every level of on-piste skier. Blizzard took its best-selling ski, revamped the construction and tech but still delivered the same balanced power and reliablity. Is your giftee a downhill enthusiast who sticks to the groomers? The mellow, 88mm waist of these babies makes for easy turning and stability. Got a special someone on your list who’s a black diamond phenom? A women-specific design and dense beechwood underfoot make it easy to step on the gas when conditions are ripe for speed. (Also available in 94mm and 84mm waists.)

Don't know what to gift the skier on your list? Consider a massive tote bag that they can use to carry all the gear they already own from one place to the next. Families who ski or skiers who tend to have a lot of stuff (which is pretty much all of us) will appreciate the organized nature of the Cotopaxi Allpa 60 Liter Gear Hauler Tote. It's made from tough, weatherproof fabric and has interior slip pockets for keeping goggles, gloves and smaller items tidy. Your giftee can stash their stuff in here for the ride to the ski hill and keep it as a ready-to-go container in the closet or garage.

If you're gifting someone a new pair of goggles, here's a little pro tip: Throw in an artsy-looking goggle case, and they'll be impressed you thought of all the extras. A gogglesoc is a stretchy sleeve that extends snugly over the lenses to protect your goggles when they get tossed around in the back of your car, your backpack or even while on your helmet. These cases are made from postconsumer recycled plastic bottles and keep you looking cool. But don't limit yourself to just one; there are multiple designs to choose from, including one to express your support for Protect Our Winters, a leading climate advocacy group for the winter sports community.

You can't go wrong by gifting a Buff, which has so many versatile outdoor uses. Most likely, a skier will wear this stretchy, microfiber tube as a face and neck covering to block the sun, snow and wind. This one has UPF 50 sun protection, with Polartec® fleece at the base and a full-length Buff Original on top. Buffs can also be worn while climbing, fishing or hiking in other times of the year. Other fun uses: goggle cloth, sweatband, helmet-hair cover, the list goes on. $32

Not all bibs are created equal, but the Black Magic Bib Snow Pants from 686 are indeed a little bit of magic. These bibs have a utility we appreciate: They fit a wide variety of shapes and sizes and have a streamlined, workwear-overalls style. Function meets fit with these bibs, and skiers of a range of abilities and preferences can get behind the idea of lots of pockets for stashing essentials, warm and weatherproof fabrics, and discrete venting and breathable membranes for temperature control.

Many skiers these days are choosing bibs for the comfort and extra coverage that they provide in the mountains. (No snow down your pants when you tumble or ski in powder? That's a win.) For those who run cold or ski in extra-chilly locations, insulated bibs like the REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Bib Snow Pants, featuring 40 grams of synthetic insulation and full torso coverage, can be a day saver. They also have thigh vents and a stretchy back panel for temperature control. Even better: These snow pants contains recycled materials and materials that meet the bluesign® criteria. (Available in a wide range of sizes, including women's petite, women's XS-3XL, men's short, tall and S-XXXL.

Warm skiers make the best partners. Not only are they nicer and less prone to complaining than cold skiers, but they ride longer between breaks, too. Cash in on such benefits by hooking your buddy up with this kit from Hotronic, which includes two battery packs and one heating element perfect for hard, plastic ski boots. They work with most insoles (including snowboard boots and hiking boots), and the beeper-size battery packs easily affix to an ankle cuff or power strap. Four power settings allow for varying temperatures.

No, the latest-and-greatest from GoPro isn't reserved for skiers and snowboarders. But rippers will certainly appreciate GoPro's HERO11 HyperSmooth 5.0 technology, which offers gimbal-like video stabilization in all modes. The HERO11's 5.3K video resolution and 27 megapixel photo captures memories in stunning detail. The handheld camera includes front and rear LCD screens to frame your shot better. It also has time-lapse video, burst photos, weatherproofing, remote control and more.

Hoods are great for blocking wind, rain and haters. The only problem? They're typically attached to jackets. Not so with the Mount Hood Overhood from Turtle Fur. The best part of a hoodie, the standalone fleece-lined hood can be worn with any outer layer on a bare head or over a cap or helmet for extra warmth. (Think of it as an ultrawarm balaclava that can fit over a helmet.) A long neck gaiter tucks into layers to seal out cold spots, and it has a nifty drawcord to snug it around the face without necessitating bouncy laces. $44

Some skiers—especially those with cold hands—prefer mittens. Black Diamond Mercury is modular with insulated liners and waterproof mitts that can be worn separately or together. The mitten-style liners are equipped with 170 grams of PrimaLoft Gold insulation on the back of the hand and 133 grams on the palm, plus superwarm, high-loft fleece. In stormy weather, add the fully waterproof shells, which have long, gauntlet cuffs.

Give the gift of a quick ride, sharp edges and a hint with this everything-you-need-and-more tuning kit from North. The lunch box-size, zip-up case contains all the tools necessary for repairing, tuning, waxing and buffing. All that's missing is an iron. (Two-for-one shopping idea: Upgrade your mom's regular iron, then take her old one for ski service.)

On extra-cold days, hand warmers can make a big difference. Shake up a heated pouch and slip it into gloves and mittens, and with comfortable, warm hands, your friend will be able to stay out longer. This pack of four hand warmers from Ignik deliver up to 10 hours of warmth, and after your friend is done using them, they can cut open the pouch and compost the material that's inside.

The survivalist in your life will swoon over this multi-tool. Designed with input from medics, EMTs and firefighters, the Leatherman Raptor boasts six tools including a strap cutter and glass breaker. Excessive for the everyday skier? Maybe. But for the right recipient, this tool might be the pocket piece (or at least chairlift conversation piece) they've been searching for.

Maybe the skier on your list diligently tunes and waxes their own skis before hitting the slopes. Or maybe they aspire to be the kind of skier who waxes their own skis, but they need a little nudge in that direction. Consider that nudge this handy collection from mountainFlow eco-wax. The kit comes with a range of biodegradable and plant-based ski-base waxes for a variety of temperatures, a waxing iron so they don't have to use their clothes iron, a tuning stand and a brush and scraper. In other words, everything they'll need to get a fast glide. $250

Sure, giving (and receiving) socks as a present doesn't sound like the most exciting prospect, but maybe that's because you haven't yet gifted Smartwool full cushion ski socks. These nearly knee-high socks are made from sustainably certified merino wool — which dries quickly and naturally fights odors — and come in just the right thickness and cushioning so as to keep toes warm but also fit easily inside ski boots. They come with body-mapped mesh to increase airflow to your feet. Choose from various designs like Moon Energy or Iguchi patterned.

Level up your companion's parking-lot footwear with these insulated slip-ons. The skier in your life will, of course, love swapping hard, plastic boots for these hotel-pillow-soft slippers, but the Teva ReEmber Slip-Ons—an Editor's Choice award winner—generally elicit universal appreciation: They're great for camp, long flights and even the (casual) office. A collapsible heel allows for easy on-off and wearing them like clogs, while a ribbed, rubber outsole provides some traction. (Also available in a kids' version).