The 17 Best Gifts For Skiers
Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Molly Egan
Are you looking for skier gifts or ideas for your ski and snowboard enthusiast? If you’re counting down the days until the opening day of your favorite ski resort, or if your friend is convincing you to join them on their annual ski trip for a day on the slopes – this list is for you!
Whether you need ski gear or want the best gifts for skiers and snowboarders – keep reading for a list of the best ski gear! As a certified ski instructor and skiing 90 days in a season – yes, that’s correct – I’m an expert in snow sports.
These gifts for skiers and snowboarders range in price. The key is comfort, fit, and staying warm and dry!
This list will focus on the best gifts for skiers. However, there are a lot of crossovers, so we’ll highlight when gifts for skiers are also gifts for snowboarders.
If you are looking for ski gear that crosses over nicely to camping – i.e. neck warmers, base layers, and jackets – take a look at this best gift for campers.
Skip to the top questions and answers for finding the best gifts for skiers and snowboarders
The 17 Best Ski Gifts for Skiers
- Hand Warmers – HotHands
- Ski Helmet – Smith
- Portable water bottle – Hydrapak
- Heated socks – Snow Deer
- Neck Warmer – TurtleFur
- Googles – Zeal Portal
- Goggle sock – Gogglesoc
- Ski Straps – Black Diamond
- Ski Gloves – Hestra
- Ski Poles – Leki
- Ski Jacket Best Lightweight – Arc’teryx
- Ski Jacket Best Overall – Helly Hanson
- Powder Skis – Faction
- Best Overall Skis – Nordica
- Best Ski Luggage Bag – Patagonia
- Best Down Vest – Cotopaxi Fuego
- Best Backcountry Ski Backpack – Ortovox
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1. Hand Warmers – HotHands
These air-activated heat packs are fantastic for cold winter skiing days! Pop these into your glove and keep your hand warm on the slopes – especially if you have an inferior glove
FEATURES:
- long-lasting – 8+ hours
- Shake to activate
- Available for hands, feet, and body
- Ready in 15-30 minutes
- Cheaper than heated gloves
- made in the USA
Expert skiers and ski instructors swear by these to keep your hands warm – trust me. It is a great gift idea and stocking stuffer.
2. Ski Helmets – Smith Maze MIPS
Smith is a go-to safety brand when it comes to helmets. This makes the list of the best gifts for any skier or snowboarder!
FEATURES:
- MIPS brain protection system
- Lightweight
- Ear Pads compatible with audio chips
- Removable goggle strap lock
- 9 air vents
I watched my mother take a spill last ski season and dent her helmet – protect yourself and those you love with MIPS technology. Also, make it easier to spot a crowded mountain and pick a color that’s not black.
3. Portable Water Bottle – Hydrapak
You need to maintain hydration at high elevations – we love this Hydrapak. It won’t freeze in the cold outdoors. Great gift idea for all snow sports! It makes your life easier!
FEATURES:
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Easy top cap
- Easy to carry & stow
- Lifetime guarantee
A must have for any ski and snowboard enthusiast!
4. Heated Socks – Snow Deer
Keeping warm on the slopes is the ultimate luxury. These heated merino wool ski socks are top quality for your feet. Whether you snowboard or ski – this will keep you warm and insulated. Get these before it sells out!
FEATURES:
- Prevents frostbite
- Lithium rechargeable battery
- Moisture wicking
- 1 year warranty
- Unisex
5. Neck Warmer – Turtle Fur
Turtle Fur is the best quality fleece neck warmer to keep you warm! It is a must-have to protect your neck and face when skiing and snowboarding. Best gifts for skiers!
FEATURES:
- Double layer fleece
- Acrylic
- Gift under $20
- Multi-colored
For windy and cold winter months keep your self warm and dry with the windproof facemask turtlefur – especially a cold day on the slopes or ski lift!
6. Ski and Snowboard Goggles – Zeal Portal
Ski goggles are a must for any skier or snowboarder! The interchangeable lens is our favorite feature of this ski gear – the rail system feature makes this easy.
FEATURES:
- Two Lens
- Interchangeability
- Anti-Fog
- Blue sky + Phoenix Mirror
The lenses included are a fantastic gift that will transform any skier and snowboarder’s day on the slopes. Best of all, the transition from flat light overcast days to sunny blue-sky days!
7. Goggle Socks – GoogleSoc
These socks are not for your feet but for your goggles! So naturally, you want to maintain the quality of your goggles – and this sock is perfect!
FEATURES:
- Made from recycled plastic bottles
- Keeps your googles unscratched
- Compatible with any snow goggles
- Style for everyone
- Fits in your pocket
- Cool patterns
There are often unique collaborations that open up options—a great gift for a snowboarding and skiing friend.
8. Black Diamond Ski Straps
Black Diamond straps will make a great ski gift and free up one of your hands! Also, it makes transporting skis and all the equipment so much easier – no velcro – something skiers swear by.
FEATURES:
- 20″
- fits extra skinny to wide skis
- Versatile
- Gift ideas under $20
While skiing or snowboarding use it to strap tripods to your bag as well!
9. Hestra Heli Glove
Hestra gloves are the best pair of gloves for skiers! They are the perfect gift for any outdoor enthusiast and Winter snow sports.
FEATURES:
- 3 -layer shell
- Cowhide Leather
- Drawcord cuff + elastic wrist
- Carabiner
- Lifetime warranty
This brand is top of the line for quality, warmth, life, design and functionality. Our second favorite style and pair of ski gloves is the “lobster claw” Heli 3-Finger Glove.
10. Leki Carbon 14 3D Ski Poles
These lightweight poles are built for speed but are so lovely for not having your hand in a strap! The design is impeccable for the Mesh strap for any glove!
Slalom Grip with four non-slip finger grooves-optimum comfort and grip. The multi-directional release mechanism is the best feature.
FEATURES:
- Lightweight
- Multi-directional release mechanism
- Easy click in/out
- Non-Slip finger grooves
For a cheaper option, Leki PRC Ski Poles is our pick.
11. Ski Jacket Best Lightweight – Arc’teryx Beta JT Jacket Hadron
Signature features of this ultra-thin jacket – only 9 oz. – with a Liquid Crystal Polymer fabric (Hadron LCP), make it an ultimate abrasion resistance ski jacket. It will keep you warm and dry!
FEATURES:
- Water-resistant Polymer
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Gore-Tex
Stay warm no mater how many days on the slopes! Around the world this jacket will keep you warm! Men’s Beta Insulated jacket.
12. Ski Jacket Best Overall – Helly Hansen Powderqueen
The features ski jacket has “Life Infinity” technology for an eco-friendly waterproof jacket with the right amount of pockets! The perfect amount of pockets – ski pass and helmet hood – and special lining for phone battery in cold temperatures.
FEATURES:
- Recycled fabric
- Waterproof/water repellant
- DWR treatment
- Hood goes over ski helmet
- Breathable
- Keeps you warm and dry
The design, fabric, pockets, and vents make this an easy best gift for skiers. Always make the ski lift with your pass in its arm pocket.
13. Faction Mana 2023 2X Skis
I love Faction skies for their versatility and fun in powder conditions. These playful twin-tip skis have a generous rocker and a slight camber underfoot.
This brand will have you floating and soaring at exciting speeds! Of course, the versatility can be limited, but I still swear by Factions as my everyday ski.
FEATURES:
- High Float
- All-Mountain and Freeride
- 165 and 172 size
- Made with 100% renewable energy
- Generous rocker with minimal camber
I love these skis for their versatility, float, and fun – the best gifts for skiers!
14. Nordica Enforcer 100 Skis 2023
This all-mountain ski is excellent for any ski resort conditions. Your skiing enthusiast will love them! Any skier will enjoy the feel in powder and firm snow.
FEATURES:
- Carbon chassis
- Versatile
- All mountain skiing
- Lengths: 165cm – 191cm
Great edge-to-edge transition and versatility skiing in snow conditions.
15. Best Ski Luggage Bag – Patagonia Snow Roller Bag
This ski bag holds so much – we love it! No one likes to carry ski boots or skis. This roller bag provides hands-free access to carrying other things – or not.
FEATURES:
- Upcycled duffle bag scraps
- 6 grab handles for maneuvering ease
- Easily folds
- Encased wheels
- 9 air vents
A great feature of this ski bag is that you can nearly eliminate your boot bag and carry ski boots on the plane! Skiers and snowboarders appreciate maximizing gear space.
16. Best Down Vest – Cotopaxi Fuego
This down vest functions as a mid-layer or base layer – for skiing and other winter weather activities!
We love this company and products – Cotopaxi is one of the Best Sustainable Travel Companies!
FEATURES:
- Zippered hand pockets
- Packs into internal pocket
- 800-fill RDS certified
- DWR finish nylon
17. Best Backcountry Ski Backpack – Ortovox
This ski backpack is has back protector and makes skiing in any terrain enjoyable. The Flex belt is key in providing the right support – and it fits skins, crampons, and avalanche gear!
For those in bound skiers – enjoy a bag that will fit your laptop, change of clothes and skins!
FEATURES:
- Compact & Versatile
- Comfortable with back pads
- Easy gear attachments – skis & poles
- 28 liter volume
An explanation for all things ski and snowboard related for gifts!
Here are the top questions we receive regarding skiing gifts. There is a wide range, so read below to understand what gifts are best.
What things does one need for skiing?
Both Ski pants and jackets with water-resistant material are mandatory gear! Secondary must-have items include ski helmets, pairs of gloves, hand warmers, adequately fitted boots, and skis (or snowboarder boots).
How many layers do you need?
Winter sports are about the suitable high-performance base layer, mid layer, shell, liner, and jacket. Depending on your tolerance and the temperature outdoors – think Spring skiing in May and Peak Winter in January – this may vary.
How to find the right ski boot?
Whatever you do – do not buy a ski boot online! Instead, find the proper ski boot fitter for the right fit! Your foot and toenails will thank you!
What is the cheapest gift for a skier?
Hand Warmers! This and neck gators or neck warmers are lower-priced items that come in use.
What materials are a must-have of ski clothing?
Merino wool base layers – ski socks, long johns, long sleeve tops – and water-resistant outer layers – ski jacket – are mandatory. Do not ski in jean pants.
What are Powder skis?
Powder skis are typically fatter and have great rocker profiles and large turn radii.
Is there universal skiing and snowboarding gear?
Yes! Everything except boots, poles, skis, or snowboards. All skiing and snowboarding jackets can be used for either sport. But, of course, you can’t go wrong with a base layer gift!
Conclusion:
Make any level of outdoor snow sports enthusiast happy with these gifts for skiers and snowboarders. The best gifts for skiers for the day on the slopes will keep you warm for lots of time on the mountain.
I have worn or used all the above gear, so trust these recommendations. I have been skiing for nearly 30 years and at many ski resorts.
