The 30 best gifts for skiers

Winter is nearly here, and Christmas isn’t far behind. So what better way to treat that special someone than with a ski-themed gift? 

We’ve put together the ultimate list of gifts for those who like to rip pow, cruise the groomers, or lap the park. From stocking fillers to ‘best present ever!’, we have everything you need for that skier in your life.

And you know what’s better than treating someone? Treating yourself. Check out our range of men's ski jackets and women's ski jackets to see if anything takes your fancy! 

The 30 best gifts for skiers

1. Ski socks

Ski socks are the number one gift for skiers! Who doesn’t love them? They wear quickly and stretch out of shape, so there’s always a need for a new pair. Ski socks are relatively inexpensive, too, so they make the perfect stocking filler, Secret Santa gift, or just an easy, effective go-to when buying for someone who loves to ski! 

There are tons of weights and materials to choose from. We like a medium-thickness sock made from Merino wool for all-day comfort, breathability, and warmth. You can also check out synthetic blends and bamboo socks to lean more into the breathability factor.

2. Waxing kit/ski wax

Any skier worth their salt will want to wax and tune their skis. If you’re riding a lot, you’ll know that your bases will need wax every week or two, and those edges will have to stay crispy. So, gifting a ski wax kit with an iron, edge-tuners, waxes for all temperatures, and lots of other nerdy goodies, will please your ski enthusiast! 

Do they already have their own kit? You can’t go wrong with a high-end wax to help them outrun their buddies on the corduroy.

3. Binding tool/wrench

The perfect stocking filler? A binding tool or torque wrench is vital for all skiers to carry. Plus, it’s usually available for ten bucks or less!

With a handy ratchet system, you can swap out the driver heads for different sizes and situations and tighten or loosen on the fly to dial in your setup. Whether the person you’re buying for is a beginner or a pro, this is a really nice, easy gift every rider appreciates.

4. Ski gloves

Ski gloves are another great gift – but only if you know the recipient’s preference! Do they like mitts, trigger mitts, or gloves? Know the answer, though, and you’re golden. 

If you’re trying to impress, choose something made with real leather. However, if you want to keep things synthetic, there are still lots of awesome options! Try to match the insulation weight to the place and time your giftee rides. For example, if they’re into spring shreds, avoid anything too thick, as these gloves get sweaty when the mercury climbs.

5. Thermal phone pouch

It’s common knowledge that when a phone gets really cold, its battery quickly dies. So, if your special rider likes to rip in cold conditions, a thermal phone pouch is for them.

Magnets or zips usually seal these insulated pouches, which help keep your phone at a stable temperature. And that means extended battery life on the mountain! It’s a thoughtful gift that can never go wrong! 

6. Boot dryer

Now we’re talking! Few know the joy of slipping on warm, dry boots before riding. And you have the power to gift that feeling by giving someone a boot dryer. 

Depending on the budget, select a simple two-prong dryer. Or, if you want to get flashy, go for one with four prongs to dry soaked gloves, too. Now, that’s a present for a skier!

7. Snow boots

Not to be confused with ski boots, snow boots are specifically designed to schlep around in the snow after coming off the mountain. There are many types, such as big, bulky, heavily insulated rubber boots and stylish, sleek fashion boots with low-key tech and insulation to keep you warm and dry in the slush. 

Good snow boots turn your après trek from a necessary nightmare to a stroll in the park. So don’t skimp on your choice!

8. Facemask/balaclava

Looking for something a little simpler? You can’t go wrong with a balaclava or facemask. From fleece to knit, thin to thick, tons of options are available. However, every skier will say the same: You can never have too many facemasks! 

Thin facemasks are more breathable but not as warm. On the other hand, fleece ones are nice and toasty, but not as breathable. So, choose a facemask depending on the conditions the person you’re buying for usually rides in! You can also go for a fitted neoprene mask with air holes if you want to get really fancy …

9. Puffer jacket

A puffy or puffer jacket is an awesome addition to the winter setup. These lightweight jackets are ideal for use as a mid-layer on colder days or as an outer layer for spring riding sessions.

There are many great brands to choose from, but we’d recommend making sure the puffer jacket has down or synthetic down filling and a DWR coating to ensure it stays dry. Oh, and if it’s going to be used as a mid-layer, get one without a hood. Extra hoods just add unnecessary bulk! 

10. Insulated vest

Mid-layers come in many forms, from fully-fledged puffies (which we’ll cover below) to lightweight fleeces and other thin long sleeves. However, vests rarely get a lot of love, and that’s a crying shame! 

An insulated vest will lock in heat to the core and provide the same storage bonuses as a long sleeve. However, a vest frees the arms, increasing mobility and comfort when riding all day. We prefer vests, and they make great gifts for skiers!

11. Ski hoodie

A ski hoodie is another fantastic gift! What sets these hoodies apart is their softshell construction. This is a laminated dual-layered fabric with a smooth outer shell treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating to make it water-resistant. Then, it has a soft, fleecy inner for warmth.

Riding hoodies often have zippered pockets and other features — making them better for shredding than a regular cotton hoodie. They look slick and casual but perform like a ski jacket! So, they’re a brilliant idea for any skier who cares about their style.

12. Base layers

Base layers are another amazing gift for skiers that will always be appreciated. There are lots of options, but the main thing to consider is whether you want to go for merino wool or a polyester blend. 

Merino is more expensive, but renowned for its warmth and breathability. The other choice is poly, which has even better breathability and often a ‘brushed back’ fleecy liner for extra coziness. Polyester is also a little stretchier. Both are excellent choices, but your budget might sway your decision.

13. Ski travel bag

Does your giftee like to travel to other resorts or store their gear over the summer? Then, a ski travel bag is an essential piece of kit. 

You can buy a lightweight ‘ski sock’ to keep things simple. Alternatively, go for something sturdier with a rigid structure and wheels, making those long hauls through the airport a breeze.

14. Massage gun

A massage gun is a welcome addition to the equipment list and can help loosen up sore muscles after a long day's riding. This present will surely get lots of use if your recipient likes to ride until last lift. 

Most good massage guns come with various heads for different body parts. However, they all have the ‘ball’, perfect for sore quads. Just prepare to hear your giftee squeal like a piglet when first trying it.

15. Fleece hood

A fleece hood is a fashion accessory and a functional addition to the setup. It’s an oversized hood that fits over a helmet, protecting the wearer from wind, snow, and cold air! 

Fleece hoods look pretty snazzy, and many come with a hinged facemask, too, so you can ditch your other facemask and just rock this instead. From leopard print to sleek black, fleece hoods make a statement and feel great to wear!

16. Ski goggles

Something a little more substantial required? Look no further than a slick pair of ski goggles. If you want to really impress, go for a solid brand that uses good lenses. 

Check first, though, whether the person you’re buying for likes framed or frameless, cylindrical or spherical – and, of course, what their favorite color is! Ski goggles are pretty individual, so don’t decide lightly. Get it right, though, and ski goggles are sure to have your rider smiling for days!

17. Ski wall rack

Functional storage in the garage or hanging them above the bed – no matter how your chosen rider stores their skis, a ski wall rack is the best solution. There are tons of options available, from multi-ski racks to tiny little hooks to keep the focus on the topsheet — where it belongs! 

You can find ski wall racks in loads of places and go big or small depending on space. Oh, and how many skis your giftee has, of course!

18. Wireless headphones

Who doesn’t love some tunes? While listening to music when riding can lessen your awareness of others around you, nothing beats cruising the groomers as your favorite band sings lullabies in your ears. 

So, why not grab a good set of wireless headphones to gift that musical experience to your special person? It’s pure nirvana. 

19. Lip balm

Working on a budget? SPF lip balm is the perfect little gift to give someone. Whether it’s beeswax or something else, you need lip balm to protect you from windburn and sunburn. 

Believe it or not, we skiers always forget lip balm! So, gifting a little tube is a thoughtful, simple, yet very appreciated present.

20. Knitted beanie

Want to get a skier the most classic gift of all? You cannot go wrong with a beanie. And there’s one simple truth: you can never have too many of them! 

Know your person’s favorite brand? Get them a slick new knitted beanie to hide that helmet hair at the bar. The result? You’ll slash into their good graces faster than they race to the hill on a pow day.

21. Action camera

An action camera will help the rider in your life capture all their amazing memories on the snow. We recommend getting one that can shoot 4k video at‌ least 30fps and has solid stabilization software. However, if it's within your budget, try to get a camera that shoots 60fps for that buttery smooth result. 

You'll also want a gadget that can shoot in slow-mo, capturing 120 or even 240fps for that super slowed-down powder slash. Make sure the chosen action camera has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing so you can access your clips right on your phone. And if you want to go really big, opt for a 360-degree camera or one with an ultra-wide FOV!

22. Hand warmers

Does your chosen rider always have icy hands? Well, now you can solve that and take care of their birthday gift. 

Choose the classic tea-bag style warmers that activate when rubbing between your hands. Alternatively, you can get Bluetooth, battery-powered hand warmers to fit in gloves or pockets! Welcome to the 21st century.

23. Retractable cable lock

This is another stocking filler that’ll get lots of use. If you find yourself in a spot where you have to leave your board or skis outside – but are a little worried that someone might walk off with them – a retractable cable lock is the solution! 

Just unwind it and twist through your bindings. Then, secure it to the rack and party in peace, knowing your gear stays there all night long!

24. Ski jacket or ski pants

If you want to make a grand gesture, get your special person a pair of men's ski pants, women's ski pants or a new ski jacket! If you know them really well, this option is a no-brainer. 

However, if you don’t know your giftee like the back of your hand, perhaps steer clear of buying ski pants or a ski jacket. That’s because everyone has their own preferences for style, material, waterproofing, insulation weight, etc., so it can be a bit of a minefield. Still, if you know exactly what they like and want to splurge, there’s no better gift to unwrap!

25. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are another great idea! Ski hills get awfully bright in the afternoons. And, after a heavy night, the mornings can feel bright, too. Nothing takes the edge off like a nice pair of sunnies, though. 

Just make sure you spend a little extra to get a polarized pair. Cheap sunglasses are worse than no sunglasses. Plus, if you’re making a gift of them, ensure you get a good pair that can be worn for years!

26. Lodge slippers

A personal favorite is the lodge slipper! Lodge slippers are comfy, cozy, soft slip-ons to slide your sore feet into after a long day of riding. 

Padded and cushioned so they feel like clouds, nothing is more comforting than a good pair of lodge slippers when you return to the apartment or hotel room. The only problem is that they aren’t coming off once they’re on. We guess we can skip après for one night, right?

27. Smartwatch

If money is no object, fewer gifts will be more impressive than a smartwatch. Choose an Android or Apple version to pair with your giftee’s phone, or go whole hog with a fitness and activity tracking watch. 

Both are awesome options! However, higher-end choices have altitude and route tracking alongside all the biometric stuff you’ll need to measure calories, heart rate, and everything else a ski nerd could desire.

28. Muscle rub/balm

A little more affordable, muscle rub or muscle balm might not be as impressive as a smartwatch, but it’s still a great gift. It’s perfect for rubbing on sore muscles and joints after a long day on the hill.

Containing active ingredients like menthol, cayenne pepper, mint oil, camphor, and ginger, these topical rubs stimulate blood flow and relieve pain and aches in sore muscles. So, you’re good to score those fresh tracks in the morning! 

29. Skiing wall art

Does the rider you’re buying for have a home resort or favorite place to ski? Then why not think about a nifty piece of wall art showcasing the trail network? 

Framed magazine covers, ski photos, and artwork are also great options. It’s an easy way to make any home feel a little more wintery!

30. Ski books

For the readers, a book about skiing is always a good choice! There are some incredible photo books about skiing alongside plenty of biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, and even a few novels.

Ski books are an awesome way to while away summer evenings, lamenting the heat and lack of snow. Then, when the white stuff appears, what better way to get hyped for the season? So, if your special person just can’t get enough of mountains, consider a book about skiing.

Wrapping up [the gifts]

That’s it – 30 amazing gifts for ski bums, powder hounds, snow nerds, and everyone who loves to be on the mountain. There’s something here to suit every gift-giver and rider – whether you’ve got a big budget or you’re looking for a thoughtful way to say, ‘Hey, I care’.

Feel like we missed something? Let us know by hitting us up at crew@montecwear.com. We’re always open to more gift ideas! 

Related Reading:

• Ski tips for intermediate skiers
• Men's ski clothing / Women's ski clothing
• The 10 best ski resorts in the Rockies
• The 10 best ski resorts in Japan