The holidays are upon us and nothing shows that you care quite like buying the perfect gift for the snow-lover in your life. I've curated a great list of gifts at a wide variety of prices, including some must-have stocking stuffers. Keep scrolling to the bottom for the ultimate experiential gift, brought to you by well, us truly here at Ski Utah.
1. Skullcandy’s Vert Wireless Earbuds
It happens too often: You’re on the slopes and have to adjust your music so you fumble with your gloves to make the adjustment. The good news is Skullcandy’s new Vert wireless earbuds are essentially glove-friendly earbuds that allow skiers, snowboarders or any other athlete using gloves a hassle-free way to access music on the move. They use Bluetooth Wireless Technology with up to 10 hours of battery + a rapid charge along with a microphone, call, voice assistant and volume control. Easily attach the dial to a goggle strap and the stay-aware earbud design still lets you stay attuned to your surroundings. These sweat- and water-resistant earbuds are high-altitude audio at its finest. $79.99 www.skullcandy.com
2. Skida Alpine Neckwarmer
I first became hooked on Skida when I saw their Bento Box Alpine Neckwarmer (sushi, anyone?)...and I fell in love with this company even more when I learned the backstory. Skida (Swedish for 'ski') was started by high school ski racer Corinne Prevot who sewed the fashionable hats at her mom's kitchen table. Today, the company makes fleece-lined hats, headbands, neck gaiters, and other cold-weather gear, selling to about 300 stores around the United States. I particularly love their neckwear that is available in more lightweight 'tour style' (for men and women) and heavier 'neck warmers' (for men, women and kids). The poly-blend outer fabric wicks away moisture, leaving the Polartec® micro-fleece lining dry and soft against your face. And if you can't narrow down their many choices of bright, fun fabrics? Your friends and family will delight in one of each. $26. www.skida.com
3. Teva’s Ember Moc
I’m not gonna lie. When I first saw Teva’s Ember Moc shoes, I thought they looked like a mini Moon Boot. But then I saw the light...and felt the toastiness. This shoe merges the warmth of a down sleeping bag with sneaker-like wearability and a collapsible heel (so there’s zero guilt when you’re too lazy to put them on correctly). The slip-on style has water repellent treatment and a unique combo of moisture-wicking nylon ripstop, cozy ribbed collars, cushy PU footbeds, convertible heel counters and durable rubber outsoles. I initially planned to wear them for apres ski in the lodge or snuggling up around the campfire but they’ve become my go-to everyday winter wear. My husband is a convert as well and loves the Ember Mid, an updated high-top version of Teva’s classic Ember Moc. Lest you feel tempted to insert your twinner jokes, we’ll just enjoy being warm, dry and cozy over here. Ember Moc $75; Ember Mid $90. www.teva.com
4. Ski Trail Personalized Wooden Sign
When a resort updates their branding, their signage frequently goes up for sale...and who wouldn’t want a trail sign from your favorite run or lift? The problem is I am always too slow to the punch and miss out on the best sales so I went searching online for an alternative. I found it at Personalization Mall with a fun twist: You can personalize the pressed wooden sign with your choice of trail difficulty and two lines of text. Skiing (and crashing) Jupiter Bowl is a long-standing family joke so I had a sign made that said: “Johnson’s Jupiter Bowl: Proceed with Caution.” It will be a hit for many years to come. $24.49. www.personalizationmall.com
5. Osprey Kamber 16 (men’s /Kresta 14 (women’s)
This is the first year my teens want to fly the coop and venture out on the slopes with their friends. Mama Bird that I am, I wanted to equip them with a backpack where they could carry their necessities but without the bulk. Look no further than Osprey’s new ski/snowboard pack, the Kamber 16/Kresta/14. It has all the bells and whistles including a snowshed back panel, insulated hydration sleeve, scratch-free goggle pocket and ski and snowboard carry-all with plenty of compartment space for their lunch, layers, sunscreen and other essentials. Not to be forgotten is their hydration reservoir in the dedicated insulated internal sleeve. Fly, little birds. $100. www.osprey.com
1. Corala Blanket
Have you ever tried a weighted blanket? Nothing kills a good day on the slopes like a crummy night of sleep...and 45 percent of the population currently suffers from “poor or insufficient sleep.” Not all weighted blankets are created equally (and many are filled with dangerous chemicals) so when a trusted friend who suffers from insomnia due to her chronic pain recommended Corala, I knew I had to test it out. This special weighted blanket uses lead-free pure glass beads that somehow make you feel more secure, relaxed and calm. It comes with two duvet covers--one for summer and winter--and when it gets dirty, just throw the covers in the wash. If you’re a poor sleeper...or just enjoy the calming effects of snuggling up to a blanket by the fire after a long ski day...the Corala is a fantastic gift that comes with a 1-year warranty and a 30-night trial with free return and delivery. $199. www.coralablanket.com
2. Short Down Skirt from SKHOOP
My love affair with SKHOOP, “The original skirt company,” started several years ago when I was literally stopped in my tracks by their insulated skirts at the Outdoor Retailer Show. Women’s winter activewear has certainly come a long way but skirts in the winter? Unheard of! But if anyone knows cold, these skirts (of all lengths) will not only keep your legs and butt toasty, they are also stylin’. The Scandanavian company has expanded their down skirt collection to include synthetic and non-insulated skirts, sweaters, vest and more...but their Short Down Skirt still has my heart with its unique combination of flexibility and fashion. The shell is 100% polyester with 80/20 down/feather RDS Certified Down insulation, 500 fill power, and the environmentally-friendly DWR repels dirt and moisture. This is a customer favorite for a reason! $159. www.skhoop.us
3. Klymit’s Insulated Hammock V
Shop Local! A little bird from the Outdoor Retailer Show tipped me off about Klymit, a Utah-based retailer that specializes in premium sleeping pads (check-out their interactive pad selector on their website). However, I’ve been on the lookout for a hammock for my teens who have become obsessed with Hammocking (slang term: “mocking,”) which simply means setting up your hammock everywhere, anytime. Klymit’s Insulated Hammock V makes hammock camping a 4-season adventure with their Klymalit lofted synthetic insulation that boasts a generous 180 degrees of protection from cold air and draft. Worried about sliding around? Their coated on-slip zones keep your pad in place all night, plus it's ergonomically sound and wraps around your body. Shop at the Klymit outlet in Kaysville, Sportsman's Warehouse, Recreation Outlet or online with free shipping. $169.95 www.klymit.com
4. Hydro Flask Journey Series 10 Liter and 20 Liter Hydration Pack
Is it possible for a water bottle to go viral? If so, Hydro Flask’s high-performance insulated bottles are sweeping the nation and their new Hydro Flask Journey Series Hydration Packs are sure to follow. They’re equipped with the ice-cold hydration we know and love with an insulated HydraPak® IsoBound™ 3-liter sweat-proof reservoir and reflective neoprene internal sleeve. The rest of the pack is pretty swell, too: The comfortable back panel lets air flow between you and your pack, the taped seams and sealed zippers are waterproof...and yes, there are plenty of compartments for easy access. The 10 Liter Pack is perfect for a quick adventure and the 20 Liter Pack with increased storage will fuel a longer day. 10 Liter $165 and 20 Liter $200. www.hydroflask.com
1. LIFEACTÍV Power Pack 10 Qi Wireless Battery Chargers
We’ve all been there: the moment your phone greets the cold air, that battery life is zapped up quicker than First Chair. But don’t worry, LifeProof’s wireless Power Pack has your back. Built with a 10,000-milliamp battery, the wireless Power Pack 10 rapidly charges devices to keep you from being tied down. It’s waterproof, drop-proof, dirtproof and snowproof...and there’s a multi-stage LED flashlight just to show off. The Power Pack can charge up to three devices at once with a USB-C port, USB-A port and, of course, wireless charging which guarantees you instant popularity...but only after you’ve had First Tracks. $99.99. www.lifeproof.com
2. Zippo Heatbank 9s Rechargeable Hand Warmer
Nothing kills a good ski day like frostbite...and if you (or someone in your group) is constantly prone to nippy fingers, the HeatBank™ 9s rechargeable hand warmer is the perfect gift. It offers heat at the press of a button without the waste of disposable warmers and provides up to 9 hours of heat utilizing a lithium-ion battery. The convenient power bank is compact-size and features champagne, black and silver models. As a bonus, it also recharges your USB-compatible device, so you can stay connected--and warm--while enjoying the outdoors. $49.95, www.zippo.com
3. Phoozy Xp3 Series Thermal Case
My smartphone has had many adventures, including being dropped in the lake and face-planting on a jagged rock during a selfie. What I’ve long needed is the Phoozy Xp3 Series Thermal Case, a thermal capsule that offers the ultimate smartphone protection from the elements including cold, heat, water and even drop protection (to military standards). There are four different series (Apollo, Apollo II, Ipad/Laptop and XP3). The XP3 has the most bang for your buck and can be used to protect beacons, radios, extra battery packs, drone batteries, insulin and epi-pens. The company just became the exclusive phone case and technology protector with the PSIA-AASI (Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors) so you know it’s gotta be good. $49.99. phoozy.com
4. UnTapped Organic Maple Waffles
Do you need a waffle with your syrup? Because you can have both with Untapped Organic Maple Waffles which are whole-heartedly endorsed by this Canuck. I stumbled upon them when I was looking for healthy fuel and snack alternatives and they were an instant hit with my family. UnTapped has a Dutch stroopwafel pedigree crossed with the Vermont goodness of real maple syrup and maple sugar (but without the sticky mess). They’re also USDA-certified organic and are made with sustainably produced Palm Fruit Oil, giving you clean-burning energy you can feel good about. First-timer? Start with the UnTapped Sample Pack which gives you an assortment of tasty maple-based nutrition in fun flavors like Raspberry and Chai waffles, and Ginger and Lemon Tea Mapleaid. $25. untapped.cc
5. Gogglesoc
Not all gear needs to break the bank and one of the ski industry’s niftiest inventions is a testament to that. Gogglesocs are hand-sized goggle covers that fit over almost any sized goggle to protect your expensive lens from scratches...and are small enough to fit in your pocket. They’re not only functional (they also double as a lens wipe) but they’re fun with 50 different designs that range from retro to wild to classic. Gogglesocs are made from spandex and recycled soda bottles; a single 12-oz. water bottle can produce enough fabric to make three gogglesocs. So, the next time you cringe watching your kid throw around their helmet and goggles, you’ll rest easy knowing at least the lenses are protected. Sorry, we can’t guarantee the rest of their gear will fare as well. $14.95. gogglesoc.com
Ski Utah Interconnect Tour
One Christmas, our family ditched gift-giving and gave experiences...and it was a holiday I'll never forget. If you’re more of an experiential type, give the ultimate gift of powder with Ski Utah’s Interconnect Tour. This full-day experience is ideal for expert/advanced skiers (sorry, snowboarders ) to navigate between as many as six of Utah’s ski resorts. Two experienced guides will accompany a small group as they enjoy the character of each resort, along with a delicious lunch at one of the chosen resort destinations. Oh, and did I mention the unrivaled views of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains? This unique experience will be a cherished gift to last a lifetime. $430; small and large private tours also available. skiutah.com
BONUS GIFT for the ski resort or map junkie:
