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The 45 Best Gifts for Skiers

Our wide-ranging gift guide for skiers has ideas that’ll excite even the pickiest of powder hounds.

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Jacket, ski goggles and backpack on a blue gradient background
Photo:

Travel + Leisure / Kevin Liang

Shopping for a skier can be tough. They’re pretty particular about what they wear from head to toe, and equipment for alpine adventures quickly runs almost every budget dry. We scoured the season’s best offerings to find picks for every experience level, taste, and price point.

Our gift guide for skiers includes the best winter products we’ve tested in our New York City lab, plus favorites from Travel + Leisure’s resident powder hounds and après pros. We found just-hit-the-market options that even expert skiers won’t have on their radars yet, quirky pieces to bring ski love off the slope, and gear essentials to make sure everyone from novices to every weekend warriors are ready to shred. Whether you’re shopping for the skier who already has everything or want to make sure your loved one is decked out for their first trip to the mountain, these are the best gifts to shop.

We put the industry’s best heated vests through the wringer, and Arris’ feature-packed, supremely comfortable fleece came out on top. If you want to make sure your skier is extra-warm, hook them up with this powerhouse layer. Unlike many heated garments, the Arris Fleece Heated Vest has a battery that doesn’t add bulk, and it’s highly adjustable so it won’t restrict movement. 

This jacket rose to the top of our ski jacket testing. We love its combination of style and functionality, with a warm-yet-slim fit, Recco inserts for added safety, and buttery soft internal feel. It also benefits from a plethora of specialized pockets, including a battery-saving spot for your phone and one that comes complete with an attached goggle shammy. It's available in a men's version, the Alpha LifaLoft, too.

If you want to give them even cozier coverage, grab Ororo’s heated jacket, which is also available in men’s cuts. After testing, we thought the water-repellent shell made this a great outer option for sunnier days on the slope, while a removable hood and fitted design is perfect for mid-layer needs. It’s also lightweight and stretchy to keep things nimble.

Packing for ski trips is no easy feat. They can take you across the country or around the globe, and getting all those layers to your destination requires a strategy. Compression packing cubes are a savvy way to fit it all in, we were so impressed with Gonex’s four-piece set that we gave it a perfect score. This collection includes small, medium, and large cubes for everything from base layers to après sweaters at a very budget-friendly price. The zippers showed no signs of stress no matter how much we crammed inside the cubes, and the water-repellent material is perfect for separating damp clothes. 

Speaking of long-hauls, nothing is worse than being uncomfortable on a flight when your quads and calves are already screaming from thousands of feet of vertical. We've tested dozens of travel pillows, and you just can't beat this premium model from Cabeau. It provides the perfect amount of neck support without feeling too restrictive, and rear straps you can attach to your seat also help prevent post-flight aches.

This spacious, organized design will fit all of your skier’s equipment without feeling bulky and unwieldy. Heavy padding on the shoulder and sternum straps made it comfortable for us to haul, even when we took it on a plane as a carry-on. It helps boots dry quickly with plenty of ventilation, and we were impressed by thoughtful touches like a waterproof flap to stand on while changing in the lodge and water bottle pockets. 

Nobody likes frosty fingers. Prevent them with this 3-in-1, touchscreen-compatible pair from Ororo that was the best overall winner from our heated gloves test. They kept our hands warm even when submerged in a bucket of ice for 10 minutes. Skiers can wear the slim heated liners separately and add the down-insulated shell when things get particularly frigid. 

Again, taking your ski wardrobe on the road can be a major hassle, but Patagonia’s spacious, hardy duffel makes it as easy as possible. Our favorite carry-on duffel of the year, the Black Hole 40L will keep clothes dry if your skier ends up traveling in a blizzard, and it can be worn as a backpack when they need free hands for schlepping skis. Since it’s a carry-on, it’s a great way to haul ski clothes if they’re using a checked bag for gear or simply don’t want to waste time waiting at baggage claim. 

These toasty ski pants allow for a full range of motion while keeping you warm for everything from snowshoeing to skiing, making them the perfect versatile bottom to have in a winter arsenal. They have all the essentials like outer waterproofing, an adjustable waist, and zippered pockets. The pants also come in a wide range of colors and a women's version as well.

Another favorite from our ski gear testing, this roller bag makes taking equipment on a long haul as painless as possible. It has a slot for poles, room for two pairs of skis, and zippered pockets for keeping things organized. Thule’s boot backpack features luggage straps to attach it to this roller bag, so they make a perfect gift set that will last for years.

If you're shopping for someone who heads to the mountains even on the chilliest days, consider these extra-toasty mitts from Italian brand Gordini. Features like a wrist leash and clip that ensures they don't get separated in boot bags add convenience to the perfectly waterproof build. Despite the soft, plush interior, these mittens have a tough leather outer that has survived through years of us gripping our poles. They also come in a women's version.

A skier can never have too many base layers to choose from. Add this stylish, moisture-wicking top to your giftee's collection to make sure their ski 'fit starts out right. Temperature-regulating qualities like the half-zip neckline and merino wool fabric always keep us comfy on the slopes. Check out the matching bottoms, too.

For those days when they can only dream about carving down the hill, this picture frame will put a smile on a powder hound’s face. Level up your gifting game and wrap it filled with a picture from one of their favorite slopes.

Your phone’s battery can quickly drain when you’re spending time outside in cold air. In addition to extending battery life in the cold, this lightweight case provides drop protection to make your phone less likely to break—even in a brutal yard sale crash. Your giftee will also love to have it in the off-season, when they can take advantage of the Phoozy Apollo’s floatation and protection from overheating.

Smith has long been one of the most trusted names in athletic optics, and its innovation leveled up yet again with the first custom 3D-printed goggles on the market. If your skier has ever complained of improper fit, light leaks, fogging, or any other type of goggle woe, gifting them this personalized pair could make you their season’s MVP. They have all the high-tech specs that makes Smith a skier-favorite, including color-enhancing ChromaPop lenses, a downward curve to increase field of view, and a magnetized frame for easy lens switching. With your gift, a skier will receive a unique code to submit their face scan on Smith’s app, and the goggles will arrive at their door in about 14 days.

Slipping into soggy boots and mittens is no way to start the day. This handy tool prevents discomfort by drying two pairs of footwear or handwear at once with the choice of heated or non-heated air. It comes with two removable extension tubes for taller boots. FYI, everything being nice and dry also prevents odor buildup. 

Seirus partnered with Park City-based artist Lamont Joseph White for a gorgeous collection featuring his ski and snowboard-inspired work. This buttery-soft balaclava has a removal, hair-friendly skull cap. It’s thin yet warm, moisture-wicking, wind-blocking, and loaded with SPF 50+ to give you an added layer of sun protection. White’s sleek design is also available in a hood and mask combo

T+L’s Mountain Mondays editor, Stacey Leasca, swears by the BCA Dozer 1T for backcountry adventures: “Take your skiing and riding to the next level by making your way off piste. Heading into the backcountry allows serious snow lovers to ride through untouched powder and carve their way down the mountains without another soul in sight. But with this leap comes new dangers, namely the potential for avalanches. Take a requisite avalanche safety class, head out with a guide, and bring along the right gear—including the BCA Dozer 1T Shovel. The shovel is super lightweight and comes with an extendable handle for easy backing. Trust me, you'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”

Prepare them for the après with a relaxed-fit — and stylish — sweater. Made of an alpaca blend, it's soft and perfectly cozy for sipping hot toddies by the fire.

Camelbak’s water pack is minimalist to maintain hydration without messing up agility. The Zoid has one small pocket to store a couple on-slope essentials, but packs with 12 liters and 22 liters of storage are also available. A low profile means it won’t cause discomfort on a chairlift either.

For a great mid-layer gifting option, consider the undeniably cool Aktivator Jacket, available in both women’s and men’s styles from Kühl. It incorporates three different weights of insulation, stretch, and breathable underarm panels for a top-tier athletic performance. It’s water- and wind-resistant, and the three understated blue hues are all stylish for trail-to-town wear. There’s also a hooded version of the jacket. 

Retired skis are brought back to life in the creation of these one-of-a kind wine racks. They hold three bottles each and are the perfect way for your skier to rep their favorite sport from winter through rosé season. You can even choose whether you want to gift a rack made from “new school” or “old school” equipment and share your skier’s three preferred brands with the creator. 

All of that elevation and sunlight reflected off of snow can have downright dangerous consequences, so gently remind your skier about the importance of sunscreen with our favorite reef-safe option. It absorbs into the skin quickly and leaves behind a hydrated feel to combat dry winter air.

The ‘80s are back in style on the slope, and this retro mid-layer will let your skier stay on trend without sacrificing the greatest in modern materials. Available in a head-turning bright red, trendy mauve, and sporty blue, this quarter-zip sweater is made of 60 percent merino wool for warmth, plus elastane and acrylic fabric for managing moisture.

Take flight attendants’ word for it, this simple device can completely change your experience in the sky. Skiers will be grateful to be able to give their legs a proper rest on the way back from a heart-pumping vacation, and the easy-to-use footrest can also be enjoyed at home or in the office. It takes up almost no room in a suitcase but makes a huge comfort impact.

Add a touch of whimsy to their mountain attire with these 68 percent Merino wool socks featuring a yeti and gondola. Designed and knitted in Vermont, these high-performance socks are sure to put a smile on your skier’s face with an expertly crafted combination of warmth, cushion, and moisture-management. The yeti print is also available in a lightweight option.

Flavors like mulled wine, cheese fondue, and shortbread cookies make this 60 percent dark chocolate variety bar a unique and fun post-slope treat. It also comes in a tasty milk chocolate version.

If your giftee has a keen eye for style, convenience, and warmth, they’ll be exceptionally pleased to find this ample mid-layer under the tree. Made in Canada, this jacket is incredibly lightweight, warm, and boosted by underarm gussets to avoid hindered mobility. It comes in unique, gleaming colors, including jasper green, thistle purple, and silverbirch. Best of all for travel, the perfectly packable Cypress can be stuffed into itself and carried with removable backpack straps. Since every centimeter of space counts when packing for a ski trip, any recipient is sure to appreciate this again and again. 

This must-have piece of safety gear for backcountry skiing comes recommended by T+L commerce writer Anna Popp. “For skiers who love the thrill of backcountry skiing, being prepared is essential. An avalanche backpack or vest like this one is perfect for storing all of your safety gear like a radio, shovel, and airbag. It doesn’t feel bulky to wear, and it’s a super practical but thoughtful gift,” she says.

The French brand’s 25-liter daypack punches well above its 1.98-pound weight when it comes to functionality. Made of 100 percent recycled material, the Escaper Tour has dedicated storage space for goggles, avalanche tools, and a helmet. Its outer is loaded with straps for carrying skis or a snowboard, and it was structured with athletes in mind, so you know it’ll move with you in just the right way.

There’s no better way to show your love than ensuring your skier has the crème de la crème of safety gear. Smith's latest helmet release features a layer that rotates upon impact to reduce the amount of force transferred to your head as well as Koroyd coverage zones for extra protection. It has a flexible fit designed to perfectly form around your skier's head. The lightweight, classic look comes in nine sleek colors.

After trying out this mini massage gun, we were impressed with how lightweight and quiet it is compared to others on the market, particularly since it’s available at such a competitive price. The 1.25-pound device is just under 6 inches long, comes with four heads for targeting different recovery needs, and is superb for treating muscles after a long day on the mountain without waking anyone up from their afternoon nap. 

This unique set features four depictions of skiers in different positions, from leisurely gliding to zipping down the hill. It’s bound to bring the thrill of fresh powder to your giftee’s kitchen, and they’re safe to use on the top rack of dishwashers.

Best known for its popular motocross eye protection, 100% debuted its first snow gear for the last season, and they’re another great option for goggle gifting. Many of the strap options pack a bold punch, and since it’s a new line, your skier’s unique style will stand out. The brand also offers the oversized Snowcraft XL for those who want to be even more statement-making. Each pair comes in a recyclable box with an extra lens and a microfiber bag included. 

It’s time to put the days of fumbling through a parking lot with poles and skis behind us. A cushioned shoulder pad and strap that’s adjustable to fit skiers of any size makes this simple-yet-pivotal tool easy to use. Put morning and late-afternoon meltdowns to bed and buy one for each member of the family.

T+L Mountain Mondays editor Leasca also swears by Burton’s versatile hood. It fits seamlessly under a helmet but is also available in an extra-large size for those who prefer to cover their head protection. The lightweight Berke Hood provides ample coverage but keeps skiers especially warm, and it’s made of sweat-wicking fabric that won’t pill on you.

Ease of mind is certainly a thoughtful gift. This retractable cable lock weighs a mere 2 ounces, so it’s perfect for stashing in a jacket pocket and then securing skis when it’s time for a break. It's 30 inches long, so it can be used to safeguard multiple sets. 

Patagonia’s R1 Air Zip-neck is a perfect mid-layer for skiing. Although it’s versatile enough for off-season use, the super-comfy, 100 percent polyester fleece was designed to wear during intense activity in frigid conditions. The women’s version comes in sizes XXS to XXL, and the men’s is available in XS to 3XL so you can give the perfect fit. 

Basically a stroller for skis, the Tru-Kii is the perfect way for families with little ones to get the whole crew’s equipment from home to slope. It can hold four pairs of skis or snowboards, includes a massive waterproof duffel with backpack straps, and has an adjustable handle for a comfortable haul. With a 150-pound weight capacity, you can also load it up with boot bags. When not in use, it folds down to a compact size that can fit in many lodge lockers.

This small-but-mighty wall mount is a simple storage solution. It’s designed to keep skis and snowboards off the ground and damage-free, but it can also hold up to 20 pounds of shovels, racks, and other equipment. Packs of two, three, and six are available.

Help relieve after-slope soreness with this back massager that has a toasty bonus. The effortless wrap provides a constant vibration paired with even heating to soothe sore muscles. You can lay back to go in full relaxation mode or go about your after-skiing day since it securely hugs the body.

Whether they’re driving to the mountain on a frosty morning or enjoying an afternoon beer on the lodge’s patio, the lucky recipient of this portable seat-warmer will be thanking you for their toasty tush. Just keep in mind they’ll need a cord that plugs into any USB-C battery source or other power supply with a coaxial output for it to work. An XL option with a back portion is also worth considering.

There’s nothing worse than getting chapped lips on the hill and realizing you forgot your balm. Make sure they’re always stocked-up with this two-pack of hydrating sticks. It’s a subtly scented crowd-pleaser with SPF 15.

A classic for a reason, the Carhartt beanie keeps you snug when you don’t need to be wearing your helmet. It’s stretchy and available in 31 colors, so you’re bound to find one that matches your recipient’s mountain style. 

After all on-slope apparel is taken care of, a skier needs to think about what they’ll wear to navigate icy sidewalks and snowy paths around the resort. These just-released unisex kicks from French brand Rossignol are a perfect place to start. They’re waterproof, have ample cushioning that’ll be kind to ski-weary feet, provide traction, and are available in five chic colors including a pale pink and an olive green to coordinate with the most stylish women's ski suits.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

T+L commerce editor Lydia Price tests and reviews the latest and greatest in outdoor and travel gear, apparel, and products. To curate this list, she drew from her own experience as a lifelong skier, scoured the market, spoke with industry experts, and consulted T+L’s globetrotting group of skiers. 

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