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Few things excite skiers and snowboarders more than a deep day on the mountain. But since you can’t gift your favorite powderhound a foot of freshies, opt for the next best thing: rad gear.
We would never expect you to shell out for boards, boots, or bindings (but if you caught a wild hair, these are the new, locally made planks we’re ogling), so instead surprise your ski partner with accessories they won’t splurge on themselves or that they haven’t upgraded in a while. Here, our favorite picks from local brands and makers.
Zeal Optics Meridian
For the skier or snowboarder on your list who cares as much about their look as their form, might we suggest Boulder-based Zeal Optics’ latest specs? The Meridian goggles ($199–$319) are sleek and compact with a medium-size frame and cylindrical (flatter) lens that prevents the bug-eye look while hiding a boatload of tech: The downward-tilted lens reduces reflections and expands vertical field of view by 20 percent, the company says. Each pair comes standard with two lenses, which are easily swapped out on a (glove-friendly) rail system. Choose between photochromic and standard polarized lenses.
Hestra Fall Line Gloves
Swedish brand Hestra’s Fall Line gloves are ubiquitous on the slopes, and now they’re available in pink. The swaggy freeskier on your list will love the pop of color while repping the 89-year-old brand, which operates its North American headquarters in Arvada (and opened a storefront on Boulder’s Pearl Street earlier this month). The Fall Line ($190) is a traditional cowhide glove with a removable fleece liner; foam insulation makes it warmer than similar-looking models on the market. Available in men’s (sorry, no pink) and women’s sizing, as well as lobster and mitt styles.
Kari Traa Mommy + Me Base Layer Sets (Mom and Kids’)
Stop the cuteness! Your daughter’s favorite thing is twinning with Mom, right? And Mom’s favorite thing is probably ripping laps with her crew, right? Hook your skier girls up with matching base layers from Norwegian-born Kari Traa, which has U.S. offices on the Front Range, and ensure that everyone has a banger day on the hill. For Mom, opt for the Rose Half Zip Base Layer Top ($140), a midweight 100-percent merino pullover that’s soft (and stylish) enough to stand alone at après, and the matching base layer pants in capri length ($110). For her mini me, go with the Hennie Set ($100), available in little kids and big kids sizing.
Here’s a cheat code for getting your daughter even more stoked on ski season: The “bright turquoise” color looks like something you might find in Elsa’s closet.
Pure Mountain Fun The Ski Pack
Speaking of groms: A couple of brilliant Littleton 10-year-olds (and their parents) created a compact, adjustable backpack for toting their skis hands-free. The Ski Pack ($50–$55), which is made of durable parachute nylon that shrugs off snow and squeezes down to the size of a navel orange. When unfurled, it holds a pair of skis (and poles, if your kiddo uses them) with a clever holster, helping mitigate The Schlep and freeing Mom and Dad up to dole out more snacks, take more pictures, and do whatever else it is that grown-ups do when their little ones can manage their own stuff. Now available for knuckle-dragging little ones, too (The Rider Pack, $50–$55).
Deuter Freerider Pro 32+10 (Men’s) and Freerider Pro 30+10 SL (Women’s)
Between extra layers and lenses, water and snacks, and avalanche equipment, the backcountry skier in your life hauls a bunch of stuff on their back. Enter Germany-based Deuter, which has U.S. headquarters in Boulder, a company known for its durable and functional packs, including models designed specifically for off-piste missions. The new Freerider Pro 32+10 ($195) and smaller-frame Freerider Pro 30+10 SL ($195) sport smart expandable capacities, which allow the packs to swallow enough gear for longer tours while snugging down for bounce-free carrying on lighter resort days. There are various helmet, ski, and crampon carriers, but the real treat is that it weighs a hair over two pounds—so it won’t slow your favorite skier down when booting up couloirs or sending it into the White Room.
ThermoBall Traction Mules V (Men’s, Women’s, and Youth)
Skiers may be the most obvious recipients for cozy slip-ons, but anyone on your list would be lucky to receive ThermoBall Traction Mules V (in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes) from Denver’s the North Face. Like puffies for feet, they’re filled with recycled polyester insulation, with a warm, fleece collar. Nice for wearing on the drive to the hill and perfection for après, the Traction Mules have a grippy outsole that keeps you upright on iced-over parking lots and slick restaurant entryways. And if you happen to be a snowboarder, you can’t beat the double present of comfy footwear and a hint.
Outdoor Element Charlotte’s Webbing Camp Organizer
The outdoorsman in your life would be thrilled to receive any of Outdoor Element’s multifunctional tools, but for the skier, we recommend Charlotte’s Webbing Camp Organizer ($30). The 12-foot strand of webbing has laser-cut holes from which you lash the four included carabiners and gator clips to hang gear. After a soggy day on the hill, a skier can clip socks, gloves, a neck gaiter, or even boot liners to dry out before tomorrow’s turns. Bonus: It fits neatly into a stocking, if you’re on the hunt for a smaller gift.
Read More: These Outdoor Tools Just Might Save Your Life
Point6 Shadow Medium Over-the-Calf
Some people might not be stoked to find a pair of department-store cotton socks in their stocking, but a high-performing pair of ski socks? Now that’s a welcome present. Steamboat Springs–based Point6 makes merino wool socks with a technical fit and targeted padding so feet stay comfy on every adventure. The new Shadow Medium Over-the-Calf ($30) is specifically designed for the slopes, with its knee-high length and thoughtful cushioning zones (snug around the ankle and toes to reduce clumping, with a deep heel pocket to prevent movement). Ventilation panels keep tootsies from swamping out, and you can’t beat the brand’s lifetime warranty.
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Ideally, backcountry skiers and snowboarders already have the avalanche essentials trifecta (that would be a beacon, probe, and shovel). But one of the most underrated pieces of gear—and one the backcountry tourer in your life may be lacking—is a set of radios to communicate with ski partners. The Mountain Radio ($110 each) from Denver’s Rocky Talkie clips to a backpack strap without impeding movement and can be paired with a hand mic. The communicator also has a range of up to five miles, depending on the terrain, and its controls are manageable even with gloves on.
Obermeyer The Steibis System
Looking for something splurge-worthy? Opt for a jacket. Or a bib. Nothing gets a rider hyped for ski season like new threads (other than new boards, of course). The most technical kit from Aspen-based Obermeyer, which has been in the game since the 1940s, the hella slick Steibis line features three-layer nylon outerwear (“made of recycled ocean waste that offers best-in-class performance that you can feel good about”) with all of the bells and whistles. The jacket (men’s and women’s, $569) has a bazillion pockets and backcountry-specific features, while the bib (men’s and women’s, $469) has adjustments galore (and a drop seat for ladies). The Steibis was designed for alpine adventurers, for sure, but we bet your favorite skier will layer up and wear the kit at the resort, too—you can’t beat the steaziness.
Ski Town All-Stars The Red Square
Vail-based Ski Town All-Stars is a small hat maker that caters to the ski community with its designs (the trucker hats, for example, feature cheeky phrases like “Après Ski Instructor”). But to pair style and warmth, opt for the Red Square ($65). The quilted, trucker-style hat has convertible ear flaps that are lined with a soft corduroy fabric. A variety of colors, from bright safety orange to subtler earth tones, means there’s an option for anyone who wants to rock the classic ski bum look.
SkyGoat Camp Hoodie (Men’s and Women’s)
Colorado has a new contestant in the micro-grid fleece hoodie game: SkyGoat. A small apparel brand based in Summit County, SkyGoat has deep roots in the ski community (Ram Mikulas, the founder and sole employee, spent years working in the snowsports industry before he began stitching fleeces). The Camp Hoodie ($119 for men and women, $69 for kids) is a simple and snug layer made of super-soft, color-blocked fleece. It’s technical enough to layer when riding chairlifts or motoring up the skin track on a cold day, yet casual enough to wear out for beers afterward.
Read More: Could SkyGoat Be the Next Melanzana?
