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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 (like a cozy layer to toss on for après) or that they haven’t upgraded in a while (such as a new pair of goggles with crisp lenses). Here, our favorite picks from local brands and makers.
Zeal Optics Cloudfall Goggles
Colorado skiers and riders know how unpredictable the weather can be in the Rockies. That’s where Zeal Optics’ Cloudfall goggles ($199) come in: They come standard with two lenses for high-light and low-light conditions. The Boulder company’s latest spherical-style specs feature Zeal’s Observation Deck Technology, which translates to a slight downward tilt in the lens that helps block reflections and allows for a wider field of vision. (The Cloudfall is the first offering from the company with this tech in a spherical-lens package.) Also available in extra-large size and Asian fit. Available online and at various retailers
Flylow Wolverine Gloves
Denver’s Flylow is ubiquitous on the slopes, and for good reason. Among the brand’s plethora of quality ski and snowboard apparel, the gloves and mitts stand out for their hardworking nature—and hardworking look. Take the Wolverine Gloves ($120), which feature waterproofed full leather (that’s already soft without a break-in period). Recycled Greenloft synthetic insulation keeps hands and fingers warm, while a cozy, wool-blended fabric lines the interior. Neoprene cuffs seal out snow and tuck comfortably under jacket sleeves. If your pal suffers from always-cold digits, opt for the lobster version, which keeps the middle, ring, and pinky fingers snuggly in a mitt. Available online
Flower Wild Ski Sweater
It is not enough to live in Colorado. Help your ski pal show her true colors by giving her this retro sweater ($74) from Flower Wild, a boho boutique with storefronts in Boulder and Longmont. When she’s not shredding and hucking cliffs, she can snuggle into this royal blue acrylic (read: soft) sweater, which can be dressed up or down (or accessorized for a tacky Christmas party, if that’s on your friend’s cal). There is also an après line (sky-blue sweater, red sweater, and a pom beanie) if the skier in your life is more comfortable in the lodge with a Bloody. Available online and at both storefronts (360 Main St., Longmont, and 901 Pearl St. #101, Boulder)
Read More: Meet Kim Davis, Owner and Creator of Flower Wild Boutique
Ibex Mammoth Full Zip Hoodie (Men’s and Women’s)
Ibex isn’t a new brand, but it is new to Colorado. After it was sold in 2018, the company was revived by a new owner who moved it to the adventure hub of Nederland last year—where people appreciate the utility of premium merino wool outdoor apparel. The new Mammoth Full Zip Hoodie ($295, available for men and women) is the warmest top Ibex has made yet—and yet still low-profile, making it the perfect midlayer for the skier in your life. Offset seams won’t rub under a pack, and a scuba hood tucks neatly under a helmet. After a day on the hill, the Mammoth is warm enough and stylish enough for cruising around town and wearing with street clothes. It is made almost entirely from merino wool, so in addition to being extremely warm, it’s light, odor-resistant, and more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. Plus, it comes in multiple colors, so you can find just the right match for your favorite shredder. Available online
Read More: Why Is a Performance Merino Brand Reinventing Itself in Nederland?
Ortovox Switchback 32 (Men’s) and Switchback 30 S (Women’s) Packs
Avalanche safety gear is essential, and the backcountry skier in your life needs a rugged pack in which to carry it all. Germany-based Ortovox, which has its North American headquarters in Boulder, is known for its durable and functional packs, including ones designed specifically for off-piste tours. The Switchback 32 ($220; also available in a smaller-frame with a 30-liter capacity) sports enough space to hold gear, necessary layers, water and snacks, and accessories while remaining sleek and carrying comfortably. A front pocket is dedicated for snow safety gear and tools; the larger pocket flays open for easy access to layers and water. 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. Available online
Smartwool Ski Targeted Cushion Socks
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. Denver-based Smartwool makes wool-blended socks with a technical fit and light padding so feet stay comfy on every adventure. The Targeted Cushion model ($30) is specifically designed for the slopes, with its over-the-calf length, thoughtful cushioning zones, and breathability. Tip: The company makes snowboard-specific versions, too, which are a little thicker. Available online
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. Available online
The North Face Ceptor Jacket (Men’s and Women’s)
Looking for something splurge-worthy? Opt for a jacket. Nothing ruins a day on the hill like wind and wet snow. The North Face knows how to make durable outerwear, and its Ceptor ($475, available for men and women) is the Denver company’s best bang-for-your-buck freeride shell. It’s made with a burly wind- and waterproof DryVent fabric that can stand up to the deepest powder days without wetting out or allowing the wind to bite, all while remaining breathable. The jacket’s sharp looks are matched by a loaded feature set, including spacious pockets, seam-sealed zippers, and underarm vents. Available online and at various retailers
Ski Town All-Stars The Red Square Hat
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. Available online
SkyGoat Camp Hoodie (Women’s and Men’s)
Colorado has a new contestant in the micro-grid fleece hoodie game: SkyGoat is a small apparel brand based in Summit County with 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 ($99 for men and women, $59 for youth) 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. Available online and at various retailers
Ski Lift Designs Throw Pillows
Think the skier or boarder in your life has all the gear they could possibly need? Gift them something that highlights their love of winter at home. Englewood-based Ski Lift Designs got its start converting retired chairlifts into living room decor, but supposing you can’t afford to drop a $4,000 prezzie under the tree for your favorite skier, might we suggest a handmade, wool throw pillow? These beauts start at just $37 and will upgrade even the simplest ski-bum crash pad. Available online
