There’s no better holiday gift than ski gear. People are in the midst of planning their winter trips, and stoke for the upcoming season is high! And believe it or not, snow will soon fall in the mountains, and the holidays will be upon us. There’s no better time than now to start brainstorming gift ideas and crossing items off your gift list. With big Black Friday sales coming up, getting organized now will pay off big! The list below outlines my favorite must-haves for the upcoming ski season, from hard goods to apparel and accessories. And covering a variety of price points, there’s a perfect gift on here for every skier on your list!

Gifts Under $50

1. Blackstrap Hood Balaclava

Temperatures in the single digits? Plus, a negative wind chill? No problem, as long as you have a Blackstrap Hood Balaclava! Protect your ears, neck, and nose from the elements with just one item. The four-way stretch fabric is comfortable, antimicrobial, breathable, and moisture-wicking, and the seamless fit is helmet-compatible. It even has UV protection for those frigid, bluebird days when the sun shines bright! The Blackstrap Hood Balaclava is a must-have item for every skier, making it the perfect gift. And with so many colors and patterns available, there’s one for everyone!

2. Coal The Pearl Beanie

Whether you wear a beanie to keep your ears and head warm, to cover up your ski helmet hair, or simply because it looks good, beanies are a staple piece of clothing during the winter months. The Coal The Pearl Beanie is the perfect go-to beanie. Made with soft nylon yarn, it’s super comfortable and warm and comes in a variety of colors to match your specific style. In addition, the ribbed cuff adds versatility since the beanie can be worn either cuffed or unrolled, and the small stamped leather label adds style without a large, unwanted logo. The Coal The Pearl Beanie is a great gift that will never go out of style!

3. Smartwool Performance Ski Targeted Cushion OTC Socks

Socks are an essential part of your ski ‘fit, but not just any old mid-calf or knee-high socks will do. Ski socks have many jobs, including keeping your feet warm on those chilly days, creating the perfect snug fit inside your ski boots, preventing sweaty feet when you are working hard through those bumps and trees (and, therefore, preventing blisters!) and the list goes on! Without a comfortable pair of socks, your ski day is bound to get cut short.

The Smartwool Performance Ski Targeted Cushion OTC Socks are the ideal socks to keep you on the slopes all day long! Merino wool is comfortable, warm, and breathable, and strategically placed mesh zones make these even more breathable for heavy sweaters! These socks are a great gift or stocking stuffer for any skier. They may not know what they’re missing until they have a pair!

Gifts Under $100

4. Outdoor Research Point N Chute Sensor Gloves

Every skier needs a solid pair of gloves that can withstand all weather conditions because, as we all know, skiing isn’t always blue skies and mild temps! Bitter cold, snow, and wind are frequent conditions we face when out on the slopes. The Outdoor Research Point N Chute Sensor Gloves are insulated for warmth, waterproof to keep the snow and wet out, and breathable to prevent sweaty, wet hands on those warmer days, making them the perfect pair of ski gloves.

Because they are made with durable leather, these gloves will last season after season, and unique features such as pre-curved fingers increase comfort and dexterity. Even if it’s not quite time for a ski glove upgrade, anyone will be thrilled to receive these this holiday season!

Gifts Under $200

5. Dakine Heli Pro Backpack

Touring is becoming more and more popular, and when heading into the backcountry, it’s important to be prepared (and educated—sign up for an avalanche class near you!). With the Dakine Heli Pro Backpack, you can easily fit all of your avalanche safety gear in the easy-access front pocket and still have space for other essentials, such as extra layers, snacks, an emergency kit, etc.

And with an insulated hydration sleeve and a fleece-lined goggle pocket, you can keep all your items organized and separate. For those who don’t explore the backcountry, skip the avy safety gear and stuff all your in-bounds essentials into this pack. The hydration sleeve even doubles as a laptop sleeve, so it can even be used as a commuter pack. With so much versatility, this pack is a great gift option for every type of skier on your list!

6. POC Obex MIPS Helmet

If you’ve been to a ski resort in the last decade, you know that hardly anybody skis without a helmet anymore. The days of goofy hats and beanies are over, and people are opting for the safety of a well-fitted ski helmet to protect their noggin from falls and obstacles. The 2023 POC Obex MIPS helmet is a great choice for anyone looking for their first ski helmet or to upgrade their older, worn one that’s been knocked around a few times.

A ski helmet must balance protection and comfort, and the POC Obex MIPS helmet does just that. With a multi-directional impact protection system (MIPS), your head is as protected as it gets. In addition, EPS liners, a ventilation system, and an interior size adjustment system ensure all-day comfort. With multiple colors to choose from and an aesthetically pleasing shape and design, this helmet is the perfect gift for any skier!

Gifts Over $200

7. Smith I/O Mag Goggles

One of my favorite gifts that I’ve ever received is a new pair of ski goggles. I didn’t even know I needed new goggles until I had them when I could suddenly see my lines so much clearer!

The 2023 Smith I/O Mag goggles have spherical lenses for a full field of vision, and the ChromaPop lens technology makes for the sharpest clarity and contrast. Features such as anti-fog and the quick-swap MAG lens system ensure that you can see clearly in all weather conditions. And with a variety of strap and lens colors to choose from, they fit everyone’s personal style!

8. DBJourney 50L Split Duffel Bag

For anyone who is traveling for a ski trip this year, the DBJourney 50L Split Duffel is a must-have! Whether traveling by plane or packing up your car, this is the ideal bag to bring on your adventure. It is split down the middle for easy organization, and the backpack-style straps make for comfortable, easy carrying. At 50L, you can fit plenty of stuff in here, but the dimensions are still carry-on approved for those who hate checking bags. And this bag is not just great for your next ski trip. It’s stylish and comfortable for any adventure you have planned or even just commuting, making it a great, versatile gift!

9. FW Men’s Manifest Quilted Anorak

Mid-weight layers are perhaps the most underrated, but on those extra cold days, you’ll be glad you have one! The FW Men’s Manifest Quilted Anorak is the perfect mid-weight layer that is functional and stylish! With synthetic insulation, it will keep you nice and cozy, but the ½ zipper allows for ventilation when you need it. The pullover style also makes it really comfortable to add layers both over it and under it. It’s a versatile gift that can also be worn while camping, hiking, or mountain biking during the shoulder seasons or even when running errands around town!

The Ultimate Gift

10. Blizzard Hustle 9 Skis

While all the gifts on this list would make any skier shriek with excitement, there’s nothing quite like getting a brand-new pair of skis! And this year, the 2023 Blizzard Hustle 9 skis are one of my top recs for all-mountain skis with an emphasis on touring. With a lightweight core without sacrificing durability and a profile that allows for both flotation in deep powder and excellent grip on packing groomers, this ski has the versatility to put a smile on any skier’s face. So for the skiers on your holiday gift list, consider giving the best gift of all!

Final Thoughts

Whether the skiers on your holiday gift list have skied for years or are just starting, there’s a gift for every level and type of ski enthusiast! Reach out to a Curated Ski Expert such as myself for assistance finding the items listed above and more! And if you’re having trouble sifting through the options, you can still give the gift of outdoor adventure with a Curated gift card!