The FREESKIER Holiday Gift Guide

Though the weather may not be indicating it, the holiday season is closing in. Resorts are opening quickly and sometimes, last year's gear simply won't cut it. Although you can't put a three-foot powder day on your shopping list, this gear is as close as it gets.

Check out FREESKIER's roundup of the ultimate gifts for the skiers in your life and where to get them!

Wildson Mountain Goods - Waterproof Hood

This is an extremely premium over-the-helmet hood for skiers who crave this aesthetic and the extra warmth it provides. The hood can be broken down into two main parts: a waterproof exterior and a high-pile fleece interior. The waterproof exterior keeps water and snow from reaching your skin through the top of your helmet or behind your neck, keeping you dry on deep powder days or in the rain. Meanwhile, the fleece interior reflects back your body heat, keeping you warm, and it provides a snuggly feeling around the neck where it touches your skin.

When putting the hood on, it fits securely around your neck—keeping snow out—and the hood itself is large enough to fit up to a 58-centimeter helmet. Rounding out the hood are two drawstrings that ensure its one-size-fits-all construction fits snugly around any helmet shape or beanie. The hood also comes in numerous colorways to match your ski kit and aesthetic.

MSRP: $60

Totti - Button Ski Hanger

Simple yet extremely effective, this ski storage fixture effortlessly stores all types of skis with alpine bindings.  The Button Ski Hanger® (button) itself is a hard-plastic, molded cup that fits snugly inside the toe piece of alpine bindings—kids’ bindings included. This design creates a super sleek look when your skis are hung and allows you to mount multiple pairs side by side in a compact space.

Modified buttons are available for alpine touring (tech) bindings that use grooves to catch the pins in the toe piece.  Installation is remarkably easy—with the included hardware, users can secure buttons to a backboard or to solid wall material using a single screw.  The Button Ski Hanger can be purchased individually or in 5-packs for a relatively low price compared to other options

Bottom line: The Button Ski Hanger is simple, bulletproof, and displays your skis beautifully. Pro tip: skis are heavy, so either bolt the button to a wooden mounting plate (like a board) and mount that to studs, or mount the button directly into a stud or some other solid structure for the most secure hold.

MSRP: $54.95

Clipstic - Clipstic Plus

This tool is a ski strap with an integrated pole-secure system, making your skis and poles one complete package when transporting them from home to the lift line. The standout feature of this product is its attention to detail and design—Clipstic has thought of everything. The strap itself is extremely durable and can stretch around any waist width of skis, so if you’re buying this product for friends or family, you don’t have to worry about sizing.

From there, the pole-secure system is made from lightweight yet strong plastic that grips securely around standard aluminum poles. Included in the packaging is an adapter that mounts to the system for use with skinnier carbon poles. On the back side of the device is a small tab that slides between the ski edges, keeping your poles and the Clipstic itself from sliding or rotating as your skis travel to the resort.

The Clipstic Plus also comes in numerous colorways to match your skis and style, and it’s compact enough to slide unobtrusively into a pocket while you ski.

MSRP: $34

ZipFit - Crossover Insole

A good pair of insoles is the easiest way to improve performance and comfort in your ski boots, and Zipfit—the legendary boot-liner brand—has created one of the most premium options on the market. The base of the insole is made from a comfortable and supportive foam-and-cork mix that helps absorb impacts while skiing and provides a solid, stable platform that keeps your foot from shifting around.

On top of the EVA cork, against your foot, Zipfit uses a synthetic layer that prevents your socks from sliding, wicks moisture to keep your feet dry, and helps your boots stay fresh. The insole itself is built on a neutral mold that promotes alignment and works well for most feet—but you can always visit your local ski shop to confirm your arch length and height for the best fit. ZipFit insoles can be trimmed to fit your ski boots or shoes as needed, so if you're in between sizes, we recommend sizing up.

All around, these insoles are extremely high-quality and built to last for years. Plus, they can be used year-round: in your biking shoes, hiking boots or everyday stompers.

MSRP: $66

DB Bags - Hugger

The reliability and usefulness of a high-quality backpack can’t be underestimated, and this pack from Db is everything we could ask for in an everyday or weekend travel bag. The highlight feature is its clamshell design, which allows you to lay the bag flat and fully open the large main compartment. This makes it easy to use the full 30 liters of space and access items at the bottom without digging around blindly like you would with a traditional top-loading pack.

On top of the pack is a smaller pocket for valuables, while behind the back panel is a hidden, well-padded laptop sleeve. The pack itself has a lightweight internal frame that adds protection and makes it easy to pack efficiently. Coating the exterior is a water-resistant, high-quality leather-like material that feels premium in hand and delivers a sleek, minimalist aesthetic.

Like most Db products, this bag is designed to easily connect to others in the Hugger family, simplifying travel and letting your suitcase and backpack match—if that’s your style. Rounding out the design are high-quality zippers and metal strap adjusters that further contribute to its premium feel.

MSRP: $229

Sweet Protection - Tachi RIG Reflect

These sunglasses are extremely light and comfortable--perfect for everyday use, whether you're out on the town or exploring the mountains. The arms feature a thin rubber coating that adds comfort around your ears and ensures they don't slip, even during physical activity or when you're bending over frequently.

They use Sweet Protection's proprietary RIG lens technology, which provides 100% UV protection, enhances contrast and reduces eye fatigue. Both sides of the lenses are treated with a water, dust, and scratch-resistant coating that minimizes water marks and makes them easy to clean.

All in all, these sunglasses blend sport-performance features with an everyday look--ideal for anyone who needs one pair of shades to match their active, versatile lifestyle.

MSRP: $140

Mtn Straps - Pole Strap

Ski pole straps are usually uninspired—downright boring. Mtn Straps change that reality, offering stunning replacement straps that match your aesthetic. Each design is created by a different local artist, and they’re downright beautiful. Beyond the looks, they’re high-quality and function exactly how you want them to.

Compatible with a wide variety of alpine poles, including but not limited to Scott, K2, Komperdell, Rossignol, K2, Leki, Kerma and Grass Sticks, these are the perfect addition of flair to spice up your sticks. Their price point makes them an awesome gift for a friend or loved one, and the best part? Mtn Straps offers matching designs in dog collars or leashes so even your furry friends will appreciate the style points.

MSRP: $19.99

Grass Sticks - Ski Pole Plunger

We think the toilet plunger might be the most overlooked home accessory. Lucky for us, the masterminds at Steamboat, CO-based ski pole manufacturer, Grass Sticks, are here to change that. 

By cutting one of their stylish bamboo poles down and attaching a high-quality rubber plunger to the end, they’ve created something that’s not only functional—thanks to the ergonomic ski grip—but also guaranteed to make your bathroom iconic among friends and family.

Simple, funny and effective—this is the gift your friends and family will be stoked to see perched under the tree this holiday season.

MSRP: $38

RigStrips - SnoStrip

When you get to the ski resort parking lot, there are usually two places skiers put their skis while gearing up: on the ground, risking damage to your topsheets and edges or leaning against the side of your car, where they usually slide off and scratch your ride.

The Snostrip solves this problem. Using powerful magnets, it mounts a sturdy rubber rack to the side of your car, keeping your skis securely in place. The magnets are strong enough to hold firm but gentle enough not to damage your vehicle’s body, thanks to a protective foam backing that prevents scratching.

This little device is a game-changer for early-morning gear-ups or après parking lot hangs, and it’s compact enough to live in your car until the next time you need it.

MSRP: $49.95

Carv - Carv 2

Without formal coaching, skiing can be a hard sport to perfect. That is, unless you have the Carv 2. This tiny device snaps onto the power strap of your boot and, using a proprietary AI algorithm, provides real-time feedback on your balance, turn shape and carve angle.

Six percent more accurate than the original model, the Carv 2 is now able to track and coach on any terrain—skiing through powder, moguls and steeps. Whether you’re looking to win the next NASTAR race at your local hill or simply trying to take your skiing up a notch, the Carv 2 system is the next best thing to in-person instruction.

MSRP: $249

Booster - Booster Strap

Simple yet reliable, Booster Strap changed the game when it first launched, some 25 years ago. A proper ski turn is executed by pressuring the shin to the front of the boot, which is why good bootfitting is so important. This dynamic powerstrap is an alternative to stock velcro straps that don’t efficiently close the gap between your shin and the tongue of your boot.

By utilizing high-strength elastic, Booster Straps eliminate the gap between the cuff and the leg, without cutting off circulation, to optimize energy transfer and boost performance. No wonder it’s used by more than 350K skiers worldwide.

MSRP: $50.49

Pret - Fury Helmet

The Fury sits at the intersection of lightweight design and high-level protection, making it easy to see why it’s become a go-to for many of the brand’s athletes. At just over 400 grams, it’s barely noticeable on your head but still manages to bring modern safety features like MIPS, reducing rotational forces that can cause brain injuries in the event of an angled impact.

The updated fit system is low profile and easy to adjust, active vents are controlled with a single lever and the magnetic Fidlock buckle is a welcome touch when fumbling with gloves. On the back of the special edition Fury Teton, available in both black and white, is an illustration of Wyoming’s Teton mountains—adding some artistic flair to your safety setup.  

MSRP: $229.99

Oyuki - Goshiki NetPlus 3L Kit

Born and bred in Niseko, Japan, it was only a matter of time until Oyuki branched out beyond gloves and into outerwear. The Goshiki NetPlus 3L kit is the brand’s premium outerwear offering for men as a three-layer shell jacket and bib with a relaxed freeride fit. Designed for everything from resort to full backcountry days, the jacket and bib both feature the environmentally friendly fabric crafted from recycled fishing nets to create durable, waterproof and breathable protection. The jacket features a plethora of internal and external pockets, a helmet-compatible hood and a removable powder skirt and the bibs offer eight more pockets on the thighs, hips and chest, as well as a dropseat for efficient bathroom breaks. 

Oyuki - Nimi NetPlus 3L Kit

Designed and tested on the slopes of Niseko, Oyuki’s new Nimi NetPlus 3L kit is made for the ladies who spend a lot of time on the skintrack, or just prefer a three-layer shell kit for resort riding. The jacket and bibs are both crafted from recycled fishing nets to protect the environment and provide breathable and waterproof protection. Designed with modern freeride fit in mind, you can order this kit true to size to achieve that more relaxed style. Rounding out the kit, the jacket features multiple internal and external pockets, and the bibs come with an additional eight pockets and a convenient drop seat for fast bathroom breaks. 

Oyuki - Arashi Guide Gore-Tex Mitt

Impenetrable by the elements, the Arashi is stuffed full of PrimaLoft Gold insulation and Gore-Tex ePe inserts to keep the hands dry and warm, while the outer layer of nylon and goat skin leather keeps everything wrapped securely. A Calamai wool lining is soft to the touch, and knuckle pads protect the hands from hazards like trees and brush. The extra-long cuff finishes off this forcefield of a mitt, so you never have to call it a day just when the storm starts to refill your favorite stashes. Bottom line is this glove is built for the coldest of days, and deep snow, where having incredible protection against the weather is paramount.

Airturn - MAV Bluetooth Controller

This wearable, Bluetooth-enabled device is basically a remote control for your phone. It allows you to switch tracks, play/pause, answer calls or control other apps while skiing. Ideal for any active adventure, its compact, strap-on design is user-friendly and the five tactile buttons are large enough to use while wearing gloves. The MAV features a water- and dust-proof housing that’s built to withstand snow, rain, mud and the occasional tomahawk. Whether you use it to control tunes during an early morning ski tour or take calls while riding around the resort, once it becomes part of your kit, you’ll never want to drop in without it.

Whether the skier in your life is looking for a way to progress their skiing or simply a more fashionable way to plunge their toilet, we've rounded up them all. Have a great start to the season and happy holidays from FREESKIER!