Featured Image: Erin Spong
Skiing is not a sport for the weak but that doesn't mean we can't treat ourselves every now and then. The harsh weather, extended exposure to the sun and the activity itself can wear on the body over time. But we play the long game here at FREESKIER, which means we treat ourselves to little luxuries that will inevitably extend our overall enjoyment of the sport. From skincare and footwear, to travel mugs and duffel bags that make the trek just a little bit smoother, this list is full of items that you absolutely need to put on your personal "treat yo'self" list. Keep scrolling for the full list, below.
Spooge - Face Shots
MSRP: $34 (3.4 oz)
There are many sunscreen brands out there, but there are few sunscreens that are designed to be used specifically for skiing. Enter Spooge. A women-owned brand based out of Reno, Nevada, Spooge is new on the block but gaining quick notoriety in the ski industry for it's line of sunscreen called Face Shots. A mineral-based 30 SPF, Face Shots also includes ceramides to moisturize and shield the skin, edelweiss extract to protect and soothe, raspberry oil seed to hydrate and protect, and vitamin E to calm and condition the skin. Designed, tested and approved by co-founder and dermatologist, Dr. Whitney Hovenic, Face Shots is made with high-alpine pursuits in mind. It rubs in clear, doesn't leave a greasy residue and adequately protects exposed skin from the intensified UV rays bouncing off the snow.
Bag Balm - Original Skin Moisturizer
MSRP: $11.99 (8 oz tin)
Being outside in the winter is incredibly harsh on our skin. The cold temperatures, wind, snow, and sun can wreak havoc on our faces. It's not only important to wear sunscreen while you're out recreating but it's also important to help your skin recover once you get home. The Original Bag Balm has been around since 1899 and has stood the test of time, proving it's one of the best moisturizing formulas ever invented. Made with just five ingredients, the Original Bag Balm is safe to use on humans and animals because it doesn't have any added fragrances, colors, alcohol, parabens, or phthalates. You can slather it on head to toe and watch your rough, dry, cracked skin heal before your eyes.
The Brown Buffalo - Duffalo
MSRP: $295
The toughest part about traveling for skiing is all of the necessary gear that has to come with you. The new Duffalo from The Brown Buffalo is a skier's dream. The 50-liter duffle bag is made to military standards for durability and the thoughtful design intentionally compartmentalizes your stuff to ensure your clothes and electronics have a clean dry space to live, as well as a separate external compartment for shoes, and 22 external loops to clip on any gear that doesn't fit inside. Treated with DWR, the bag is weather-resistant, so you can set it on the snow when you need to and not worry about it soaking through—a key feature we sometimes forget about when traveling in the winter. Gone are the days of making multiple trips to and from the car with all your stuff, the Duffalo can and will handle it all, whether you're hitting the road or catching a flight.
Gordini - Women's Sterling Sock
MSRP: $36.99
Featuring the brand's SoleKNIT and orbitKNIT technology, the Sterling Sock falls under the brand's premium offerings for ski socks. SoleKNIT mimics that of our outerwear layering system by combining a soft next-to-skin layer on the inside of the sock that wicks moisture and helps regulate temperature to avoid swamp foot while the outer layer ensures the sock withstands daily use and abuse, season after season. The OrbitKNIT technology is a proprietary way the brand weaves the upper cuff of the sock to securely hold up all day without restricting the calf muscle. The way Gordini weaves their socks, the Sterling offers a padded shin panel, ankle protection and a secure heel pocket, instep compression, arch support and a seamless toe closure to keep your feet happy from bell to bell.
Fubuki - Nozawa
MSRP: $159.95
We have come to know Fubuki for their funky and functional snow boots but they are admittedly a big shoe to try to travel with and the snow levels aren't always deep enough to warrant pulling out the full boot. That's where the new Nozawa outdoor slipper comes in. Perfect for spring aprés in the parking lot, grocery shopping and walking the dog, the Nozawa brings the durable comfort of the snow boot in a smaller, sleeker shoe. The combination of a tough outer shell with a softer inner lining gives the clog tons of functional uses, and the felt insole is interchangeable, like all Fubuki products. Move over Crocs, there's a new clog in town.
Nikwax - Stain Scrub
MSRP: $13.60
Sometimes a basic wash cycle doesn't do the trick in lifting stains from our favorite ski gear, and chemicals like bleach aren't an option because they ruin the waterproofing and likely the color of the garment. For simple and safe stain removal on anything waterproof and/or insulatd in your gear closet, just reach for the Stain Scrub from Nikwax. Intended to be used as a pre-wash treatment, simply scrub stubborn stains, wash with a tech wash and let dry before use.
SMMT - Serpa 16 oz Tumbler
MSRP: $42
Not all travel mugs are made equally and SMMT has set the new standard with the Serpa 16 oz Tumbler. Equipped with a proprietary, leak-proof stainless steel lid, you can fill this tumbler up with your favorite tea or soup, throw it in your ski backpack and enjoy a hot beverage in the backcountry hours later—the ultimate skid luxury. When you're sipping your hot treat, the lid magnetically connects to the bottom of the tumbler, so you don't have to worry about dropping it or losing it, and the Tumbler itself is dishwasher safe—making it the lowest maintenance travel mug we've ever sipped from.
DryGuy - Travel Dry DX Boot Dryer
MSRP: $44.68
Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you should ski in soggy boots. The DryGuy Travel boot dryers solve that problem while taking up no more space than a pair of noise-cancelling headphones. A hybrid forced air and convection system heats up to 99 degrees, efficiently drying your boots in less time than the average travel boot dryer. The ultimate bonus is that you can use this boot dryer at home or in the car, thanks to its AC/DC power adapter, so you can even dry on the go.
