Best gifts for skiers and snowboarders

You know your loved ones like the back of your hand. You fully expect them to get stoked at the first sign of snow and be straight online booking their first trip of the season. But it can still be hard knowing what to buy a ski or snowboard addict – especially if their setup already seems complete. 

Never fear! Dope Mag is here with the greatest list of gifts for skiers and snowboarders. Yep, we’ve scoured the web and drawn from our own on-mountain experiences to list some rad gifts for the mountain lovers in your life. We’ve got everything covered – from big budgets to smaller stocking fillers. So, what are you waiting for? Get browsing and start gifting!

Top 20 gifts ideas

1. Ski or snowboard bag

Ah, the ski and snowboard bag: a key item in transporting your gear and equipment from A to B. Buy your skier or snowboarder a ski and snowboard bag, and they’re sure to be happy. Not only can a ski or snowboard bag safely transport their favorite two planks or board, but it also can fit their clothing and accessories. 

There’s nowhere you can go wrong here. Choose one with wheels or without, and with a hard case or sleeve design. A ski and snowboard bag will surely be well-loved and last a lifetime. Plus, when your shred friend isn’t in the mountains (not that we ever like to think of time away from the snow!), they can use the bag to keep their riding possessions safe and sound. 

2. Ski or snowboard jacket

Give skiers and snowboarders the gift of style (and function) with a snow jacket. Yep, rad ski jackets will allow them to express themselves on the mountain while keeping them warm, dry, and comfortable. It’s best to make sure you pick a design with decent waterproofing and breathability ratings. You’ll want to keep insulation options in mind, too. 

For a helping hand, we’ll give you a super-quick run-down. There are three main types of jackets to choose from: softshell, shell or insulated. Choosing between them depends on what kind of rider you’re buying for, where they might head, and the time of year they like to shred. So, for example, buying a ski jacket for someone who wants to ride waist-deep pow in Whistler in mid-January will be totally different from a ski jacket for someone lapping the parks in SoCal during spring. 

3. Boot dryer

Damp, sweaty boot liners are a fast track to cold toes and… let’s be honest, some questionable smells. A compact boot dryer fixes all that. It slips right into your ski or snowboard boots and uses gentle warmth to dry them out between sessions. Many portable models even work in the car, making them perfect for road trips, weekend missions, and anyone who hates putting on cold, soggy boots in the morning. Warm, dry boots every day? Yes, please.

4. Ski or snowboard pants

Make sure your fave skier or snowboarder rides in style from head to toe with a new pair of ski pants. Much like a snow jacket, snow pants allow your powder addict to show what they’re all about on the mountain – and make sure they’re protected from the cold, too. 

Choose between shells, insulated designs, bibs, and more. And, again, it’s always worth considering what kind of rider you’re buying for. For example, if they’re a fan of skinning up the mountain and earning their turns, they’ll most definitely want snow pants with breathable vents for cooling down when the climb heats things up. 

5. Action camera

Is there anything more annoying than finally landing the trick you’ve been trying to nail for ages and no one documenting it? How about riding the best line of your life and zero souls believing you at the bar? Or – even worse – the adrenaline hit means your memory’s a bit of a blur? Enter an action camera. 

From the GoPro HERO to the Insta360, these make the perfect gift for capturing your loved one’s progression, tricks, stunts, and antics (and not necessarily just on the hill). Just don’t blame us if they make you watch every clip over, even the ones they promised they’d delete!

6. Goggles

You can’t go wrong with buying a new pair of ski goggles: the pièce de résistance of any snow outfit. Not only do goggles mean you can scope out every detail on the mountain, but they’re also an added touch of style for any shredder’s setup. 

Most modern goggles use cylindrical lenses for a clean, low-profile look, paired with dual-layer construction to reduce fogging and handle everything from flat light to bluebird days. Interchangeable lenses are a huge bonus, letting your mountain buddy swap tints quickly depending on the weather. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a big difference on the hill.

Gift tip

Loulou

Is your powder hound already attached to their goggles? Buy them a replacement lens! They might have a lens for bluebird days but could really do with another for when flat light and whiteouts roll in.

7. Base layers

Choosing the right pair of base layers can make the difference between keeping warm and riding from first chair to last lift, or being a shivering wreck and wanting to go back to the chalet by noon. So, set your loved ones up right with a base layer top, base layer pants, or even a whole set. 

Any rider worth their salt (or snow!) will already have these in their kit, however, you can never have too many base layers – so don’t be afraid to gift them one more. And they don’t have to be monochrome, either. Choose from colored, camo, and limited edition prints. 

8. Socks

A great day on the mountain starts with great ski socks. Proper ski and snowboard socks keep your feet warm, comfy, and blister-free, even on long sessions. Look for pairs made with a Merino blend for warmth that still breathes, plus a snug fit that won’t bunch up in your boots. They’re one of those small upgrades that make a big difference the moment you clip in. Warm toes, happy riding.

9. Ski gloves/mittens

Have you ever been up a mountain, stuck on a chair, and you have to sit on your hands to stop your fingers from freezing off? We have, and it’s not fun. So, a decent pair of ski or snowboard gloves or mittens are a much-appreciated gift.

Of course, much like ski and snowboard jackets and pants, there are some factors to consider. These include the kind of riding the person you’re buying for is into. For example, fair-weather only, waist-deep powder in minus temperatures, or spring slush sessions. You’ll also want to consider glove materials, insulation, and design. You can look for handy features, too, (pun fully intended), such as removable liners, which offer extra flexibility should the weather change…and they’re stuck on a chairlift. 

10. Rechargeable hand & foot warmers

Talking about keeping hands and feet warm, you can’t go wrong with buying a skier or snowboarder hand and foot warmers. And how about gifting them a zero-waste option with rechargeable ones? Yep, they can often be charged via a USB port overnight, ready for that first frigid lift line.

This way, your skier or snowboarder can shred all day and cling to frozen drag-lifts and equally cold beer glasses without their fingers complaining. And some thermocharge hand warmers also double up as a phone charger. That’s multitasking at its best. 

11. Facemask or neck warmer

Straight-lining down the run or riding in a whiteout introduces you to the mountain ‘facial’, aka freezing snow or ice-cold wind pelting your skin. While we’re not saying that’s necessarily a bad thing, sometimes you want extra warmth and protection. So, gift riders a facemask or neck warmer. 

Most facemasks and neck warmers are wind and sweat-resistant. They can also help stop ski goggles from fogging. But, of course, there’s a bit of a style element, too. Some riders wear them under their helmet and beanie with the classic two strands of hair out the front. 

12. Boot bag

There are a lot of different components for skiing and snowboarding. And that’s just with packing. Yep, you might think your favorite riders are sorted for their trip with a suitcase or ski and snowboard bag. However, they might be missing a classic boot bag.

Gift them a boot bag, and they can carry their ski or snowboard boots from home to the hill in one piece. And that’s not all. Most boot bags can also fit their helmet, gloves, ski socks, beanies, etc. So if you know someone who spends a week or more out in the mountains every season, a boot bag makes moving their gear way easier. 

13. Beanie

Ah, beanies. Every rider’s kryptonite. And the best bit about them? You can never have too many! So buy the skiers and snowboarders in your life a beanie, and they’re bound to be stoked. 

Beanies can be worn from the plane to the peaks – and downing pints after at après-ski! Choose from neutral colors to bright shades, snug profiles to baggier fits, chunky ribbed designs, or tighter beanies for wearing under helmets. The options are pretty much endless – but gratitude is always guaranteed! 

14. Ski and snowboard tuning & waxing kit

If you know a more advanced rider, there’s a good chance they keep their gear dialled with regular tuning and fresh wax. Which means a tuning and waxing kit is basically a guaranteed win. Honestly, it’s pretty much the perfect stocking-filler gift.

These kits come with everything riders need to keep their bases fast and smooth all season long. And just like waxes themselves, there are options for every type of rider – from racers chasing top speed to park laps in spring slush or carving in sub-zero cold.

15. Hoodie

We’ve talked about baselayers and outerwear, but sometimes the best gift is something a bit more relaxed. A hoodie is the go-to piece riders reach for when they want comfort, warmth, and a bit of style at the same time.

Some hoodies are built purely for comfort and style – perfect for layering under a jacket or kicking back after a long day on the hill. They’re cosy, easy to wear, and still look great once the outer layers come off for après. Plus, they make a super-versatile gift anyone can enjoy all season long.

16. Headphones

If you know a rider who can’t live without their tunes, there’s no doubt that headphones will go down a treat. Whether they listen to music to pump up pre-powder or while lapping the park, a pair of headphones is the perfect addition to their riding experience.

Choose from helmet audio systems or wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Just remember to remind them not to have it so loud that they can’t hear what’s happening around them. Leave the heavy bass and miles-spanning vocals to après-ski and the likes of La Folie Douce!  

17. Flasks, travel mugs, and insulated bottles

There’s nothing like a hot drink in the cold mountains or keeping hydrated during backcountry missions. So, buy skiers and snowboarders a flask, travel mug, or water bottle to replenish as they ski tour or chill on the lifts. Some bottles can keep water cold for 24 hours or drinks hot for 12. 

Small flasks and travel mugs slip easily into a jacket pocket, and they’re great for everything from coffee to herbal tea. And if they want to sneak a little extra warmth into their après routine, an insulated bottle handles that just fine too.

18. Fleece

Something about the mountains makes you picture getting all cozy after a full day’s riding – by an open fire in a chalet if you’re lucky. And what better way to embrace comfort than with a fleece? 

Yep, a fleece is a perfect layer (and gift) for time spent in the snow. Wear a fleece as a mid-layer or as the main attraction of an outfit while exploring the resort. Gift skiers and snowboarders a plush, thick fleece with plenty of storage or even limited edition prints. Fleeces are made to keep you warm – and get you noticed. 

19. Helmet

A good helmet is one of the most important pieces of gear you can give. Modern ski and snowboard helmets combine solid protection with lightweight comfort, snug fit systems, and liners that keep the head warm without feeling bulky. Many helmets also include added impact protection like MIPS, which helps reduce rotation during a fall. If you want a gift that is useful, meaningful, and confidence boosting on the mountain, a helmet is always a smart choice.

20. Stomp pad

This one’s for your one-planked friends. A stomp pad, also called a traction pad, gives snowboarders extra grip when their back foot is out of the binding – like when skating across flats or getting on and off lifts. It makes steering easier, helps clear snow from the boot before strapping in, and generally keeps things more controlled in those awkward moments. They come in all kinds of shapes, colors, and designs, and make a simple but genuinely useful gift for any snowboarder.

Wrapping up 

So, now there’s no excuse not to know what to buy the skiers and snowboarders around you. Whether you go big with a jacket or smaller with hand warmers, one thing’s for sure: your gift will be loved by any rider. Can’t decide between two presents? Buy one for them and one for yourself. Ssh, your secret’s safe with us…

Related reading:

• Ski goggle lens color guide
• How to choose a ski jacket
• Intermediate snowboarding tips