This is our carefully chosen list of affordable gift ideas for skiers and snowboarders. Let’s face it, skiing and snowboarding are expensive hobbies. So it can be difficult to come up with gifts that aren’t super expensive.
So we brainstormed all of our favorite affordable, yet impactful items that we use on and off the slopes. We know they will make meaningful gifts for the skier or snowboarder in your life.
GoogleSoc – Protective Goggle Sleeve
GoggleSoc is a stretchy fabric cover that protects your goggles from scratches and dings. When transporting gear to the mountain, at the bar for aprés, or anywhere in between, a goggle sleeve can save your goggle lenses from getting scratched up. And it easily fits in a pocket for storage when not in use.
Hand and Toe Warmers
Some days are just bitter cold and you need a little extra help to stay warm. Hand and toe warmers are a great item to have for those really cold days. They provide heat for hours to keep your hands and toes warm. Spend less time warming up in the lodge and more time on the slopes.
One thing to note is that more advanced skiers likely have a tight boot fit that won’t have room to accommodate even a thin toe warmer.
SkiSkootys – Boot Traction Accessory
SkiSkootys are rubber traction devices that make walking in ski boots much easier, while also protecting boots from wear and tear. For anyone who walks long distances to the lifts, Ski Skooty’s are a life-saver. They have a rounded sole, which makes walking in ski boots a smooth roll from heel to toe. No more awkward clopping.
And they protect the toe and heel pieces from grinding away.
SkiSkootys come in adult and youth sizing and they are adjustable to fit a range of different boot sizes. They are however a little bulky to ski with them in your pocket. I have done it, but I much prefer to store them in a backpack.
SnoSeal – Beeswax Waterproofing
Over time leather gear loses its resilience to moisture. Snoseal is a beeswax-based balm that renews the waterproofing on gloves, boots, and other leather gear.
Touch-Screen Glove Liners
Touchscreen-compatible glove liners are a great way to keep your fingers warm while using your phone. They are slim gloves designed to fit underneath thicker mittens or gloves. If you need to pull your phone out to answer a text or take a photo, your fingers won’t get frozen.
Neck Buff or Neoprene Face Mask
A neck buff is always an important piece of gear that keeps your neck and face warm. Our favorite style is merino wool.
For really cold days, a neoprene face mask is the best thing to keep your face warm. The wetsuit type material is more effective than a standard neck buff or balaclava.
Portable Boot Dryers
If your boots are still wet from the day before, it can really set you up for a bad day on the slopes. From just overall discomfort and smelly boots, to more dangerous situations like frostbite or nerve damage. So these portable boot dryers are an affordable solution to ensure that day three of your trip is just as comfortable as day one!
Ski Strap
This simple rubber ski strap makes a great affordable gift for skiers. The strap makes transporting your skis to the mountain much easier. Your skis will stay together no matter how you choose to carry them. And you can even strap your poles in too.
Totti Button Ski Rack
This innovative new ski rack system is a great way to keep skis organized at home. It’s super easy to install and works for almost all types of skis. It also addresses the issue with old-style racks that don’t work well with powder skis.
The button-style rack helps preserve the structure of your skis, even the most rockered powder skis. And an added benefit is that the topsheet artwork faces out, so it’s a nice way to display your gear!
SnoStrip
Snostrip is a rubber bumper that allows you to safely lean skis and snowboards against your car. It’s a creative solution to a common problem. Everyone gets back to their vehicle after a day on the slopes and precariously leans their equipment against the car. And all it takes is a slight bump and then you have some beautiful arching scrapes across half your car.
Snostrip has embedded magnets that won’t scratch your car, and it’s easy to set up and take off. It also makes it easier for one person to load skis onto the roof. You can safely lean the gear right next to you while you climb into position to load it into a roof rack or ski box.
Ski Socks
Everyone needs some quality pairs of ski socks. Smartwool has always been my go-to for ski socks. But Darn Tough is another brand that people love.
People may have different preferences on sock thickness. Typically more advanced skiers prefer a thin ski sock because it complements a tight-fitting ski boot. More intermediate or beginner skiers tend to prefer a medium or thick sock that leans towards comfort and warmth.
Or the happy medium that many people prefer are “targeted cushion” socks, which have cushion in key areas like shins, toes, and heels.
And snowboarders can typically wear a thicker sock because thier boot fit is a little looser.
Heated Ski Socks
For the person who really has cold feet, heated socks are a game changer. They have a battery pack that keeps your feet toasty warm all day. We have included a good budget-friendly pair as well as the fancy ‘name-brand’ Hotronics ones.
Snacks For The Mountain
Save a friend from having to buy the overpriced food at ski resorts. Sometimes a couple of portable snacks are all you need to make it through the ski day.
These are some of our favorites.
Larabar
Larabar features simple healthy ingredients but somehow tastes like a candy bar. Our favorite flavor is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Wild Zora Meat & Veggie Bars
Wild Zora Meat & Veggie Bars are a delicious twist on traditional jerky, made with grass-fed meats and packed with veggies and unique spice pairings. They are a little pricey, but the ingredients are top-notch!
Clif Bars
Clif Bar is a tried and true super-affordable classic energy bar.
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