Last updated: December 6th, 2022
Short on time? Our top picks for the best gifts for snowboarders and skiers are the Pocket Tool and Thermal Phone Case.
The ultimate guide to the best gifts for snowboarders and skiers for every budget and style.
With fresh snow on the horizon, warm toasty drinks nearby, and cozy winter getaways around the corner, you’ll want the snowboarder or skier in your life to have the most useful things ready to go.
Although there are plenty of things to gift a snowboarder or skier, it’s important to get them useful gifts.
Snowboarders and skiers need gear and gadgets that are functional, but also keep them warm and safe while leaving room for plenty of fun.
Whether you’re looking for the best snowboarding gifts, skiing gifts, or simply searching for a nice gift for yourself, we’ve got you covered.
This guide features the most practical and fun gift ideas for hitting the slopes in style this winter.
Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.
Here’s a quick look at our recommendations!
- Best gift under $50 – Pocket Tool
- Best gear gift – Hydration Pack
- Best unique gift – Boot and Glove Dryer
- Best gadget gift – Thermal Phone Case
- Best last-minute gift – REI Gift Card
Best Gifts Under $50
Hand & Foot Warmers
There’s nothing worse than getting stuck with cold hands and feet in the snow. If your toes and fingers are frozen while out on the slopes, life is miserable.
Air-activated heat packs are a practical gift to keep your loved ones warm when in subzero temperatures. Even during the most brutal winter months, they work incredibly well.
These toe and hand warmers are easy to use, convenient, and designed for your giftee to enjoy a warm and pleasant season.
If they’ve never used disposable hand warmers before, they’re a game-changer.
These little hand warmers are perfect budget gifts for skiers and snowboarders. They’re also the perfect stocking stuffer.
For more eco-friendly-oriented friends, check out these rechargeable hand warmers instead. They heat up quickly and serve as an emergency backup battery.
Snow Socks
Every skier and snowboarder knows that staying comfortable is key to having an enjoyable experience on the mountain.
That’s why socks are the best cheap gifts for skiers and snowboarders.
Socks may seem like a boring gift but any powder hound is sure to appreciate a quality pair of snowboard or ski socks to keep their feet warm.
These over-the-calf socks are made out of wool and are incredibly lightweight and durable.
They’re the perfect inexpensive gift, especially if the skier or snowboarder in your life is prone to having cold feet.
Neck Warmer
When you’re out for hours during sub-zero snowy days, it’s important to keep every inch of your body warm and comfortable.
Since our necks and faces are extremely vulnerable to the cold, neck warmers are pivotal for every snowboarder or skier on the slopes.
This Smartwool neck warmer is a great ski gift, offering double-layered protection for the neck and face in wind and snow so that they can stay warm all day.
And it’s not only thermoregulated but also soft and cozy against the skin.
Beanie
A stylish wool beanie that provides serious warmth goes a long way for any skier or snowboarder.
The great thing about this unisex beanie from Icebreaker is that it’s small enough to easily tuck away but durable enough to handle super-cold days.
Not only is this beanie built with UPF 35 fabrics that protect skin from harmful UV rays, but it’s also breathable, lightweight, and quick to dry.
If you’re looking for small gifts for skiers and snowboarders within budget, this is an ideal pick.
Pocket Tool
A durable multi-tool is a must-have piece of gear for all snowboarders and skiers.
This convenient tool by Saker is small enough to hook onto a key chain but useful enough to do the toughest of jobs.
And you never know when your giftee might need help out on the slopes, especially if their board needs a quick repair.
It’s one of the most practical skiing or snowboarding gifts and a great stocking stuffer gift idea too.
Stomp Pads (AKA Crab Grabs)
A more unusual gift for a snowboarder (but also one of the better snowboarding accessories to gift) is Crab Grabs.
Crab Grabs are essentially two big claws that attach to a snowboard to keep boots from slipping when they’re unstrapped.
If you’re looking for the best snowboarding gifts under $50, these lightweight, rubbery foam stomp pads are an ideal option for an add-on gift.
And the best part? They’re actually shaped like tiny crab claws.
Foam Roller
Not only is a foam roller an inexpensive gift but it’s a remarkable way to help a snowboarder or skier recover from a gnarly day of shredding.
Hours out on the snow is strenuous on the body and many snowboarders and skiers know the tightness and soreness that comes with it.
This foam roller accurately relieves tension, stretches out tight muscles, and is an excellent aid in building strength and stability for future runs.
It also includes a unique surface feature that mimics the feeling of a massage therapist’s hands, working through aching muscles and boosting recovery time.
If you feel stuck and really don’t know what to get someone, foam rollers are the best out-of-the-box gifts for skiers and snowboarders.
Best Gear Gift Ideas
Snow Goggles
Every snowboarder and skier needs a solid pair of goggles that will protect their eyes in high altitudes and cold weather.
These unisex snow goggles make for an ideal gear gift for a skier or snowboarder and are the perfect mix of functionality and style.
They offer tapered lens technology that creates crystal-clear vision, minimal frame straps, and engineered ventilation for fog reduction in any condition.
Or, if you’re looking for an even nicer and more expensive gift for skiers and snowboarders, try these Smith Squad ChromaPop Snow Goggles.
They have a high-quality lens that gives a broader vision to help your loved one see even more when they’re on the slopes.
Bamboo Ski Poles
A new set of bamboo poles is one of the best unique gifts for skiers, especially an advanced skier who appreciates eco-friendly and hand-crafted products.
These poles are as strong as steel and as lightweight as aluminum. Plus, they have just the right amount of flex.
Bamboo is more sustainable than traditional metal poles and won’t snap or kink like aluminum.
Additionally, the straps on these bad boys are recycled polyester. And handles and baskets can be changed instead of purchasing different poles for different types of snow.
A unique and thoughtful gift, your favorite outdoors lovers will feel confident navigating the trickiest of black diamonds with their new bamboo ski poles.
Base Layer
Let’s face it, everyone needs a solid base layer in the cold, but a good one versus a not-so-good one will make all the difference on the slopes.
This is where merino wool comes in–merino wool base layers are the best gifts for a ski bum who is always cold.
And these layered wool leggings are one of the best snowboarding or skiing gifts you can give to your favorite snow enthusiast.
The merino wool quickly soaks up moisture and regulates body temperature. Plus, these breathable leggings also use UPF 20 fabric that protects against harmful UV rays.
They’re designed for those who need something to keep them warm in the cold but who don’t want to pack on a heavy base layer.
Warm Gloves
Since the skier or snowboarder in your life is probably constantly out in the frigid cold, these Alti Mittens by Outdoor Research are sure to keep their hands warm.
They may be on the more expensive side but they’re worth it. Good gloves are the most practical skiing or snowboarding gift.
These gloves are insulated with fleece and come with closures that seal out cold air. They also include removable cords that secure easily to wrists, preventing any glove mishaps.
This is a great snowboarding or skiing gift for men or women who are prone to cold hands or who really just need a nice pair of warm gloves for the snow.
Looking for more options? Read our guide to the best snowboarding gloves and best heated gloves.
Snow Helmet
A well-protected head is one of the most important gifts for skiers and snowboarders. In fact, experts recommend replacing helmets every 2-5 years for maximum performance.
This helmet by Smith is a great gift as it has a relatively good price point without sacrificing quality.
It’s also lightweight and comes with warm fleece padding that helps keep your giftee’s head comfortable and protected.
Whether you’re looking for gifts for beginner snowboarders and skiers or someone who’s more advanced and needs a replacement helmet, a snow helmet is a great gift idea when it comes to gear.
Snow Backpack
This Cotopaxi Taka 20L backpack is one of the best snowpacks out there, perfect for free riders and backcountry enthusiasts.
This comfortable and durable backpack carries almost everything a snowboarder or skier might need for a day on the slopes.
It’s designed for men and women who enjoy backcountry skiing. There are external attachments for ice gear and a zipper pocket at the top for storing small items.
These packs are the perfect ski bum gift with plenty of room to store items without compromising volume, features, and functions.
And a bonus is that Cotopaxi packs are uniquely made from repurposed materials.
Hydration Pack
If your skier or snowboarder needs something lighter than a backpack, go for a hydration system.
We all know drinking fluids is extremely important.
And when you’re engaged in high-intensity snow sports, it’s even more critical to be properly hydrated.
Camelbak’s Hydration Pack is a compact pack, even with a full reservoir of water, so it’ll never weigh your loved one down when they’re catching air on the slopes.
These packs also come with zippered pockets that can hold small essentials such as a wallet and cell phone, which is always convenient.
Snowboard Boots or Ski Boots
All skiers and snowboarders need a good pair of skiing or snowboarding boots. It’s one of the determining factors between a good day on the slopes versus a bad day.
You can always rent ski or snowboard boots, sure.
However, renting means waiting in line and likely getting an imperfect size, which means spending an entire day being uncomfortable.
Burton’s Boa Snowboard Boots for women and men solve that problem by creating boots that come with a Boa Coiler closure system for a well-adjusted fit.
If you’re shopping for a skier, Salomon S/Pro 100 Ski Boots are a super comfy, durable, and lightweight piece of gear for downhill skiers.
These boots add that extra cushion to keep feet comfortable all day.
Full Snow Overalls
Every snowboarder and skier should own a good pair of overalls or “snow bibs.”
Snow overalls are preferred these days over traditional snow pants thanks to their useful features.
For starters, they’re much more comfortable than snow pants. Secondly, they offer a higher level of protection from outside elements while featuring plenty of pockets to hold small items.
These Outdoor Research x Arcade Belts Bib Snow Pants are built with breathable and waterproof fabrics and come with proper zip ventilation when needed.
The fleece leggings underneath add the perfect touch to keeping things toasty on the bottom half. They’re nice gifts for female or male snowboarders and skiers.
Snow Jacket
Alongside snow bibs, gloves, and boots, a winter jacket is another item at the top of the list of essential gear for ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
And not just a winter jacket but a proper ski jacket.
Columbia is one of the most popular brands out there, and for good reason. Their Whirlibird Winter Jacket is a real 3-in-1 protector from the cold.
You can wear the shell and liner separately or combine the two depending on your needs.
These jackets also come with thermarator insulation on the inside liner that adds plenty of warmth. In addition, there’s a ventilation system built in that helps regulate temperatures.
I love these jackets because they come equipped with zippered pockets for hands, goggles, and a ski pass.
This allows a loved one to carry all of their must-have personal items in one place. No more worrying about a phone falling from their jacket pocket on the lift.
Best Unique Gifts
Winter Holiday at a Mountain Resort
Nothing tells a snowboarder or skier you love them more than by giving them an all-expenses-paid holiday ski trip at one of their favorite mountain resorts.
While it might not be a cheap gift, it’s certainly a good one.
For a personalized ski gift, find out where they like to spend their time hitting the slopes and explore accommodation options around that area.
You can also look for snowboard and ski resorts that offer holiday packages online that arrange the details of the trip.
Have an anniversary coming up? Mountain trips are extra special experiential ski gifts for him to smile about years from now.
Lift Pass and Tickets
Get ready for the next season of ski trips by gifting the snowboarder or skier in your life a lift pass at one of their favorite mountains.
This gift really depends on which state they live in, so research local lift passes that they can use in their home state or near where they live.
Another option is the Epic season pass, which is a good gift for skiing and snowboarding fans who like to travel. Epic passes are valid at over 60 ski resorts across the US.
You can gift them either a one-day or full-day lift pass or, if you’re feeling more generous, you can purchase an unlimited winter access pass.
There are tons of options to play around with here, making it an excellent gift for those who ski and snowboard. Plus, a pass is the perfect gift to add to any snowboard or ski gift basket.
Carry-On Bags
This is the perfect gift for the snowboarder or skier who loves to travel.
Load this padded bag up in the main compartment of an airplane and your giftee will never have to worry about their snowboard or skis being shuffled and potentially damaged en route.
All essential winter items can easily fit into these carry-on bags. The snowboard bag also has removable padded shoulder straps and handles for easy transportation.
The best thing is that they’re extremely lightweight, so your giftee won’t have to pay for all those excessive baggage fees.
Teva ReEmber Slippers
We all love Teva sandals for the summer months.
Well, Teva slippers are perfect gifts for snowboarders and skiers so that they can take care of their feet after a long day on the slopes.
Your outdoor lovers can relax into a pair of Teva slip-ons in the parking lot of the ski resort and not worry about wet feet.
Snowmelt beads off thanks to the TevaRapid Resist protective coating. Rubber soles provide optimal traction and ripstop material is durable year after year.
A microfiber inner lining and cushioned soles mean extra comfort for sore feet and mostly recycled materials mean ease of mind for those who are eco-conscious.
ReEmber slippers are a practical gift that will make your giftee feel stylish even while relaxing.
Ski or Snowboard Charm
A simple charm necklace is the best gift for someone who wants to keep their favorite snow sports close to their heart.
Skiers and snowboarders won’t be weighed down by these adorable necklaces with a charm for snowboarders or ski lovers.
These are good gifts for female snowboarders and skiers who don’t like flashy jewelry. Each charm comes with initials, for a personalized touch.
Retro Ski and Snowboard Posters
As you’ve probably noticed by now, giving gifts that are unique doesn’t have to drain your bank account.
These rad retro posters featuring badass women are one of the best gifts for female skiers under $50.
Ski bums will get a kick out of the saying, “Once upon a time there was a girl who really loved skiing. It was me. The end.”
And anyone who loves snowboarding will love the gold graphic of a woman snowboarding down a mountain with the statement, “And she lived happily ever after.”
The best gift ideas for skiers and snowboarders speak to their dedication and wild side.
No, these aren’t your standard laugh-out-loud funny ski gifts, but they’ll make your friend laugh and leave them feeling proud every time they read these posters.
Back Protector
A back protector should be on every snowboarder and skier’s checklist. It’s the second most important piece of gear after having a helmet.
When it comes to extreme sports, keeping the body protected is crucial to preventing injuries.
Give your giftee (and yourself) peace of mind with a comfortable, breathable, and supportive back and spine protector.
Psst–even if your brother doesn’t think he needs a back protector, these are excellent snowboarding gifts for him. If he doesn’t have to buy it himself, he’ll be more likely to use it.
Boot and Glove Dryer
The best way to begin the day is with dry hands and feet, which is exactly what this DryGuy DX boot and glove dryer helps with.
From snow-soaked boots to wet gloves, this dryer uses soft forced air at 105-degree heat to quickly remove moisture and keep gear warm and in pristine condition.
This is one of the best luxury gifts for skiers and snowboarders.
The other thing I like about this dryer is that it’s a truly unique gift for a snowboarder or skier. It’s one of those items your giftee might never realize they need until they get it as a gift.
Engraved Travel Mug
Looking for funny gifts for skiers and snowboarders? Travel mugs are the best Christmas gifts for snowboarders or skiers who finish their coffee while driving to the slopes.
These mugs come in seven sizes and 14 colors and they’re engraved with the motto, “Keep calm and wait for snow.”
This is a great gift for siblings and friends with a good sense of humor.
Best Gadget Gifts
Snowboard Tuning Wax Gift
Every avid snowboarder knows that a tuning kit is essential. If you’re looking for snowboarding gadget gifts beyond just wax and a scraper, this is a great gift bundle to give a snowboarder.
This Demon Tuning Kit comes with a flat file, wire brush, edge tuner, wax scraper, adjustable iron, polish pad, tuning stone, and wax.
Of course, you can get these things done at mountain shops and resorts but you’ll be forking out $20-$30 every time you do.
Spending the time to properly learn how to use snowboard maintenance products can save a lot of money in the long run.
Plus, this kit has everything your loved one might need to keep a snowboard in top condition.
Waterproof Headphones
Riding down the slopes while surrounded by nature or even just relaxing on the lift can sometimes be made even better with music.
Of course, simple headphones can work but they might not work great in low temperatures or if they get water in them.
That’s why it’s important to have a pair of high-quality headphones that actually work in the cold.
These Outdoor Universal Bluetooth Audio Headphones are some of the best waterproof headphones out there.
They last up to 10 hours and are loaded with full audio controls, plus phone call and voice command capabilities.
They’re also helmet-compatible and easy to connect to almost any snow helmet.
If your giftee has never tried headphones while snowboarding, now might be the perfect time to give them a soundtrack to their ride.
Waterproof Battery Pack
A weatherproof battery pack charger is one of the best presents for snowboarders and skiers who like to stay connected while up in the mountains.
This portable waterproof charger features fast-charging power and a portable power bank that can charge phones multiple before needing to be recharged.
Most importantly, this charger is durable and perfect for backcountry adventures or long days in the snow where it’s important for a phone to not run out of battery.
Thermal Phone Case
All skiers and snowboarders know that phones die incredibly fast in the cold.
A way to prevent that, and a unique gift to give someone who loves to ski or snowboard, is a thermal phone case that keeps phones cozy and warm.
This thermal phone case doesn’t interfere with any service, WiFi, or Bluetooth signals so your giftee can stay connected and protected.
It’s also compatible with smartwatches, AirPods, and other accessories.
Go Pro
A GoPro is one of the best gifts for anyone who loves to ski or snowboard and who likes to document their time in the mountains.
GoPros are rated as one of the best weatherproof and durable action cameras on the market for a reason.
A GoPro is one of those long-lasting gifts that allows your favorite snowboarder or skier to shoot their runs down the mountain hands-free, snap action shots along the way, and relive all of their moments afterward.
In addition, GoPro accessories can be a nice add-on gift to a GoPro.
The GoPro Helmet Mount, GoPro Chest Harness, or a classic selfie stick are the best options for skiers and snowboarders.
Or, if they’re vloggers as well, you can add on one of these microphone attachments to your gift.
Bonus: Best Last-Minute or Catch-All Gift for Skiers and Snowboarders
REI Gift Card
The perfect skiing and snowboarding gift can be hard to shop for, especially when it comes to more personal items like snowboard and ski gear.
This is why an REI gift card can be such a great last-minute or catch-all gift for your favorite snowboarder or skier: it gives them the freedom to purchase what they want when they want.
Another option is to purchase a gift card that’s specific to their favorite shop (e.g. a Burton gift card).
If you know they love a specific brand, give them extra flexibility by letting them choose the size or item.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristen Slizgi
Kristen Slizgi is a writer and travel consultant born and raised in San Diego, California. When she’s not writing about her own travels or consulting on travel, you can find her planning her next escapade to some undiscovered and off-the-beaten-path destination. She travels multiple times a year to gain on-site experiences and knowledge, attends travel shows, and lives abroad for periods throughout the year.
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