Skiing & snowboarding

A lot of hill gear works the same whether someone skis or snowboards. Helmets, insulated gloves, base layers, socks, neck gaiters and gear bags all cross over, which helps when you're not sure which sport they do. These suit anyone who goes out regularly and burns through small items season after season. Before buying, check their size, whether they run warm or cold, and whether they need a ski bag or a board bag. For helmets, find out if they wear goggles over it so the two fit together without a gap at the forehead.

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  Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

  Winter sports helmet

  A durable helmet is a fundamental piece of safety equipment, offering head protection for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

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  Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

  Insulated ski and snowboard gloves

  These specialized gloves or mittens keep hands warm and dry, providing grip and protection from the elements during winter sports.

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  Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

  Performance base layer set

  A high-quality base layer set offers crucial warmth and moisture management, perfect for keeping skiers and snowboarders comfortable all day.

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  Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

  Protective ski or snowboard bag

  A durable bag is ideal for safely transporting and storing skis or a snowboard, protecting equipment from damage during travel.

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  Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

  Specialized ski and snowboard socks

  These performance socks offer targeted cushioning, warmth, and moisture-wicking properties for enhanced comfort inside winter boots.

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  Gift ideaUsually under $15

  Warm neck gaiter or balaclava

  A versatile neck gaiter or balaclava provides crucial face and neck protection from cold winds and snow, enhancing comfort on the slopes.

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A portable boot dryer sits inside boots overnight and dries out sweat and melted snow before the next day. It suits anyone who skis or rides several days in a row, stays in hotels or cabins, or simply hates pulling on clammy liners. Check whether it plugs into a wall outlet, a car outlet or both, since road trips make the car option handy. See how well the dryer arms fit snowboard boots and stiff ski boots, and whether it also dries gloves. Quiet, compact models travel better in a gear bag.

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  Gift ideaUsually $25–$50

  Portable boot dryer

  This practical device efficiently dries wet ski or snowboard boots overnight, ensuring comfort and hygiene for the next day's adventures.

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Black goggles match any helmet, jacket or colour scheme, which makes them an easy pick when you don't know someone's style. They suit skiers and riders of any age who have lost, scratched or outgrown their old pair. Before buying, check whether the frame fits over prescription glasses if they wear them, and whether the strap fits their helmet. Lens tint matters more than frame colour: darker lenses suit bright sunny days, lighter ones suit flat light and snowfall. Pairs that come with a spare lens cover more conditions.

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  Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

  Ski and snowboard goggles

  These goggles provide essential eye protection and clear vision for anyone hitting the slopes in varying light conditions.

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Men's snowboarding goggles usually have a wider frame and a larger lens for a broad field of view. They suit husbands, dads and brothers who ride often and want goggles that sit comfortably with their helmet. Check the size against their face and helmet, since a frame that's too big or too small leaves gaps or presses on the nose. Look at venting if they tend to fog up, and at how easy the lenses are to swap if they ride in changing weather. A matching case keeps the lens from getting scratched in a bag.

Women's ski goggles are usually cut in a smaller or medium frame that sits closer to the face without pressing on the cheeks. They suit anyone with a narrower face, including many teens. Check the fit with the helmet they already own, since a gap at the forehead lets in cold air. See whether the foam feels soft, whether the strap adjusts easily with gloves on, and whether the lens suits where they usually ski. Frame colour is personal, so a neutral or muted tone is safer unless you know their taste.

Budget ski goggles usually skip extras like magnetic lens swaps or premium coatings, but they still cover the basics. They suit beginners, growing kids, occasional skiers, or anyone who needs a backup pair for the car. Check for a double lens, which fogs up less than a single one, plus foam that feels comfortable and a strap that fits over a helmet. A single all-round lens tint is the most practical choice when there's only one lens. Skip anything with a flimsy frame that might crack in the cold.

Blue goggles can mean a blue frame, a blue mirrored lens, or both. They suit people who like a bit of colour or want to match a blue jacket or helmet. A blue mirror finish is only on the outside of the lens, so check the actual lens tint underneath, since that decides which light it works best in. Also check the fit with their helmet, whether they need room for glasses, and whether a clear or low-light lens comes with it for grey days.