The 18 best gifts for skiers

Winter is nearly here, and Christmas isn’t far behind. So what better way to treat that special someone than with a ski-themed gift? 

We’ve put together the ultimate list of gifts for those who like to rip pow, cruise the groomers, or lap the park. From stocking fillers to ‘best present ever!’, we have everything you need for that skier in your life.

And you know what’s better than treating someone? Treating yourself. Check out our range of men's ski jackets and women's ski jackets to see if anything takes your fancy! 

18 gift ideas listed

1. Ski socks

Ski socks are the number one gift for skiers! Who doesn’t love them? They wear quickly and stretch out of shape, so there’s always a need for a new pair. Ski socks are relatively inexpensive, too, so they make the perfect stocking filler, Secret Santa gift, or just an easy, effective go-to when buying for someone who loves to ski! 

There are tons of weights and materials to choose from. We like a medium-thickness sock made from Merino wool for all-day comfort, breathability, and warmth. You can also check out synthetic blends and bamboo socks to lean more into the breathability factor.

2. Ski gloves

Ski gloves are another great gift – but only if you know the recipient’s preference! Do they like mitts or gloves? Know the answer, though, and you’re golden. 

If you want to impress, look for gloves with smart features like removable liners, wrist straps to keep them secure on chairlifts, and reinforced grip zones for better control and durability. Matching the insulation weight to the conditions they ride in also makes a big difference. For spring laps, go lighter to avoid sweaty hands. For midwinter storms, choose something warmer to keep them comfortable all day long.

3. Waxing/tuning kit

Any skier worth their salt will want to wax and tune their skis. If you’re riding a lot, you’ll know that your bases will need wax every week or two, and those edges will have to stay crispy. So, gifting a ski wax kit with an iron, edge-tuners, waxes for all temperatures, and lots of other nerdy goodies, will please your ski enthusiast! 

Do they already have their own kit? You can’t go wrong with a high-end wax to help them outrun their buddies on the corduroy.

4. Ski jacket

Men's ski jackets and women's ski jackets make incredible gifts when you really want to go big. A great jacket can totally transform someone’s time on the mountain, keeping them warmer, drier, and more comfortable from first run to last.

When choosing one, think about the type of riding they do and the features they value most. Some skiers prefer the lightweight freedom of a shell, while others want the extra warmth of an insulated jacket. Waterproofing, breathability, and insulation levels are all worth paying attention to so the jacket matches their usual conditions. Nail those details and a ski jacket becomes one of the most exciting gifts they’ll unwrap all season.

5. Boot dryer

Now we’re talking! Few know the joy of slipping on warm, dry boots before riding. And you have the power to gift that feeling by giving someone a boot dryer. 

Depending on the budget, select a simple two-prong dryer. Or, if you want to get flashy, go for one with four prongs to dry soaked gloves, too. Now, that’s a present for a skier!

6. Facemask/balaclava

Looking for something a little simpler? You can’t go wrong with a balaclava or facemask. From fleece to knit, thin to thick, tons of options are available. However, every skier will say the same: You can never have too many facemasks! 

Thin facemasks are more breathable but not as warm. On the other hand, fleece ones are nice and toasty, but not as breathable. So, choose a facemask depending on the conditions the person you’re buying for usually rides in! You can also go for a fitted neoprene mask with air holes if you want to get really fancy …

7. Avalanche safety gear

If you’re shopping for someone who loves chasing powder, avalanche safety gear is a game-changing gift. You can go all-in with a complete kit, or upgrade individual pieces like their beacon, shovel, or probe if their current setup has seen a few too many seasons. Either way, it’s a practical, thoughtful way to support their backcountry missions and help them stay prepared for whatever the mountains throw their way.

8. Ski pants

Men's ski pants and women's ski pants both make fantastic gifts, especially if you know the style your skier prefers. Some riders love the extra protection and deep-snow performance of bibs, while others stick to classic ski pants for a lighter, more streamlined feel.

Look for waterproofing and breathability that match the conditions they ride in, and choose the right level of insulation depending on whether they ski colder resorts or milder spring days. Features like vents, reinforced cuffs, and a bit of stretch can make long sessions much more comfortable. Get the fit and style right and they will be wearing these from first chair to après.

9. Ski travel bag

Does your giftee like to travel to other resorts or store their gear over the summer? Then, a ski travel bag is an essential piece of kit. 

You can buy a lightweight ‘ski sock’ to keep things simple. Alternatively, go for something sturdier with a rigid structure and wheels, making those long hauls through the airport a breeze.

10. Ski goggles

Something a little more substantial required? Look no further than a slick pair of ski goggles. If you want to really impress, go for a solid brand that uses good lenses.

Before you buy, take a moment to check what they prefer. Some riders love a frameless look, others like something more classic. And if you can, go for a model with interchangeable lenses so they can swap between low-light and sunny-day visibility with ease. Lens tint, fit, and style all matter, so do not rush the decision. Get it right and a new pair of goggles will have your skier smiling every time they click in.

11. Ski wall rack

Functional storage in the garage or hanging them above the bed – no matter how your chosen rider stores their skis, a ski wall rack is the best solution. There are tons of options available, from multi-ski racks to tiny little hooks to keep the focus on the topsheet — where it belongs! 

You can find ski wall racks in loads of places and go big or small depending on space. Oh, and how many skis your giftee has, of course!

12. Fleece

Good fleeces are one of those gifts that skiers end up wearing everywhere. Warm, comfy, and super versatile, it works perfectly as a midlayer for long days on the mountain. A high collar, quarter zip, and snug cuffs help it sit neatly under a jacket, keeping the heat in and the cold out.

And once the lifts close, it still delivers. A stylish fleece looks just as good around the resort as it does on the slopes. It is the kind of piece they will reach for again and again, whether they are riding, relaxing, or just staying cozy on rest days.

13. Lip balm

Working on a budget? SPF lip balm is the perfect little gift to give someone. Whether it’s beeswax or something else, you need lip balm to protect you from windburn and sunburn. 

Believe it or not, we skiers always forget lip balm! So, gifting a little tube is a thoughtful, simple, yet very appreciated present.

14. Base layers

Base layers are another amazing gift for skiers that will always be appreciated. Skip traditional materials and choose high-performance synthetic blends.

These modern fabrics use advanced biomimicry to achieve unparalleled moisture management. They actively pull sweat away from your skin (superior wicking), keeping you dry, warm, and comfortable all day long. Synthetics also offer better stretch and often feature a soft, 'brushed back' liner, making them the ultimate technical choice for any skier.

15. Action camera

An action camera is the perfect gift for any skier or rider who loves capturing their days on the mountain. Look for a model that can shoot crisp 4K footage with great stabilization so their runs look smooth even on choppy snow. If your budget allows, a camera that records 4K at 60fps will give that extra fluid, cinematic look.

Slow-motion is still a must for powder shots, so aim for 120fps or even 240fps in lower resolutions. Features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi pairing make it easy to transfer clips straight to their phone for quick edits or social posts. And if you want to really level up the experience, consider a 360 camera or a model with an ultra wide field of view to capture every angle of the action.

16. Beanie

Want to get a skier the most classic gift of all? You cannot go wrong with a beanie. And there’s one simple truth: you can never have too many of them! 

Know your person’s favorite brand? Get them a slick new knitted beanie to hide that helmet hair at the bar. The result? You’ll slash into their good graces faster than they race to the hill on a pow day

17. Hand warmers

Does your chosen rider always have icy hands? Well, now you can solve that and take care of their gift. 

Choose the classic tea-bag style warmers that activate when rubbing between your hands. Alternatively, you can get Bluetooth, battery-powered hand warmers to fit in gloves or pockets! Welcome to the 21st century.

18. Retractable cable lock

This is another stocking filler that’ll get lots of use. If you find yourself in a spot where you have to leave your board or skis outside – but are a little worried that someone might walk off with them – a retractable cable lock is the solution! 

Just unwind it and twist through your bindings. Then, secure it to the rack and party in peace, knowing your gear stays there all night long!

Wrapping up [the gifts]

That’s it – 18 amazing gifts for ski bums, powder hounds, snow nerds, and everyone who loves to be on the mountain. There’s something here to suit every gift-giver and rider – whether you’ve got a big budget or you’re looking for a thoughtful way to say, ‘Hey, I care’.

Feel like we missed something? Let us know by hitting us up at crew@montecwear.com. We’re always open to more gift ideas! 

Related Reading:

• Ski tips for intermediate skiers
• Men's ski clothing / Women's ski clothing
• The 10 best ski resorts in the Rockies
• The 10 best ski resorts in Japan