We’re not that complicated, us skiers. We want powder days, reliable gear that gets us into the mountains, and some good friends to share it all with. This holiday season, we’ve got suggestions for a few smart gift ideas for the skiers on your list.
You could honestly give a skier a breakfast burrito and a ride to the hill as a holiday gift and they’d be happy. We are simple people, us skiers, with basic needs: snow, skis, a slope to slide down on. That said, there are still many useful items (ahem, that is why we started this company after all!) that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the hill.
Like waterproof gloves that won’t wet out. Or an insulated midlayer that’ll keep you warm when the temps drop. Or a cool hat to throw on at the tailgate at the end of the day. So, we’ve made your job easier and come up with a few savvy gift ideas for the wide gamut of people who call themselves skiers.
The Backcountry Purist
For the skier who dedicates themselves to the backcountry, they probably already have the essential items—avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, a backpack to carry it all. But if not, a gift card to their local backcountry shop so they can upgrade those items is always a good call. As is a gift certificate to their local avalanche school so they can refresh on avy safety or mountaineering skills courses. Or find a local ski guiding company and get them a gift card for a day of guided skiing. Flylow’s Z Line for men and women is designed for backcountry users who need light, breathable, streamlined gear.
Big-Ticket Item: Backcountry skiers love bibs, and the men’s Smythe Bib or women’s Siren Bib are built light and nimble.
Surprisingly Good Idea: The unisex Davis Jacket is a year-round windbreaker with many uses, and it’s especially versatile for backcountry skiers on windy summits, spring tours, or breezy skintracks.
Stocking Stuffer: A warm cup of tea or coffee on a summit is a real treat. Make that possible with this no-spill Flylow + Fellow thermos.
The Ski Bum
This is the skier who chases storms, catches first chair on powder days, and can be found hiking to ski a patch of snow in July. Their pockets are stuffed with PBJs and Duct Tape. The Deeper Line for men and women is basically the ski bum’s uniform—anything in there will be appreciated.
Big-Ticket Item: New this year is our Baker Perm Bibs, a new version of our beloved Baker Bibs, which have been a ski bum’s favorite for years. For women, the Foxy Bib is sure to be a hit.
Surprisingly Good Idea: An insulated flannel, like our Penny Insulated Flannel for women or Sinclair Insulated Flannel for men, can be worn as a midlayer at the ski area or a warmer-than-average flannel on the next road trip.
Stocking Stuffer: Never underestimate a mitten. The Unicorn Mitt is a team favorite, and the Maine Line Glove is perfect for those who want the warmth of a mit but a bit more dexterity. Or you can’t go wrong with the classic Ski Bum Hoody.
The Rad Parent
The family that skis together shreds and eats nachos together, right? Isn’t that the saying? The point is, if you’re shopping for a mom or dad who’s out there slaying it alongside their kids, there are a few handy gift ideas they’ll appreciate. Check out the Boundary Line for women and men for a lot of ideas for skiers who ride all over the mountain.
Big-Ticket Item: New this year is the Sarah Anorak and though all kinds of skiers will dig this style, the moms in the liftline will love the giant kangaroo pouch up front for stashing snacks, spare layers, and whatever else is needed. For dads, consider the Roswell Jacket, which is built warm with a layer of synthetic insulation so they can linger on the magic carpet or on the side of the race course without freezing.
Surprisingly Good Idea: We took scrap fabric from our pants and turned it into the Remnant Tote, a giant gear hauler of a bag that can be used for literally whatever you can fit into it. Parents will use this to bring lunch to the hill, carry all the essentials in one place, and as a beach or bike tote in the summer. Plus, it’s easily washable and folds up small when not in use.
Stocking Stuffer: Every skier on this list will appreciate a Flylow + Voile Ski Strap, a handy rubber strap that’s useful in the backcountry and cinches skis together. But parents will use this for so many things, like strapping car seats to roller bags through the airports or attaching kid skis to backpacks through the parking lot.
The Après Afficianto
We’re not saying this person isn’t there for the skiing. They absolutely are. But when the freshies have been had and the hot tub is calling, this fun-loving skier knows the day is far from over. This is the skier who knows all the bartenders, has a Coleman grill in the car for tailgate ramen, and loves a good sunny deck with a live band in the springtime. The Habitat Line for women and men has some skier essentials—like flannels and fleeces—but also some things you might live in everyday, like puffy coats, overalls, and knit beanies.
Big-Ticket Item: The Stiles Jacket is stuffed with 800-fill down, which means it’s warm enough to layer under a shell for extra-cold storm days, but mostly, skiers will wear this as a post-skiing down coat to throw on around town. For women, that same style can be found in the Kenzie Jacket, which fits long and toasty.
Surprisingly Good Idea: Flylow makes base layers now and they are damn nice, a perfect blend of soft merino wool that dries quickly and smells fresh even if you haven’t done the laundry in a while. Check out the men’s and women’s baselayers. Plus, unlike some base layers, these tops and bottoms are perfectly suitable for the pub, yoga class, or cabin hangout—whatever the après activity of choice is.
Stocking Stuffer: Meet the Walleye Cap, the best topper to any après-ski activity. And obviously, this person needs an I Love Après shirt.