Top 10 Backcountry Skiing Gifts
Looking for that perfect gift for the backcountry skier on your list? To help narrow down the choices we have compiled the following list of backcountry skiing specific gifts that we think any powder junky would love.
Here they are in no specific order:
1. Suunto Ambit 2 GPS Watch: $545
One of the hottest items for this holiday season has to be the Suunto Ambit 2 GPS Watch. With Altimeter, barometer, compass, time, GPS and more you’ll never get lost again (we hope).
2. Summit Mountain Guides AST Course: $195
Give the gift of safety this season with an AST 1 or AST 2 course from Nelson BC based Summit Mountain Guides.
3. Ortovox Zoom+ Transceiver: $299
Staying on the safety train, how about an Ortovix Zoom+ Transceiver for that newby ski tourer or experienced backcountry skier on your list?
4. Switch Vision Magnetic Sunglasses: $149
If you can’t see, you can’t ski. The Switch Vision Axo, Lynx or B7 sunglasses use magnets to provide super fast switch over of lenses for all conditions, hence the name.
5. SIDAS Insoles: $45 – $200
Happy feet make for a happy ski touring and the Sidas Winter 3feet Insoles or their Custom-Molded Insoles are the best we have tested.
6. Icebreaker Merino Wool Base Layers: $32 – $210
A merino wool base layer is the gift that keeps on giving and Icebreaker has you covered from head to toe with socks, undies, tops and bottoms.
7. Arc’teryx Beta FL Jacket or Arc’Teryx Acto MX Hoody: $300- $500
Arc'teryx has you covered with this hard shell, soft shell duo and will make you look like a rock star in the backcountry or at the resort even if your skiing skills don't impress.
8. Point6 Socks: $16.45 – $20.95
Comfortable feet are one thing but they have to be warm as well and Point6 makes socks for all types of folks. From tried and true Merino wool to new compression technology Point6 Socks has a variety to choose from.
9. Mountain Hardwear Boldog Gloves: $175
Cold hands is likely the number one complaint of any skier and backcountry skiers are no exception. The new Mountain Hardwear Boldog Gloves will keep your digits warm and dry thanks to their OutDry waterproof technology.
10. The North Face Thermoball Hoodie: $250
The latest innovation in insulation is Thermoball from The North Face which gives you the warmth of down whether it’s dry or wet, unlike down that only keeps you warm when it is dry.
If you have a gift that you think deserves to be added to our top 10 list then let us know. If you are looking for more info on anything listed above or a place to purchase them, simply click on their respective links. Also be sure to check out our new "Gear Deal" page which lists the best deals we can find online for anything backcountry skiing. It's updated daily so check back often.