Let It Snow: 14 Best Winter Gifts

Giro Grid MIPS Helmet

This Giro helmet is a lightweight option, with advanced brain protection, including MIPS spherical technology to reduce the rotational strain during certain impacts. Dial the fit with one hand using the helmet’s InForm Fit System and keep from overheating with the Polartec lining and adjustable venting.

Flylow Women's Foxy Bibs & Men's Baker Bibs

Made with three-layer intuitive membrane fabric, these bibs can keep you comfy and dry even on the deepest of pow days. Vents on both the inside and outside of the thighs can help dump heat, especially while on the skin track. CORDURA reinforcement at the cuffs and knees helps with durability.

Kangaroo pockets on both versions make for handy storage. Also, for the ladies, they zip all the way down on the sides, making for easy bathroom access (truly the crux of most women’s bibs).

Bollé Ryft MIPS Helmet

The Ryft uses a new ventilation build to allow for more airflow than Bollé’s other models and maintains its safety standards, including MIPS tech to protect against rotational forces in certain impacts. The Ryft helmet has a BOA Fit System for fine-tuning the fit, a magnetic closure, a removable goggle clip, earpads, and padding.

Smartwool Merino 250 Base Layer Crew Top

As soon as the temps begin to drop, I start reaching for my Smartwool shirts. I have a few, but the feel of the Merino 250 really is what I want on cold evenings or when heading out to ski. The interlock-knit fabric evades odors and keeps you warm, even when you start to get sweaty. Flatlock seams are comfortable against your skin with no rubbing or chafing. These base layers move with you, look good, and, of course, make great gifts.

Salomon Outpeak 3L Light Shell Jacket

Made for a range of mountain pursuits, Salomon’s innovative three-layer construction uses a light Pertex Shield membrane that’s windproof and waterproof with an emphasis on breathability. It has a helmet-compatible hood, an oversized stash pocket, and pit vents.

Teva Ember Moc

Whether you’re working from home or heading to the slopes this winter, the Teva Ember Mocs can accompany you. These insulated shoes can be worn two ways: collapsible heels turn them to slipper mode, and rubber traction on the soles makes them competent outdoor shoes as well.

These slippers are a great gift for someone who likes cozy mornings in their PJs but still wants to send it outdoors. Check out our review on the Teva Ember here.

Skida Alpine Neckwarmer

Handmade in Vermont, these colorful neckwarmers are both great fashion statements on the slopes and a warm and cozy winter essential. Synthetic on the outside, but fleece-lined on the inside, you can burrow into it on icy chairlift rides. The fabric is moisture-wicking so that you don’t get that stiff, frozen feeling around your face. And with many patterns and colors, there’s something for everyone.

REI Stormhenge 850 Down Jacket

Putting on this jacket feels like entering into a water-resistant cloud. The 850-fill down keeps you nice and toasty in cold weather, and the two-layer nylon shell and waterproof taped seams help you stay dry and warm even in a storm. It even has pit zips, like your favorite shell, so that you can remain active even while trying to stay warm. As gifts go, this one is a definite crowd-pleaser.

Backcountry Access TS Transceiver, Probe, and Shovel Rescue Package

For someone looking to get into backcountry skiing this year, or looking to refresh their kit, the BCA TS package is a great lower-cost option. The Tracker S is virtually identical to the Tracker 3, just without upgradeable software or the ability to turn back into transmitting mode after being immobile for 1 minute. It does turn back to transmitting mode after 5 minutes, like other Tracker beacons.

We reviewed the Tracker S last winter — it’s everything you need and nothing you don’t. And the accompanying B-1 EXT avalanche shovel and Stealth 270 avalanche probe hit the spot for safety equipment.

MSR Evo Snowshoes

Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, you can get out this winter with a pair of Evo snowshoes. Traction bars and crampons help maintain traction on hills or less-than-ideal conditions. This way, you can continue to hike your favorite trails or explore new ones, even when there’s snow on the ground. And the DuoFit bindings are easily adjustable, even with gloves on.

These are great introductory snowshoes for those wanting to try it out. Make sure to know the snow and weather conditions before you go. Knowing avalanche terrain and how to avoid it, as well as having the proper equipment, is vital when recreating in the backcountry in the winter.

Patagonia Better Sweater

This full-zip jacket is made with wool knit outside and a fleece-lined interior. The knit look goes just as well with pizza and beer at the brewpub as it does with a long hike in the mountains. Flat seams give this jacket a slim style that layers well under a shell or over a T-shirt. Three zippered pockets hold essentials or help keep your hands warm.

Coalition Snow SOS Ski — Women's

The ultimate gift for the lady shredder in your life would be a pair of Coalition Snow skis. This badass, women-run company makes beautiful, hard-charging skis for every type of skier.

The SOS is the brand’s all-around ski with a 105mm waist, as good for slicing through crud at the resort as it is for surfing untouched powder. Our tester tried these skis out for a day last season and has never felt as confident or stable as she did on these SOS skis. And the gorgeous graphics designed by creative director Lauren Bello Okerman don’t hurt either.

Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle

A great thermos option for anything from soup to tea, the Stanley Classic Legendary can accompany you everywhere you go this winter. The double-wall insulation should keep your liquids warm for hours. A foldable handle and detachable mug at the top make it easy to pour a drink on the go. The stainless steel construction should hold up to use and abuse. And you have a choice between a classic green color or a classy black matte.

MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit

A cook-and-eat set for two, this kit pairs the PocketRocket stove with the brand’s best selling cook set. It includes a pot, utensils, bowls, insulated mugs, and ultra-compact stove.  It’s a bestseller and well-regarded by campers new and old.