Skip the forgettable gifts that are destined for the back of the closet.
This gift guide is for the girl who thinks bad weather is a myth, tracks her seasonal mileage and slays the mountain while looking sleek. I’ve rounded up the top picks for every mountain maven who would rather be playing outside than drinking champagne at brunch.
For: The Send It Sister
For the girl whose love language is a sunrise summit or storm days, these gifts are made for Type 2 fun:
Mountain Hardware Stretchdown Light Snap Jacket
The “wear-anywhere” layer she’ll reach for constantly. With 700-fill down in a cropped silhouette, a collar and stretch fabric, this piece slides under shells, layers over fleeces and warms without restricting movement.
Armless, corded and cool: these Ombraz wraparound shades stay put and don’t pinch. With no arms to snap, bend, lose or crush, these may be the first sunglasses tough enough to withstand her kind of adventures.
The Landmark Project Leave No Trace 5 Panel Hat
For the woman who doesn’t just play outside but protects it, this hat is cute and for a good cause. The Landmark Project’s 5-panel hat supports the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics while delivering a low-profile fit for smaller heads.
Stash your gear in style. Weatherproof, tearproof and tough, this artist-designed carry-all 26L zippered tote will hold all her winter gear on the go.
Le Bent Elyse Saugstad Pro Series Zero Cushion Snow Sock
Socks might not seem glamorous until you realize you need to do another load of laundry. Designed by pro skier Elyse Saugstad, this zero-cushion merino-blend sock offers ventilation for bootpacks, a tailored women’s fit, and an anti-wrinkle instep that prevents bunching underfoot.
JetBoil Flash Java 1.0L Fast Boil System
When early-morning missions need a backcountry barista, Jetboil’s Flash Java 1.0L Fast Boil System delivers. This compact cooker boils water in under two minutes and includes a built-in French Press. Now she can claim bragging rights for a successful summit and a perfect cup of parking lot coffee all before sunrise.
For: The Ice Queen
For the woman who never lets winter weather win, here are the gifts that combine technical warmth with major style:
Flylow Women’s Betty Down Jacket
Flylow’s Betty down Jacket is for women who don’t let winter call the shots. Packed with ultra-toasty 800-fill goose down and armed with a water-resistant shell, this coat handles the most brutal temperatures. Bonus: it has underarm zips to vent heat and stuffs into its own pocket so you can easily stash it.
Smartwool Women’s Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Crew
Every mountain girl needs a merino base, but this one ups the ante with a flirty marigold floral print that brings sunshine to a cold winter’s day. It will keep her warm, dry and smelling fresh after a day of charging on the mountain.
After you peel off your ski boots, slip into the warm, walkable Stio Colter Boots. With a lightweight sole and sturdy traction, these low-profile boots feature a tall cuff, synthetic insulation and a cozy wool lining for keeping you comfortable and dry.
The warmest ski mitts on the market now come in a pretty new palette: pink. Your digits won’t freeze in these durable and toasty leather gloves with a 5-finger lining.
Neck warmers are functional, yes, but they also add a pop of flair to your ski outfit. Buff adds extra insulation and a subtle Japanese-inspired pattern to an ultra-soft fleece.
When the temps dip, bring the warmth with you with MiiR’s 360 Traveler. This mug keeps hot toddies or coffees piping hot for hours without leaks, spills or regrets.
For: The Life of the Party
For the girl who skis hard and parties harder, these standout winter essentials bring bright colors, bold textures and effortless style to her winter wardrobe. Here’s a list of après-ready gifts that are unapologetically fun as they are.
Go bold or go home. Seniq’s Wooluxe Fleece pullover is cozy and cool, crafted from high-pile, cropped, traffic-stopping pink wool fleece with an asymmetrical high zip. Perfect for the outdoorista who wants to stay toasty and on trend.
Cotopaxi Allpa X 1.5L Hip Pack
For the girl who never stops moving (or mingling), this hip pack is a colorful lifesaver. Hands-free and full of stash pockets, it keeps sunglasses, lip balm, phone, keys and a secret emergency glitter all within reach. Rugged enough for light hikes and traveling, cute enough to tote through town, the Cotopaxi Hip Pack proves that function can flirt with fashion.
Notice the Reckless Cascade Vest
When the ski day ends and après begins, it’s time to ditch the jacket and rock the vest. The Cascade Vest serves up bonus style points with a perfect contrasting palette: coral zippers, baby blue trim, teal fleece, and high-pile purple sherpa. With a relaxed fit and fun colors, it’s a piece with personality.
Balaclavas are having a major fashion moment and keep you cozy in the cold. Sport the latest style in a ski-inspired Scandinavian print for a chic look to fend off the chill.
Penelope Chilvers Cosmos Fleece Boot
Après style starts from the ground up. These leather-and-fleece boots deliver soft-and-snuggly vibes with chunky laces and Nordic-inspired accents. Easy to slip on and warm enough for the coldest winter days, these boots are both sensible and stylish.
These knitted, fully-lined beauties are what happens when warmth meets wearable art. Designed by artist Rachel Pohl, these colorful and cozy mittens take on winter’s worst with soft, insulated comfort.
Beanies are great, but switch it up with a high-pile bucket hat — trendsetting, cozy and cheeky in the best way. With an adjustable fit and a dash of personality, this will be your girl’s new go-to when she wants to stand out in the crowd.
