Holiday Gift Guide for Skiers Over 50
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I completely understand—finding the perfect present for a skier can be challenging! We tend to be quite fussy about our equipment and usually have a clear idea of what we want.
But don’t fret; there are a few things that every skier will love, including warm ski socks, quality goggles, or windproof gloves.
That’s why I put together a list of my favorite gift ideas—items I’d be excited to receive myself and am sure would put a smile on any skier’s face! I’ve especially kept older skiers in mind, who might enjoy a bit more warmth and comfort out on the slopes.
And rest assured, I’m only recommending brands I know, use, and trust.
Ski Socks for Long Days on the Slopes
Socks as gifts? It might sound dull, but for every skier, wet and cold feet can turn a ski day into a disaster within minutes. That’s why high-quality ski socks are so important.
Good ski socks are made from thicker materials, like Merino wool or other innovative blends, to keep feet warm and dry. Many options also have special padding to protect the foot’s key areas and add comfort.
When buying ski socks, consider factors like fit and the specific needs of the skier. If in doubt, the FALKE SK2 is always a reliable choice for most skiers! Smartwool and X-Socks are also great options.
New Ski Goggles
There are many options for ski goggles, designed to fit different face shapes and offer various levels of visibility. A well-fitting goggle should sit snugly against the face, with a good seal around the edges to prevent fogging and to allow a clear view of the slopes.
There are two main types of lenses: cylindrical and spherical. Cylindrical lenses curve vertically, giving a flat appearance, while spherical lenses curve both vertically and horizontally, mimicking the eye’s shape for a wider field of view. Recently, toric lenses have become popular, offering the best of both with a wide horizontal curve and varied vertical curvature depending on the brand.
Lenses are rated from 0 to 4 based on light transmission, with 0 for night skiing and 4 for bright sunlight. Personally, I use lenses in categories 2 or 3, which work well for most mountain conditions.
Top brands known for their quality goggles include Oakley, Smith, and Bollé. You can’t go wrong with any of these.
Ski Helmet
There are two main types of construction in snowsports helmets: in-mold and hard shell. Some variations, like hybrid designs or carbon fiber shells, are also available.
- In-mold helmets feature a durable polycarbonate outer shell bonded to an impact-absorbing EPS foam liner, making them lightweight with excellent ventilation.
- Hard shell helmets use a strong ABS shell combined with a lightweight EPS liner. They’re durable and often more affordable, though they may have fewer vents.
- Hybrid helmets combine in-mold and hard shell features for a balance of durability and weight.
Some helmets also include MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System), which reduces rotational forces during angled impacts by allowing the helmet to slide slightly on impact.
Venting helps regulate temperature throughout the day. Helmets come with either passive vents (non-adjustable) or active vents (adjustable) for controlling airflow.
For safety, it’s best to buy a helmet in-store to try it on. If shopping online, measure the person’s head circumference and check the brand’s sizing guide.
How should a ski helmet fit?
A ski helmet should fit snugly, sitting just above the eyebrows, with the chinstrap tightened comfortably. There shouldn’t be any gaps between the lining and your head, and the back of the helmet shouldn’t press against your neck. Try it on with goggles to ensure they fit well together.
Top helmet brands include Smith, Giro, Bollé, POC, and Salomon. I personally love the Smith Mission—it’s lightweight, has advanced safety features like MIPS and Zonal KOROYD®, and offers adjustable vents for comfort in all weather.
Base Layers for Warmth and Comfort
One essential piece of gear that many skiers overlook is the base layer. This first layer sits against your skin, keeping you warm and comfortable on the slopes.
- Moisture-Wicking Properties: Base layers are designed to wick sweat away from your skin, allowing it to evaporate quickly and keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Insulation: Base layers provide insulation by trapping warm air next to your skin, especially valuable on cold days. Look for materials like merino wool for natural insulation.
- Durability: Choose durable fabrics that can handle the demands of skiing and frequent washing. Quick-drying, wrinkle-resistant fabrics are ideal.
- Comfort: Pick soft, lightweight fabrics that feel good against your skin and won’t itch.
I personally prefer wool or merino wool blends with at least 50% wool. Merino wool is biodegradable, non-scratchy, temperature-regulating, and odor-resistant, which makes it perfect for intense activities. My go-to brand for base layers is Icebreaker, known for their high-quality merino products.
Best Slippers to Relax After a Long Ski Day
These insulated slip-ons will elevate your companion’s après-ski style. Anyone who has skied knows that trading stiff plastic boots for soft, hotel-pillow-like slippers is a true luxury—thanks to you! The North Face Thermoball Traction Mule Loafers are loved by just about everyone. They’re perfect for camp, long flights, or relaxing after a long day of skiing. With a foldable heel, they’re easy to slip on and off and can even be worn as clogs. Plus, the ribbed rubber outsole adds some traction.
The Gaatpot Winter Slippers are another great, budget-friendly option.
Whether you are looking for a gift for someone who has been skiing for years now, or perhaps someone who is just dipping their toes into the sport, it is safe to say that the recipient will appreciate the warm blankets and slippers or socks, and everything else that is cozy related to skiing. From thick base layers and ski socks to convenient après ski slippers – anything and everything can be found here. So go ahead, take some time off your busy schedule, and buy something for that skier, they will thank you for such a useful gift!
