Scenario: the holidays are upon us and you don’t know what gift to get that backcountry skier, snowboarder, or overall outdoorsy person in your life. Gear is never a bad idea, in fact, we all love new gear, perhaps a little too much. So here are a few gear ideas to put under the tree that are sure to please.
BLACK DIAMOND LIQUID POINT SHELL
Finding the right shell for a backcountry skier is a daunting task. It has to breathe for such a high output activity, but also protect against harsh weather. The Liquid Point Shell from Black Diamond may be the answer. With 2-layer Gore Tex PacLite, fully taped seams, pit zips, and DWR coating, this shell can withstand a deluge while keeping the body comfortable during aerobic activity.
BACKCOUNTRY SKI & SNOWBOARD ROUTES: UTAH
Shameless plug alert! Shameless plug alert! I wrote a backcountry skiing guidebook for the state of Utah and it is brand new for the 2015/16 ski season. Therefore, it is the perfect gift or stocking stuffer (depends on the size of your stocking). Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Utah features 99 tours all over the state, from the Bear River Mountains in the north, to the Abajo Mountains in the south. The book includes detailed route info, driving directions, avalanche info, and a forward by the Utah Avalanche Center’s Craig Gordon, who is always an entertaining read. Available from Mountaineers Books.
ICEBREAKER ZONE BASE LAYERS
Icebreaker, a merino wool apparel company out of New Zealand, has released a new base layer system called “Zone.” These unique long-sleeve crew shirts and bottoms are different because they regulate body temperature not just from the merino, but also from their BodyfitZONE™ technology – strategically placed merino mesh for ventilation in high-output “heat dumping zones” like under the arms. Other features include gusseted side panels, flatlock seams to prevent chafing, and corespun fabric for enhanced durability.
NAKED SNOW MINIMALIST SNOWBOARD RACK
Here’s something a little different. Do you think the graphics on your loved one’s snowboard are so damn pretty that you wish they could hang it on the wall like a piece of art? Well now you can with the new Naked Snow Minimalist Snowboard Rack. It’s easy to install and features strong aluminum hangers, a soft felt liner to protect edges, and it’s made in the U.S.A. Get it at storeyourboard.com
LED LENSER NEO HEADLAMP
Winter is here, which means it gets dark too damn early. But don’t let that stop your loved one’s outdoor fun! Get him or her the new LED Lenser Neo headlamp. It’s a super small and light design that is very bright. It’s ideal for any nighttime joggers, hikers, bikers, or for dawn patrol while backcountry skiing. Purchase at LEDLenser.com
ALTA SEASON PASS
If all else fails, just get the skier that’s hard to shop for a season pass to Alta. Why Alta? Because it’s our favorite resort, of course. Alta gets the most snow and powder days in Utah, and is comprised of a tight-knit community of skiers hanging out at a resort that has retained its funky vibe over the decades. Of course the ski terrain of open bowls, glades and chutes isn’t bad either. Score a season pass here.