Stuck on what to get the skier or snowboarder in your life? We’ve made it easy. Our 2025 Snow Christmas Gift Guide rounds up the best little pieces of kit that’ll actually get used, from merino mitts to on-mountain must-haves. Whether you’re shopping for your weekend shred buddy, your partner who lives in goggles, or just yourself (no judgement), these are the gifts that’ll earn a genuine “cheers!” instead of polite nods.
We’ve pulled together a mix of affordable stocking fillers and premium picks, all linked for quick shopping so there’s no excuse for showing up empty-handed.
Osprey Soelden Backpack
For the skier or rider who actually gets off the groomers, the Osprey Soelden is a rock-solid pick. It’s light, stable and made to move with you rather than against you. The layout is simple and smart: a dedicated avy pocket up front, a soft goggle pocket, and glove-friendly buckles everywhere they should be.
We reviewed the Soelden earlier this year and rated it highly — mostly because it stays comfortable on the climb and doesn’t get in the way on the descent. Even as a resort daypack, it’s one of those “buy once, use forever” pieces.
A great gift for anyone who spends their winter chasing lines beyond the ropes.
The North Face Men’s Summit Series Verbier GORE-TEX Jacket
Got a freerider on your list? Or someone who measures their ski days by how much snow ends up stuck in their beard? The North Face Summit Series Verbier GORE-TEX Jacket is built exactly for that sort of human.
Using a burly GORE-TEX 3L fabric, it’s waterproof, breathable and made for the steep stuff. The articulated cut feels properly dialled for skiing, the helmet-compatible hood plays nicely with actual helmets, and the powder skirt plus jacket-to-pant integration keeps the snow where it belongs. Big stash pockets inside, underarm vents with AquaGuard zips, and a wrist pass pocket with a goggle wipe round it out.
Using a burly GORE-TEX 3L fabric, it’s waterproof, breathable and made for the steep stuff. The articulated cut feels properly dialled for skiing, the helmet-compatible hood plays nicely with actual helmets, and the powder skirt plus jacket-to-pant integration keeps the snow where it belongs. Big stash pockets inside, underarm vents with AquaGuard zips, and a wrist pass pocket with a goggle wipe round it out.
We reviewed this jacket recently over at Wild, and it impressed us there too, especially how well it handles the swing between storm laps and warmer afternoon missions. It’s one of those jackets that makes sense the moment you put it on. A proper gift for anyone who spends more time off-piste than on.
Icebreaker Sierra Unisex Convertible Merino Snow Mitten
These mittens are a proper game-changer. The Icebreaker Sierra Mitts are made from merino wool, so they keep your hands warm and dry without getting sweaty. And the best part? They’re convertible — flip the mitten back and suddenly you’ve got fingers free to grab your phone, snack, or ski pass. Sleek black design means they look as good on the lift as they do after apres. Practical, warm, and versatile — basically the mitten your friends will ask “where’d you get those?” when you hit the slopes.
Dakine Heli Pro 12L Unisex Snowboard & Ski Backpack
Compact, tough, and ready for the mountain, that’s the Dakine Heli Pro 12L. It’s got space for everything you need, from avalanche gear to snacks, plus comfy straps that won’t dig in during long days on the hill. The sleek black finish means it goes with pretty much any kit, and it’s just the right size to keep you nimble without weighing you down. Whether for a quick morning shred or a full day of laps, this backpack has got your back, literally. Definitely a gift that any snow rider will actually use.
Mons Royale Daily Dose Flex 200 Unisex Neckwarmer
Keep the wind off your neck and the cold out of your face with the Mons Royale Daily Dose Flex 200 Neckwarmer. Soft merino wool keeps things cozy without overheating, and the stretchy fit means it sits nicely under your helmet or jacket. Skiing, snowboarding, or just sipping hot chocolate at the lodge — this neckwarmer does it all. Sleek black look means it pairs with everything, so you don’t have to think twice about style. Honestly, it’s one of those gifts everyone secretly wants but rarely buys for themselves.
Actionsports Anchor OG60 Bungee Lanyard
Bright, bouncy, and practical, the OG60 Bungee Lanyard keeps your keys, lift pass, or other small essentials right where you need them. At 60cm it’s long enough to reach, but short enough not to get in the way, and the fluorescent orange makes it impossible to lose in the snow. Rugged enough to handle cold, wet, and repeated use, this little accessory is one of those “why didn’t I get this sooner?” kind of gifts. Perfect for the snowboarder or skier in your life who’s always dropping things on the hill.
Burton Recycled Waffle Beanie
Cozy, stylish, and made from recycled materials, the Burton Recycled Waffle Beanie ticks all the boxes. Soft sage color, waffle-knit texture, and stretch that fits nearly every noggin means it’s easy to wear on and off the hill. It keeps your head warm without frying your brain and looks effortlessly cool when you’re heading to the lift or apres. A solid stocking stuffer or last-minute gift that actually gets used, this is one of those presents that earns its place under the tree.
Mt Buller Summer Experiences
Get a snow lover a trip to Mt Buller to do some sightseeing, MTB chairlift passes or season pass (summer).
RockWire climbs, 6 Day Any Day pass for next winter–they can ride when they want or Gift cards!
Defining Moments Book
Defining Moments is a 1,352-page coffee table book spanning 40+ years of surf and snow adventure photography by Tony “Harro” Harrington, one of the world’s leading photographers in these sports.
The book captures the “special moments that define an athlete’s career” across Australia, NZ, the Pacific, Indonesia, USA, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and Greenland.
“The life I lead may seem amazing, but the path I’ve chosen has never been easy… all that feature in ‘Defining Moments.’” – Tony Harrington
The North Face Terra Peak Hooded Jacket
If you’re hunting for a do-everything winter layer, The North Face Terra Peak Hooded Jacket is a seriously handy pick. Think of it as the jacket you grab when you’re not quite sure what the weather’s doing. Its lightweight ThermoBall™ insulation keeps you warm even when conditions turn wet, while the Pertex® Quantum shell blocks wind without adding bulk.
Icebreaker 300 MerinoFine™ Polar Thermal Leggings
Base layers are the kind of present people don’t usually buy for themselves, but absolutely appreciate once they have them. The Icebreaker 300 MerinoFine™ Polar Thermal Leggings are about as nice as thermal bottoms get.
They’re made with ultra-fine 15.5-micron merino wool that feels ridiculously soft against the skin, and the heavyweight warmth is perfect for deep-winter trips or back-to-back storm days. A contoured pouch, flatlock seams, and a gusset for mobility mean they’re comfortable enough to live in, not just ski in.
If you want to gift someone warmth that actually lasts (instead of another novelty sock-and-mitten combo), these are a winner.
XTM Goggle Lens Protector
Nobody likes scratched goggles, right? The XTM Goggle Lens Protector in the bold Hokiesai print keeps your lenses looking fresh no matter how gnarly your runs get. It’s lightweight, super easy to clip on, and works with most goggles, so whether you’re hiking, riding, or just shuttling your gear around, your vision stays crystal clear. Perfect for anyone who takes their snow seriously but still wants a little style on the side. Honestly, it’s one of those small but essential gifts that every skier and snowboarder secretly needs under the tree.
At the end of the day, good mountain gear is all about making cold days warmer, long days easier, and the whole snow season a little more fun. The pieces we’ve picked here hit that sweet spot: practical, well-built and the kind of kit people actually reach for, not just admire once and forget about.
If you’re hunting for gifts that’ll get real use this winter: on the hill, in the backcountry or just braving the chilly mornings—you won’t go far wrong with any of these. And if you end up buying something for yourself… honestly, that’s half the point of a Christmas gift guide anyway.
Stay warm, stay safe, and we’ll see you out there!
