Winter people are a special breed. We’re the ones who perk up when the temps drop, who love the squeak of cold snow under boots, who take a deep breath of January air and feel awake. This guide is for that person – the winter lover in your life who thrives outside, no matter what the forecast says.
From kid-tested essentials to mountain-ready gear to small luxuries for slow mornings, here are my favorite gifts to make the cold months even sweeter.
Gordini Women’s Stashlite Gloves
These are the gloves I keep stashed everywhere — coat pockets, the glove box, even the running vest. Ultra-light but shockingly warm, the Stashlite is perfect for morning walks, school drop-offs, or those “just one quick lap” ski sessions. In my case, they disappear until the moment I need them… and then I’m so glad I have them as they always show up at the right time.
Gordini Junior Hearth Mitt
For the littles who never want to come inside, or who doesn’t want to go outside because their hands always freeze (I have one of each), these mitts are a lifesaver. They’re warm, durable, and built for nonstop winter play. Think sledding hills, snowball fights, and full-day missions on the ski hill. Consider them your answer to the classic kid phrase: “My hands are cold!” We’ve been testing these for two seasons now, the ones that were my 8 year olds are now working well for my 6 year old showing that they can get worn in and still do the job!
Outdoor Research Freewheel MTB 4-Finger Gloves
For the rider who refuses to put the bike away when temperatures drop. These 4-finger gloves strike the perfect balance: warm enough for cold rides, dexterous enough that shifting and braking still feel smooth. Winter riding suddenly feels fun and do able! They have been awesome for early morning errands on my e bike, afternoon mtn bike missions that go into the darkness and while I have not yet tried them skiing, I believe they will also be great for XC skiing as well!
Hootie Hoo Kids Pinnacle Bibs + Pinnacle Jacket
If your kids play harder in winter than any other season, this combo is worth every penny. The insulated Pinnacle Bibs and Jacket are built to withstand wild energy, deep snow, and back-to-back-to-back days outside. They’re warm, they’re rugged, and the colors are just plain fun — your kids will be stoked to wear them. They also have the best fit of any ski + bib combo that we have tested. They have room to move, run, climb and take tumbles in it with out it feeling constricting.
Renoun Earhart 88 Skis
For the skier who wants tech-forward performance without sacrificing feel. Renoun’s vibration-adjusting tech adapts to your riding style, making these skis smooth, responsive, and confidence-boosting in everything from blower powder to chopped-up afternoon crud. They’re the skis I reached for on every kind of day last season. Last year I was coming back to skiing after a long break (I became obsessed with snowboarding for many years) so I was quite nervous about trying out a brand new pair of skis. However, the Earhart felt like they progressed with me. They were the perfect tool for transforming my skiing ability to “baby deer” status to someone who could go anywhere on the mountain as they gave me the confidence to keep pushing my limits every time. Whether you or your person is into early morning groomer laps, skiing with the kids or getting after it in all conditions, these are amazing can do skis!
Renoun Ski Membership Program
This is one of the most exciting new things in skiing. It’s the first ski membership of it’s kind! And it sounds amazing. The Renoun Ski Membership gives you new skis every two years, unlimited model swaps if your style changes, exclusive trip deals, and access to a community of people who love sliding on snow as much as you do. It’s the gift that keeps someone connected to the mountains all winter long. At $30 a month after the initial enrollment fee of $445, this is perhaps one of the best deals out there for those diehard skiers!
Patagonia Powder Town Bibs
These bibs are a dream for those who love to be out in the snow for as long as possible. With a 2-layer H2No® Performance Standard shell for waterproof, breathable protection and a slick liner for easy layering, they’re built to handle everything from fresh powder mornings to chair-lift laps with the kids. The adjustable suspenders and articulated fit mean zero restriction when you’re chasing the mountain or the sunset trail. Make no mistake though, these aren’t just snow pants; they’re the outer-shell that lets you stay outside for longer than ever. And for us short people, they have FINALLY made them in a short version which I absolutely love. No more dragging the bottoms on the ground, these fit like a dream and I’m so excited for long snowy days in them.
Metolious Little Bear Tea
If winter mornings had a flavor, it would taste like this tea. Cozy, aromatic, grounding, it’s perfect after a big training session, during homeschool mornings, or right before you crawl into bed. A small gift that somehow becomes a daily ritual. Pair it with a classy yet cute teapot or cup with a tea strainer and you have one sweet gift for anyone in your circle.
Head Supershape Team Easy-R Kids Skis
These skis are perfect for little rippers who are just gaining confidence. They are are light, intuitive, and easy to turn, helping kids learn good technique with very frustration (because come on, it can’t be completely with out challenge!) If your child loves following you down the mountain, these help them do it with joy — and better control. Do note, though that these are best for those who love the groomers, these are not for the ones who like to go off piste, as they are not as forgiving. However if your little one is just starting out and are sticking to the inbound runs, these are absolutely perfect.
Patagonia Women’s Capilene Thermal Weight Boot-Length Bottoms
The baselayer I wear on repeat all winter. Warm but breathable, soft but performance-ready, and the boot-length cut means no awkward bunching inside my ski boots. These are ideal for all skiing adventures and for lounging with a book by the fire afterwards. I’ve been taking these to the cabin for the last three weeks and once I put them on for the weekend they have just not come off, seriously. The boot length cut is something I don’t know why they haven’t done till now, but also I’m not complaining because I honestly I didn’t know I needed it until now.
Skida Alpine Neckwarmer
A burst of happiness you can wear. Skida’s prints always make winter brighter, and the Alpine Neckwarmer is cozy enough for stormy days but breathable enough for big-effort adventures. It’s a perfect stocking stuffer for literally anyone. Pair it with any of their amazing hats and gloves to make it a full package gift. I wear my Skida year round now, and the neck warmer stays on me pretty much from Oct- March here in Bend.
Whitespace Dual-Tone Snow Goggles
Your eyes will thank you. These goggles deliver crisp clarity in all conditions while looking sleek and modern. Whether you’re chasing powder or cruising groomers with the kids, they make every run feel a little more dialed. I love the fact that they are easy to change thanks to their snap in lenses and their anti fog system thus far seems to be working really well. I also really like the fact that they are not too expensive!
Wrapping it UP
Winter isn’t the season for staying still — it’s the season for layering up, stepping outside, and finding beauty in the cold. With the right gear, every storm, trail, and ski day becomes an invitation to explore.
Here’s to big missions, warm layers, and making the most of winter’s magic.