Do you need a gift for your favorite skier or perhaps something to add to your holiday "wish list"? Here is a selection of my choices for holiday gift giving - or receiving.
Rocker Skis
Mike Doyle
I have no doubt you will see the rocker concept implimented to some degree on all skis by every manufacturer including a heavy concentration in beginner models, and all within a few years. Search through the catalog of your favorite brand of skis and I'm sure you'll find a rocker ski for your ability. Rocker skis make for easier skiing and an easier learning curve. The rocker revolution is here to stay, believe it, demo it and embrace it.
Columbia Titanium Powder Bowl Ski Jacket
PriceGrabber
The Columbia Titanium Powder Bowl Ski Jacket is a 3-in-1 jacket meaning that you can wear this jacket three ways; just the liner, just the shell, or the liner and shell zipped together.
Grandoe Custom Ski Gloves
Copyright Grandoe Gloves
Here's a unique, custom design, one-of-a-kind ski glove by Grandoe. When I say unique, I mean you can't get any more unique because, you are the designer and you make choices as to what colors go where.
Icebreaker Base and Mid Layers
Mike Doyle
Icebreaker Base and Mid Layers for both men and women are made of pure New Zealand merino wool, lightweight, odor-resistant and provides warmth and breathablity. The Icebreaker line of mid and outer layers include some very fashionable items that look good walking down Fifth Avenue in New York City yet still have the features and functionability to wear well on the ski slopes and remember sheep don't die to give you their wool!
Lorpen Ski Socks
Copyright Lorpen
The Lorpen Tri Layer Light ski sock for men and women is designed to provide warmth, comfort and performance all day. The multi-density knitting process ensures that they are snug-fitting without wrinkles, and provide additional padding where you need it most for ultimate comfort. The socks are soft and moisture-wicking, and the Tri Layer Light socks are especially good for anyone with custom ski boot liners. Lorpen makes a Race Sock for and even lighter fit, but I find the Tri Layer Light is just right.
Ski Boots
Courtesy PriceGrabber
The skier on your gift list, especially if it's you, will be wowed by all the choices in boots this season. For example, Atomic, Lange, Fischer, Rossignol, Tecnica, Surefoot, and Salomon all have new and returning models for this season.
Ski Goggles
Copyright Dragon Alliance
There's no question that good goggles should be an essential on everybody's skiing checklist, especially in the cold and high wind of mid-winter and there are lots of shapes and features to choose from. I like the Dragon Rogue polarized model.
Ski Magazines
The Ski Journal
When you just can't click on About.com Skiing - such as on the plane to your family ski vacation - take along a ski magazine. The Ski Journal, Backcountry, Powder and SnowEast are a few that can keep you thinking snow.
Opedix S1 Knee Support Tights
Copyright Opedix
Opedix Knee Support System incorporated into the S1 tights offer a very effective and unique support because they don't compress the whole knee joint. A lot of athletes are using the Opedix Knee Support System for both comfort and the science of the support technology. Young knees or old knees everyone skis longer days with a lot less strain.
Family Ski Vacation Deals and Discounts
Mike Doyle
This ski season you can find family ski vacation deals and discounts for resorts around the country and around the world. Destination ski resorts are really reaching out to families with travel, lodging and skiing packages and you can find some real savings right at home as local areas offer enticing "staycations."
Ski Lessons and Clinics
Mike Doyle
As I have always said, "Take a Lesson" and lessons make a great holiday gift. Remember that the best skiers in the world like Lindsey Vonn and the U.S. Ski Team are coached on a daily basis. Almost every ski resort offers ski lessons from professional ski instructors and many have specialty clinics and programs targeting certain skills - moguls - and groups - ladies teaching ladies, for example.
Skiing Books and DVDs
Copyright Stone Creek Publications
There are some really good books and DVDs about skiing that are available. Some are instructional and some are really inspiring about the sport we love.
