We’ve rounded up our best gift ideas for the skiers and snowboarders on your nice list.
And just like that December is here! We just finished wrapping up one holiday and now we’re scrambling for holiday gift ideas for the next holiday. But don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.
If picking out the perfect gift for your powder hounds has always seemed like you’re treading into the “most difficult” terrain, then read on for the Moving Mountains Gift Guide for Skiers. Just like a ski vacation in Steamboat, this snow sports gift guide is perfect for all ages and abilities.
Stocking Stuffers
SmartWool or Point 6 Socks
The SmartWools were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas would bring another pair… While socks on Christmas morning might seem like only one step up from a lump of coal to the average person, to a skier or snowboarder, they are always a treat. Especially performance socks made by SmartWool or Pointe 6 (both Steamboat companies).
Say baaaah bye to scratchy calves as these companies have reinvented ski socks by keeping the cozy and ditching the itch. They’re the ultimate in both warmth and comfort!
Boots always feel too tight? try the Ski Mountain Magic Ultra Light. Find Here
If you need the Goldilocks of socks (not-too-thick and not-too-thin), buy the Ski Christie Light OTC - Find Here
And, of course, the PHD Pro line from SmartWool is just what the doctor ordered for your extreme skiers and riders who usually shred their socks while shredding the hill. These “IndestructaWool” socks can stand up to the toughest terrain …Find Here
Stickers 
Boasting your ski resort love isn’t just for bumpers. In the old days, stickers were relegated to the rear of your car, now your skier/rider can emblazon his/her notebook, skateboard, water bottle and helmet with all things snow related. Most ski shops in town sell a fun and festive selection of stickers. We’re partial to the 80’s mix-tape version for sale at Christy Sports in Steamboat. Stickers are also great for laptops, water bottles & guitar cases. Here’s a favorite BAR UE sticker from Steamboat’s Ohana boutique.
Parka Pocket Essentials
Stocking up the stockings with ski day essentials such as hand warmers, pocket-size tissues, travel-size sunscreen, a no-fog goggle cloth, chapstick and, of course, chocolate is always a good idea!
Speaking of Chocolate
Daniela’s chocolates, handmade in Steamboat, are the top pick for ski day pick-me-ups or holiday season hostess gifts. She always has an assortment of beautifully designed artisan chocolates at her downtown Steamboat store, The Homesteader. We love the hot chocolate snowball! It’s a hot cocoa game changer. New this year, you can order gift boxes of Daniela’s chocolate online. Order by December 15 for Christmas delivery.
Snarky Snowboarders
For a little snark in your stocking, try this snowboarding t-shirt from Chummy Tees.
Snarky Skiers
The description from Men’s Society says it all: It's time to hit the slopes. Ride the frozen wave. Get hideously drunk in the bar at the bottom. Whatever floats your boat. The mountains are a dangerous place. Slippery snow, crazy high risk of sunburn (how??) and polar bears (maybe. Probably not.). Get a ski survival kit for your snarkiest skier right here.
Gadget Galore!
Do you hear what I hear?
Of course not, I have my helmet speakers turned on …
Trade in those freezing cold earbuds or Airpods for some built-in helmet speakers. These audio chips from ski company, Smith, are a great way to amp up your ski day. They are wireless but do have a wire hook-up just in case you lose connection before your ski day is over. They’re also a walkie-talkie, so your favorite rocker can tune back into the rest of the group, even if they’ve tuned out. And Smith’s glove-friendly technology means fingers won’t freeze trying to maneuver through the playlist. Find Here
Ho Ho GoPro
GoPros have been the go-to must-have gadget for many years now, but your aspiring Warren Miller ski movie maker will love the upgrades on GoPro’s latest. We are now up to the Hero 8. Watch out, though, with live streaming capabilities, you could unknowingly play a starring role in the recipient’s blooper reel! GoPros are available at Ski Haus and Christy Sports in Steamboat. Learn More
Rossignol & PIQ Wearable Ski Sport Tracker
Turn, Jump and Trick Analyzer
Since you can’t stuff a ski instructor in your stocking, try the Rossignol & PIQ tracker. It goes way beyond your favorite fitness app by tracking your carve angle, transition time, G-Force, jump height, downhill speed, rotation and air time. Sync it to your phone for hassle-free data and direction on how to improve your turns. Available right here.
Turn Hills into Thrills with a Zipfy
Forget putting an old wooden toboggan under the tree and instead give the gift of the Zipfy mini luge. It’ll turn any hill into a thrill and is touted as the easiest, most exhilarating downhill sledding sport.
Available at Christy Sports or online. Choose your own color, we’re partial to this purple one...
Apres-She …
This retro-racer style sweater from Chinti and Parker is the perfect top for both skiing and apres-skiing! It’s snuggly and stylish and available right here.
And for the perfect chalet loungewear, try these ski inspired super soft joggers.
But Baby, It’s Cold Outside
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone with cold hands (and a warm heart), then turn up the heat with Hestra’s heated mittens. Integrated heating loops, rechargeable batteries and a water-resistant exterior keep fingers from getting frosty. Find Here
Game on
You know we love our chalet game nights! Want to bring some custom ski resort games home with you? Pick up the custom SteamboatOPOLY at our local WalMart (unfortunately, it’s only available in-store). If you’re partial to the Vail Valley, you can buy Vail Monopoly purchased right here.
Gondola toy
Forget the choo choo train, hoist your tiniest treasures in this toy gondola. Reminds us of the new Steamboat gondola!
Hostess with the Mostess
For the perfect ski town infused spirits, try Ski Town Vodka or Sleeping Giant Gin. These are made by the Steamboat Whiskey Company right in downtown Steamboat Springs. Pick up a bottle from their distillery when you’re in town or order through this craft spirits store to ship directly to your home.
Ski Town Apres Ski cookbook
The Ski Town Après Skicookbook features Lindsey Vonn's favorite Après cocktail and dish plus small plates and cocktails from over 60 North American world-class ski resorts. Turn up the a/c, don your ski boots, pour a hot toddy and page through this beautiful book with an apres-ski inspired menu in your own backyard any time of year.
Tie one on!
Try this hand silk-screened apron from Steamboat’s O’hana boutique for a unique gift.
Ski vacation home decor
This beautiful limited edition vintage ski photo from Steamboat photographer, Jace Romick, is the perfect way to showcase your love of skiing. You can inquire about this and other fine art pieces directly, contact Jace Romick Gallery in Steamboat Springs.
PS You might already be a Jace Romick fan as a few of his prints are hanging in some of our chalets.
Before your credit card fills your house fuller than Santa’s belly, consider getting your loved ones an awe-inspiring experience, instead of more stuff. Science says that gifting experiences will have a more long-lasting impact on your loved ones’ happiness than the newest iPhone ever will.
For your coffee table
The New York Times calls him the Rembrandt of the ski trail. This gorgeous coffee table book showcases over 200 of the resort ski maps he’s handpainted over the years. Frameable maps also available on his site.
From Tree to Ski
Homegrown here in Steamboat, Harvest Skis are hand-crafted with a wood core from tip to tail. This new crop of skis is designed, manufactured and tested right here in Steamboat. So if you want to give the gift of the perfect pairing for our champagne powder, look no further than Harvest Skis. Available at Ski Haus. Find Here
How about a black diamond?
We’re talking about the kind with snow, steeps, and trees, not something of the jewelry variety.
Making memories is what the Moving Mountains elves specialize in. We don’t just book you in a room and hope for the best. We match you with the perfect chalet, we design an adventurous itinerary that works for all, our homes offer many creature comforts and over-the-top luxuries and our caring staff ensures that, if you’re gifting a Steamboat vacation to your family this holiday season, it’s going to be an experience your family will savor long after the carols stop.
No matter what time of year you stay with us, our elves will make sure your experience is wonderful!
Already reserved your ski vacation?
If the snowcat is already out of the bag, and you want to surprise your loved ones with an add-on experience, how about some exciting vacation upgrades for under the tree? You might want to consider booking our luxury catered chalet package so that no one has to lift a finger (or a pan) in the kitchen. Arrange an apres-ski massage, a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the mountains, a luxury ice fishing excursion or a moon-lit backcountry snowmobile tour, then hire a photographer to memorialize your memories.
With great powder comes great responsibility
This one’s at the top of OUR list! We highly recommend gifting a day with Steamboat Powder Cats! If your skier can’t get enough of Steamboat’s famed champagne powder, then a day with Steamboat Powder Cats is a must-do. First-time powder hounds are welcome and groups are thoughtfully put together based on ability levels. As long as your skier or rider is strong and comfortable on the blue runs, they can have an unforgettable experience in the deep snow on Buffalo Pass. Steamboat Powder Cats provides both top-notch safety and a 5-star experience. It’s probably one of the most rewarding ski gifts you could ever give. Read more about Powder Cats
Vail also has an excellent powder cat operation, so if gifting a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the backcountry of Vail is on your list, we recommend Vail Powder Guides.
Rest assured, we can make all of these arrangements for you, one click or call to Moving Mountains takes the stress right out of your holiday shopping.
We wish you and your favorite skiers and riders a very happy holiday season. If we can make it even merrier and brighter, please give us a jingle.
PS: Need to make it a White Christmas? It’s actually not too late to book a winter holiday getaway. And if you’re spending the holidays with us, our staff can make sure the tree is trimmed, Hannukah candles are on hand, the sleigh rides are arranged and that everyone is excited and ready for the most wonderful time of the year!
