Must-have gifts and gadgets for the slope bum in your life
For all you ski bums out there, now is the time to stock up on everything you need and more. Whether it’s an app that can track your downhill technique and give you coaching tips from a pro, a rescue device for the off-piste freestyler or a pair of faux fur stylish slip-ons and battery-powered hand warmers that ensure a quick recharge — these expert-approved additions will keep you safe and ready for shredding that next run.
After all, experts know that having the right gear can make or break your experience: Just ask ripper and professional skier Cody Townsend.
“On ski days, I always have a small tin of sunscreen, a ski scraper and a goggle wipe in my pocket,” Townsend told The Post. “Those are the three things I cannot ski without in my pockets.”
Townsend is currently on a quest, aka “The Fifty,” where he will climb and ski the 50 classic ski descents of North America. It’s no small feat even for the best athletes. So when it comes to hydration, Townsend relies on Yeti.
“These days it tends to be the new Yeti Yonder bottle because it’s so lightweight and portable,” he said. “It’s become my new go-to bottle for backcountry adventures as well.”
For those after more adventurous pursuits, backcountry skiing has a lot of appeal but know your ability and be prepared. Townsend emphasizes taking a certified avalanche education course first, then always be outfitted with the right gear like an avalanche shovel, transceiver and probe which actively transmits and searches for an electronic signal at a limited range.
“From there, going out on guided trips and finding local area mentors is the best way to start the long process of navigating the backcountry safely,” he added. “Skiing off the resort in the wild is my favorite thing in the world to do, but it has its dangers and one must put those at the forefront of the learning process to make sure they can enjoy backcountry skiing for the rest of their lives.”
After a long alpine adventure you definitely want to slip into something super comfy like the LâMO-LITE Cassidy in chestnut plaid and black plaid. It’s the perfect combo of style with a faux fur lining collar and a premium sheepskin-lined footbed.
If you are out of cellphone range then you need this Pieps Powder BT Avalanche Beacon, which has Bluetooth connection for a 60-meter circular range so you can always be found.
You can always count on Smith for fashion-forward equipment that still holds up to the elements. These Skyline XL 165mm ChromaPop Snow Goggles are anti-fog and distortion-free so you will always stay on course.
Store your wellness essentials compactly in this color-coordinated, travel-friendly bundle of capsules. Available in 10 colors.
Keep it toasty wearing this faux fur mustard-yellow trapper hat. It features a black quilted lining and two ties to seal it up nicely. $150 in store at Paul Smith, 88 Wooster St., NYC.
After a long day of trail runs, nothing says chillax like this après-ski gift set. Monogramming available.
Don’t neglect your skin after a long day out in the elements. This new Après Anything Kit (5% of sales will support Protect Our Winters) offers an instant refresh with face cream, face wipes and lip balm.
You know you can trust Yeti to design a super light, non-insulated yet durable water bottle that stands up to every occasion.
Make way for the next generation of utility flashlights. The waterproof and bendable JordiLight can adapt to any situation featuring custom programmable LED lighting options and a built-in navigation assistance. Sign up now to receive a 40% discount on the first shipment.
No matter where you land, if the temperature drops, this Bay City heated hand warmer will turn up the heat and has a battery charge time of up to 14 hours.
Luxury Swiss watchmaker Zodiac is celebrating its 140th anniversary with a timepiece for all adventure types: the Super Sea Wolf Ceramic. Crafted from a high-polish, hardened ceramic with a steel core making it scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant and fade-resistant.