Shopping for your outdoorsy friends and family can be difficult. While your cousin in Florida is content with a new blender, your powder hound ski bum sibling needs a bit more attention when it comes to deciding what they get under the tree. Outdoorsy folks already have a ton of stuff! So how do you decide what to get? Well, we can help answer that question. We’ve outlined a few “profiles” of mountain types below and what we think they’ll be excited for this Christmas. Call it a “gift guide” or call it inspiration—it’s a starting point nonetheless. And if you don’t see something you like right here, then visit us at jans.com or stop by one of our stores in Park City to find the perfect gift!
For the Dedicated Pow Skier
This guy or gal skips work and school to ski anything more than six inches and is constantly watching The Fifty Project and old Glen Plake videos on Youtube.
Our choice: Atomic Bent 110
These ripping skis are a spin off the venerable Bent Chetler line and feature plenty of width for deep snow. They can be mounted alpine, A.T., or tele—a decision best left for the giftee!
For the Dedicated Carver
This is the guy or gal who rips corduroy with their hip on the ground and skis are on edge, seemingly perpendicular to the snow.
Our choice: Stockli Montero AX / Strive 13 System
These things eat groomers for breakfast. At 80 mm underfoot with a 17.5 m radius, the Montero is made for getting on edge. With the right tune and snow that cuts like butter, the giftee (or you) will be in carving heaven!
For the Budding Backcountry Skier
Avy 1 course ✔, forecast ✔, touring partner ✔, gear. . .
Our Choice: Arva Skitrip Combo Kit
This all-in-one kit features a proven probe, shovel, and beacon from Arva. After this gets unwrapped, make sure they practice first with their gear before heading into the backcountry.
For the Weekend Parking Lot Warrior
We’ve all got a dad or uncle who is up well before dawn making coffee and breakfast and then breaks for the mountain two hours before the lifts open.
Our choice: Snow Eagle Classic Heated Boot Bag
This is one of those items they pass on every year grumbling that it’s too expensive or “not needed.” But, pulling a warm boot out in the parking lot is a great way to start the day!
For the DIY Ski Tech
Do you have a friend that uses their grandmother’s clothing iron to wax their skis on their kitchen counter?
Our Choice: Toko T14 Digital 1200W Waxing Iron
A staple of ski shops the world over, this iron with a digital display makes sure your buddy gets an even wax application at the right temp. Just be careful you don’t burn your hands holding his brakes up though. And check out our other ski tuning and waxing tools!
For Chilly Faces
Teeth chattering on the lift—or maybe bright pink, chapped nose and cheeks during après ski?
Our choice: Blackstrap The Expedition Hood Balaclava
This is Blackstrap’s warmest face mask, and it’s perfect for your skier friend who is always complaining about being too cold!
For Chilly Toes
Chilly toes on a cold winter’s morn be damned!
Our choice: Sorel Manawax II Slipper – Men’s
Just like how men get man colds, we also get man-cold feet. Keep the frosty floorboards at the ski chalet in check with these cozy slippers from Sorel!
For Those Who Own Their Lifestyle
Some of our skier friends just love skiing and will do anything they can to live the ski bum lifestyle.
Our choice: Flylow Ski Bum Trucker
Let them wear their self-imposed label loud and proud with this go-to trucker hat. You and I know that nothing beats wearing a trucker hat pre- and post-ski.
For the Wine Festival/Summer Concert Enthusiast
Sloping green lawns, popup stages, and various wineries and breweries abound? We all have a friend or family member who can’t miss an outdoor concert.
Our choice: Hydroflask 10oz Wine Tumbler
This puppy is vacuum sealed and features a lid to keep the elements out. You can pair it with the Hydroflask 25oz Wine Bottle so they can bring their own vino too.
Still Lost? Let Them Choose!
Our choice: Jans Online Gift Card
Since your outdoorsy skier friends and family are already hard to shop for, you can let them be the bearer of their own gifts this season. With options starting at $25, there’s a gift just the right size for your wallet and their tree!
So there are some ideas, but we have so much more! We didn’t even touch on some of our favorite products from brands like Arcteryx, Helly Hansen, Ortovox, and more! Plus, there is biking and fishing gear and lots of mountain lifestyle clothing and footwear online and in our stores. So shop with us online, give us a ring, check with us on social, or stop by.
By Paul Boyle, Ecommerce Manager, jans.com
Additional Links
