A holiday gift guide for the skiing fanatic in your life

Before we dive too much deeper into the ins and outs of tuning skis, we have to navigate the holidays. This is the perfect time to outfit the snow sports enthusiast in your life with some great gifts that will help them work towards their success. While these may be ‘things’ that we’ve put together, they’re all oriented towards helping improve experiences… and that could even mean making it more tolerable for mom or dad to be outside watching a race or training session. So, without further ado, here are some great options to consider when you’re giving gifts this year.

Heated Socks

Regardless of whether you’re shopping for a skier, ski racer or snowboarder the new HOTRONIC XLP P heat socks will help keep their feet warmer, longer. With two thicknesses and two heating elements to choose from, these comfortable and durable battery-operated heat socks are the leaders of the pack. Nylon and lycra are blended with Merino wool to help wick moisture which is coupled with the ‘passive pump’ action of the light, gradual compression to keep your feet dry and the blood flowing, before you even turn on the battery packs. The new, compact lithium-ion batteries offer the most power based on size and consistent heat that is controllable via Bluetooth and the HOTRONIC heat app on your iOS or Android smartphone.  The 2P BT battery packs offer up to an incredible 18 hours of continuous heating power on a single charge and are safe, stable, and reliable. The socks are machine washable and additional socks are available to purchase separately so it’s easy to always have a clean pair on hand. With sizing from XS to XL you’ll find the right size for the enthusiast in your life.

Where to buy: Utah Ski Gear or your favorite local ski shop

US Retail: $379.00

Ultra Light Compression Race Socks

If a heated sock isn’t hardcore enough for the ultra-competitive person on your list, check out the BOOTDOC Race Ultra socks. This thin, synthetic, light compression sock is relatively easy to put on and glides smoothly into the tightest of race boots. The PFI 50 compression provides evenly distributed pressure around the ankle with graduated compression from bottom to top which helps promote blood-flow and keep feet warmer. Additionally, the Race Ultra stabilizes and supports muscles and tendons during all levels of sports which helps keep your lower legs and feet feeling strong after even a long day of skiing, running, hiking, etc. The addition of copper thread provides anti-microbial and anti-odor properties, while a reinforced toe and heel ensures long lasting wear. Machine wash, line dry for several seasons of wear.

Where to buy: Level Nine Sports or your favorite local ski shop

US Retail: $36.95

Digital Wax Iron

For those looking to step up their tuning game, the Wintersteiger Digital Wax Iron is the perfect tool to ensure quality results. Precise temperature settings with digital control are combined with a highly accurate thermostat and thick, 15mm base plate to ensure a correct, constant temperature. Adjustable from 122°F (50°C) to 356°F (180°C), it can be used with any ski wax. The dimpled surface reduces suction, allowing the iron to glide easily across the base of your ski or snowboard, while beveled edges let melted wax flow over the entire base evenly for consistent results. The compact size of this 110V iron also makes it a great iron for travel.

Where to buy: Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors or your favorite local ski shop

US Retail: $136.50

Racing Bevel Guide

There is nothing that ruins a tuning effort like a hardware store pony clamp on dirty, dinged up, bevel guide. Look no further than the ProTek Racing bevel guide with integrated clamp. The  304 stainless steel construction, with precision CNC machined angle and CNC machined aluminum clamp is both extremely precise and gentle on the base. Unlike plastic or ball-bearing bevel guides, this tool will not mark, melt, or driving filings into the precious base. The built-in clamp is an added bonus that makes sure your file or stones are able to convey the perfect edge angle.

Where to buy: Protekskiracing.com

US Retail: $60.00

Scraper Sharpener

If you wax a lot of skis, you want, and need, sharp scrapers. Unfortunately, manual resharpening of plexi scrapers can be a nerve-racking challenge and typically results in bowed scrapers that are bound for the trash. The Wintersteiger 100-240 V electric scraper sharpener makes short work of a tedious task. This electronic scraper sharpener sharpens scrapers quickly and conveniently, making your work more comfortable and efficient.

Where to buy: Special order from The Race Place or your favorite local ski shop

US Retail: $299.00

Boot and Shoe Dryer

Anyone who travels to ski (or hike or fish or just about any other sport) will find a new best friend in the HOTRONIC Micro Dry portable electric shoe and boot dryer. This compact, lightweight, drop-in style dryer will gently dry your wet shoes and boot. These little dryers provide optimum circulation with minimal temperature to ensure long life of your shoes and boots. The temperature of these little wonders is so gentle, they can even be used safely in ski boots with heat moldable liners. Complete with a 100V plug, a 230V plug and a 12V car adapter, you can conveniently use the HOTRONIC Micro Dry in your house, a hotel, your car – or anywhere else you have access to power. There is an internal fuse to protect against overheating. Get one for everyone in the family. They make great stocking stuffers.

Where to buy: Utah Ski Gear or your favorite local ski shop

US Retail: $44.00

Eco-Friendly Non-Petroleum Race Wax

When shopping for the skiers and snowboarders on your list with a conscience, grab some Wend Meadowfoam Non-Petroleum Wax. Available in a variety of temperatures and formulations, Wend Meadowfoam waxes are all-natural, non-petroleum, plant based, non-toxic, and biodegradable. The WEND Meadowfoam wax line breaks the mold when it comes to traditional racing waxes. The WEND Non-Fluoro Meadowfoam waxes give your race skis and snowboards the ultimate advantage on the flats, allowing the engineering behind your skis/board to shine through. You can practice sustainability without compromising performance. The Wend waxes are durable and easy to apply. Stock up your home waxing kit now with responsible eco wax from Wend.

Where to buy: The Race Place or your favorite local ski shop

US Retail: $40 and up depending on formulation and size

Carbon Race Protection

Official supplier to the U.S. Ski Team, Alpine Shield Protection makes high quality carbon fiber arm and shin guards. They use the highest quality materials, and durability and fit are second to none. A relative newcomer to the field but backed by years of ski racing know how from top industry players this semi-custom race protection company is based in Vermont and designed, produced, and made in the USA. World Cup athletes River Radamus, Steve Nyman, Alex Leever, Patrick Kenny and George Steffey all currently wear ASP guards, in fact three out of the five U.S. Ski Team men raced in ASP guards at the World Cup Opener in Soelden, AUT.

Where to Buy: Alpine Shield Protection or message via Instagram

US Retail: Contact for Pricing