As the leaves start to fall, snow can't be far behind. If you're a die-hard skier, you've got an annual ski-and bindings check and tuning on your fall schedule, and you're probably coming up with a wish list for new ski equipment and accessories. If you've got a skier in your home -- whether a kid or adult -- you'll have an easy time holiday shopping with this ready-made gift list of budget-priced ski accessories.
Ski Goggles: Good quality goggles run $50 to $100+, and do a good job venting. If the skier wears glasses, look for models designed to fit over glasses.
Sunglasses: Not everyone wears goggles, but sunglasses for skiers need to have UV protection, and they need to wrap all the way around the sides of the eyes (or have leather or plastic side-flaps) to prevent bright high-altitude sun from sneaking through the edges. Figure $40 and up.
Ski Helmet: Skier + Trees + High Speeds = Not a Good Idea. Helmets can prevent serious head injuries, and even save lives. $75 and up.
Ski Hats: If you're using a helmet, you may not need a hat in moderate temperatures. In colder weather, wear balaclavas and thin thin fleece skull caps fit neatly under a helmet. Pom poms -- not so much. $10 and up.
Gloves: A good pair of gloves from a major ski clothing manufacturer is a great gift whether to yourself or someone else. They are made to handle much colder temperatures, and you'll feel the difference between "real" ski gloves and look-alikes bought at a discount or general merchandise store. Ski mittens are even warmer, although they do restrict hand movement. $25 and up.
Socks: Wicking socks remove sweat from your feet; a pair of medium-weight wool socks adds warmth. Ski socks need to come high to mid-calf height on your legs. $10 and up.
Tights: Wicking leg tights, worn under an outerlayer, keep legs warm and fit neatly inside your ski pants. $20 and up.
Sweaters: Any of the following make a good addition to a skier's wardrobe: A wicking underlayer made of a fabric like Capilene. A merino wool shirt. A fleece layer. $20 - 100 or more
Balaclava: Don't wear a scarf: It can get tangled in ski lifts. A balaclava covers the face and neck. A neck warmer is a circular scarf with no ends sticking out to get caught. $15 and up - $30.
Head Bands: Fleece hand bands cover ears and hold hair back. And they look cool, too. $10 - $20.
Waistpacks: Downhill skiers usually put their extra stuff in lockers, but if the skier on your list heads into the backcountry, a small day pack or a waist belt will hold essentials like a water bottle, a few warm clothing accessories, and a snack. $20 - $40
Insulated Water Bottles: For the cross ouctry skier on your list. A water bottle and a water bottle park (check out those made by OR) will keep water from freezing. $20
Hand and Foot Warmers: Chemical hand and foot warmers are worn in a boot or a pair of gloves and give instant warmth to frozen or nearly frozen fingers and toes. $5 - $10.
While skiing itself is not a cheap sport, with this shopping list in hand, you can score much appreciated gifts for skiers without breaking the bank.
Karen Berger - Karen Berger is the author of 15 books. Please click on her name to read her full bio.
