Holiday gift guide for the skier and snowboarder

The LaDown Mitt for women by Swany uses goose down with Insuloft for warmth and a water-resistant shell. (Swany)

What’s on your favorite skier’s wish list this holiday season? Is it something that will help them make better turns, such as Carv, an AI digital ski coach that tracks things like edge angle and turn radius with verbal feedback via Bluetooth? Or something more basic like a stylish new neck gaiter.

This winter, there are plenty of innovative products to choose from to make any snow lover’s day on the slopes easier, more comfortable or more fun — whether they need a gift or not.

For example, the new Mountain Hardwear Storm Whisperer has built-in warmth with a down layer under a waterproof shell for protection against rain and wind. There’s also Rossignol’s new Vizion boot, which offers a traditional 4-buckle overlap performance, but is also really easy to slide in and out of.

For budgets big and small, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s a cozy new base layer or a warm, waterproof snow boot. Here are a few choices to get you started.

Ready for a goggle that covers it all? The Shred Gratify ($220) with the ice lens works all day, covering conditions from glaring sunshine to flat light. Founded by U.S. Ski Team legend and Olympic champion Ted Ligety, the brand worked with MIT engineers to develop its Contrast Boosting Lens 2.0 (CBL 2.0). This technology absorbs light rays to boost contrast in flat light, while reducing glare to help distinguish the terrain better. The Gratify also claims the widest field of vision available with its Shredwide design engineered to maximize field of view by utilizing a unique functional frame design.

Down and leather make a great combination for warmth on a cold winter’s day, and Swany’s new LaDown Mitts ($145) offer soft and warm performance in a true mitten style. Part of the brand’s LaFemme Collection is designed specifically for women’s hands. The mitten uses goose down with Insuloft for warmth and a water-resistant shell and a Dryfinger waterproof/breathable membrane aims to keep hands dry even in wet conditions. The performance leather on the palm is key for pole gripping.

Inspired by the brand’s best-selling Ghost Whisperer series, the Mountain Hardwear Storm Whisperer Insulated Jacket ($579) promises ultra-lightweight warmth with “800-fill” down and waterproof protection from Pertex Shield, which also is highly breathable. It’s a good go-to for those who are looking for all-weather, top-of-the-mountain protection from snow, sleet, rain or whatever Mother Nature decides to send your way. Practical features like a fully insulated adjustable hood, water resistant two-way front zipper, underarm zip vents, zippered hand pockets and an interior pocket add to the Storm Whisper’s performance.

Next up, Buff’s Youth ThermoNet ($25) and Merino Lightweight Print ($30) neckwear are the perfect stocking stuffers for every member of the family. The Thermonet gaiters use Primaloft Bio, the first-ever biodegradable, 100 percent recycled synthetic yarn. Designed for very cold weather and high-active performance days, the new Youth Thermonet prints offer a cool look for the slopes or beyond. The Merino Lightweight Print neckwear is designed with seamless 4-way stretch to prevent chafing. Available in a variety of designs, these lightweight Buffs are made of 100 percent merino wool for a warm and soft layer against the skin.

For the kids, the new Flylow Youth Apparel is genius with thoughtful, practical features like the Natural Calls System for boys and girls. This features a drop seat and a long-side zipper to get in and out of the bibs easily. For growth spurts, there is a length adjustment system, and the brand uses neutral colors so they can easily be passed down. The outerwear gets the maximum waterproof membrane plus 80 grams of insulation because, as founder Dan Abram says, “Kids roll around in the snow more than I do, so they need it.” There’s a reinforced scuff guard on the bottom of the pants so they still look good for years to come.

A helmet is always a good gift upgrade, especially if your loved one has had theirs for more than a few years. The new Smith Method Pro Mips Helmet ($165) offers Mips technology and zonal Koroyd material designed to minimize damage to one’s head during collisions. Other functional features include a micro-adjustable fit, premium ear pads and a magnetic buckle that makes it easy to click in or out, even with a glove.

For a variety of outdoor activities, Smartwool debuts its Smartloft Insulated Pant ($250), an all-new product for men and women. It features an outer with recycled nylon combined with DWR protection to combat the elements. It also has a soft Merino wool lining for breathability next to the skin. Other useful details include zippered hand pockets, adjustable zips at the ankles and an adjustable waist band. It can be worn under shell pants if they are on the loose side, but they’re also great for cross-country skiing or just around-town pursuits.

Give the gift of ultimate warmth this winter with the new Arc’teryx Cerium SV Hoody ($600). Tested by Arc’teryx athletes in British Columbia’s coastal mountains, it is the only jacket on the market with “1000-fill” of down insulation. The Cerium also has a recycled 20D Pertex Diamond Fuse outer resulting in a light, windproof face.

There also is an insulated StormHood that can be extended to provide extra warmth. To me, there is nothing like down to counter windy, frigid times on the peaks, and this jacket’s promise to offer exceptional warmth-to-weight performance makes me want to try it.

The Rossignol Vizion 4B has patent-pending technology that results in a high-performing, four-buckle overlap boot with hands-free, slipper-like entry and exit features. Named Best of Test by America’s Best Bootfitters, it has a steel-spine link mechanism at the back of the boot that opens up for easy-on, but when it is closed, it delivers power, energy and precision because of its direct connection between the cuff and lower shell. Additionally, the unique lower-cuff double buckle helps to unlock the spoiler when unbuckled, but locks in that power when buckled down. Three models are available, and prices vary from $550 to $750.

For men and women, the Stio Colter Waterproof Tall Boot ($189) features lightweight sneaker comfort with insulation and a waterproof membrane for cold-weather protection. A proprietary Flex Gusset design makes it easy to slip on and off, while a molded lace adjuster keeps laces in place. Finally, the boot’s lightweight treaded outsole offers reliable traction in snowy conditions.

No matter what present you decide to give the skier in your life, it’s sure to be a hit if it’s something useful for the slopes.