Featured Image: Andrew Maguire
Sure, flowers and chocolates are a sweet sentiment, but after a few days the petals start to wilt and all that’s left of the candy are crumbs. February 14 is in the heart of ski season, and for us at FREESKIER, we believe that’s for a reason. As our gift to you, we compiled 10 of the best Valentine’s Day gifts specifically for that special skier in your life that continue to keep on giving. Whether you’re in a committed relationship, a situationship or you just want to show your best friend how much you love them, the list below will have you looking like the best damn ski partner in the world.
For the Guys
Benchmade Knives
Every handyman needs his trusty tools and every skier needs a reliable knife in their kit. Whether it’s to slice up a block of cheddar for a summit snack or to modify a broken binding with paracord, Benchmade Knives make a knife suitable for every situation.
Hedgehog Buddy Black Ionic i3 Dryer
Give the gift of cozy, warm gear day after day with the Hedgehog Buddy Black Iconic i3 dryer. Designed to dry your boots, gloves and anything else that needs a blast of warm air all in one, you’ll never have to start a ski day soggy ever again.
Finisterre Base Layers
A dialed layering system starts next-to-skin. Finisterre base layers utilize merino wool to create soft-to-the-touch garments that keep you warm, dry and stink-free whether you’re making hot laps at the resort or sweating it out on the skintrack. Available in long and short sleeve shirts, long johns and boxers and even neck and wrist warmers, these base layers are made to move with you through it all.
Fubuki Boots
Second only to ski boots is your pre- and post-ski footwear. Fubuki boots are so hot right now and for good reason. This boot is warm, waterproof, lightweight and ultra durable to last season after season. Available in a tall and short boot, as well as a new clog, Fubuki boots are made for winter’s biggest snow days.
MountainFlow Infrared Waxer
Skip the body wax, and the subsequent mess, and head to MountainFlow for the brand’s new and improved infrared (IR) waxer. Specifically designed to use with MountainFlow’s Eco Wax, this waxer uses 90-percent less wax, melts it directly into the bases and negates the need for scraping. A triple threat in our book.
For the Gals
Astis Mittens
If your valentine is a girl who loves to turn heads on the mountain, then she certainly wants a pair of Astis mittens (or gloves). While they look like a piece of art, these mitts are made for skiing, après and everywhere in between. Polartec HighLoft fleece keeps your hands warm while the hand-stitched beadwork makes a statement. Plus, both the silicone weatherproofed suede and the rabbit fur trim are by-products of the food industry to reduce waste.
Sole Bliss Wonder Boot
Like we said above, your winter footwear only comes second to ski boots. The Wonder boot from Sole Bliss not only looks stylish but comes fully stocked to make it a FREESKIER favorite for the ladies. A leather upper and full shearling lining and footbed keep the toes toasty warm but the real star of this boot are the retractable stainless steel studs on the sole to prevent an unfortunate slip.
Kari Traa Smekker Baselayer Set
A skier girl’s best friend is a reliable a baselayer and Kari Traa’s Smekker set is destined for cute and cozy winter days ahead. Made of lightweight merino wool, this new baselayer set is soft to the touch, temperature-regulating, odor-resistant and features Kari Traa’s beloved jacquard-knit pattern.
Arm of Andes Women’s Alpaca Wool Sports Bra
You can’t buy undergarments for just anyone but we know your girl will absolutely love this Alpaca Wool Sports Bra from Arm of Andes. Unless you wear sports bras regularly, it’s a next-to-skin garment that often gets forgotten when dialing in a layering system. Thanks to this wool sports bra, a post-sweat chill is a pain of winter’s past due to its moisture wicking and temperature regulating capabilities.
Yardsale Customizable Ski Poles
Ski poles are an essential piece of equipment for balance and turn initiation yet are often under appreciated. Yardsale makes ski poles that are effortlessly functional and cool. Yardsale makes poles specifically for the resort that come with a magnetic feature to keep them together as well as adjustable backcountry poles for bigger adventures. The best part? Yardsale poles are completely customizable to give your valentine a completely unique gift.
