Latest Gear: Top 10 Christmas presents for skiers
Our selection of gifts for the discerning skiers
Christmas is fastly approaching. The season for family gatherings, general merriment and, of course, the all-important gift-giving!
If you still haven't found that special present for the skier in your life, we have compiled a list of perfect gifts to bring to the slopes of Val d'Isere.
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Hestra Heliski gloves
These are the Rolls Royce, the crème de la crème, the non-plus ultra... you get the idea... of ski gloves. There’s a reason why this glove is used by so many Méribel ski instructors, patrollers and lift attendants: they're the warmest and most hard-wearing gloves on the market. From €125.
Bart children’s helmet covers
Kids love wearing these adorable animal helmet covers and it means you can easily spot them on a crowded piste. The only trouble is choosing between the monster, dragon, penguin, bunny or bear. From 30€
Grabber handwarmers
The best stocking fillers ever! Pop them into your gloves or mittens and enjoy up to six hours of cosily warm hands. Bliss. From 3€
Thermic heated socks
We’ve tried them and they really work. Give a pair of battery-heated socks to the chilly-foot sufferer in your life and not only will he/she be eternally grateful for toasty toes, you’ll never have to listen to another complaint about freezing feet. A win/win present. From €199.
"Les Clés" guide books by Didier Givois
A must-have book for any off-piste skier. In French and English, the "Les Clés" book series details all the classic off-piste routes in Les 3 Vallées, Paradiski and the Espace Killy. They are full of gorgeous, inspiring photos to whet the appetite. From 45€.
Evo 4 avalanche transceiver
A transceiver is the essential gift for the skier or boarder who is starting to venture off-piste and it could one day save a life. This one is easy to use and a sensible price. Add a probe and shovel to make up the full kit if your budget stretches to it. From 220€
Icebreaker Tech 260 Crew merino wool base layers
Like all thermals, these keep you warm. What sets these apart from man-made base layers is that the natural wool fibres don’t trap bacteria so they stay sweet-smelling. They are not just useful for skiing, they will form part of your everyday wardrobe too. From €95.
Uvex Variomatic goggles
Googles that cope with any light conditions. These adapt when you ski from bright sunlight into shade and are perfect on poor viz days too. From 120€.
Ice and snow grippers
Not a glamorous gift but brilliantly effective at keeping you upright on icy or snowy pavements. From 10€.
Massage voucher
Val d'Isere's talented masseurs will ease away skiing aches and pains in your own chalet. Simply call to reserve a massage for your loved-one. You’ll get lots of credit for being thoughtful without any of the bother of going out to buy a gift. From 70€.
