Last Minute Gift Ideas for the Skier or Snowboarder on your list

The winter solstice is here.

This date marks two important milestones on the calendar. The first is that the days get longer and we have just over 6 months until the South America ski season starts. The second is that the holidays are here and if gifts have not been bought, there is very little time left to do so.

At PowderQuest we are here to help. Of course the BEST gift for your ski and snowboard loved ones is a trip with PowderQuest on one of our unique South America powder tours. That being said, we realize for some purchasing a trip is not possible at this time of the year so here are our top 5 last minute gift suggestions priced under $300 for the travel minded skier or snowboarder on your list.

#1 Dakine Over Under 64L Rolling Bag

This bag is the most versatile luggage option on the market. We like it because it is a carry-on for most airlines and can fit almost any personal items you would need for a week-long trip. In addition if you need to stuff in a few more things "just to be safe", this bag has an option to expand and be checked.

#2 Dakine High Roller Ski or Snowboard Rolling Bag

Between one of these bags and the above mentioned Over-Under, a skier or snowboarder should be able to take everything they need for a ski trip either domestic or international. In this bag we fit our equipment (skis or snowboard, poles, outerwear, goggles, beacon, shovel, probe, boots) along with other small items that can find convenient hiding places inside and around the above mentioned equipment list.

This bag is padded, durable and well designed. The rolling wheels are built to last and have survived everything our guide staff can dish out. From being strapped on the top of our vehicles as they travel through the Patagonia wilderness to being dropped from the plane onto the tarmac by airline employees this bag is designed to protect your gear and last a long time.

We recommend weighing your bags before heading to the airport and checking with your airline's limits and restrictions. One additional hint is to pack a lightweight nylon bag in with your gear. If for some reason you are over the weight limit, simply remove enough items to bring you under the limit and use the nylon bag as your second checked bag. With the Dakine High-Roller and the Over-Under rolling bags the skier or snowboarder on your list will be equipped with luggage options for a trip to snowboard south america in the summer or just for a weekend trip up to the local mountain.

#3 Smith Optics Goggles & Helmet 


Thankfully these days skiers and snowboarders not wearing helmets are becoming the minority. For those on your list who are still refusing to make the logical choice to wear a helmet, we recommend purchasing the Smith Optics Helmet and Goggle set as a gift. Smith Optics goggles are designed in conjunction with their helmet to provide consistent airflow to prevent fogging and overheating. This incredibly comfortable and performance driven goggle/helmet combination will convert even the most stubborn skier or snowboarder on your list. Help those you love make the intelligent choice and look good while doing it.

Smith Optics I/O Goggles & Vantage Helmet

Sarah Burke with the I/Os (sized for women) and the Maze Helmet 

#4 Black Diamond Expedition Poles


These are a great gift for both snowboarders and skiers on your list. These poles are designed to adjust to any size depending on the snow conditions or terrain and also collapse to attach to a backpack when not in use or when traveling.

Black Diamond is known for making innovative equipment designed to last. These poles will be appreciated by any serious skier or backcountry snowboarder on your holiday list.

#5 Dakine Micro Retractable Lock

This is one of the most versatile items we carry when traveling either internationally or up to the local mountain. There are so many uses it is impossible to list them all but here are a few.  Locking multiple bags together in the airport when waiting for a connection or a ride. Bags that are strapped to a roof rack can use this Micro Lock be secured to that roof rack.  While on the hill it can be wrapped through and around equipment on the ski rack to discourage theft. The cable is small enough to insert into zippers on a Dakine backpack to keep the contents secure inside. The list goes on and on.

The lock is not impossible to break but in our experience discourages any potential thefts both by its appearance and cable design. Get one or two today you will not be sorry!

There you have it, the top 5 gifts for under $300 for 2012. If anyone has additional questions on the above list, the best place to purchase the above items or just needs some feedback on something you have already purchased feel free to give us a call at 1-888-765-7158 or drop us a line at info@PowderQuest.com. We are here to help!

The ultimate gift for any skier or snowboarder is a trip snowboarding Argentina or skiing in Chile in the summer.  Spots for 2012 are filling up quickly!