A new snowboard or pair of skis may make a wonderful holiday gift, but obviously neither will fit in the stockings hung by the chimney with care. Never fear, however, plenty of snowsports accessories make excellent stocking stuffers to go along with the skis or board wrapped with a big bow.
Stockings are socks' cousin, so ski socks make a logical place to start on a stocking stuffers gift list. Made with both merino and alpaca wool, Dahlgren Sno Comp socks ($20) have patented "Dri-Stride Technology" with wicking rings and channels to transfer moisture away from your feet. No, socks aren't boring, they're techie.
For the kids' stockings, Point6 kid's ski socks ($15) use merino wool to keep youngsters' feet warm. Based in Steamboat Springs, Colo., Point6 was started by Peter and Patty Duke, the initial founders of the ubiquitous SmartWool brand.
Also for the kids, Giro Chico kids goggles ($25) are available with the familiar Paul Frank monkey on the strap. Although it won't fit in the stocking, the Giro Slingshot kid's helmet ($60) is also available with graphics of Julius the monkey.
The Snowcraft CoPilot Ski Trainer ($40) is another nifty little item for the kids. Leash systems for children on the slopes are rather common, but Snowcraft's version is unusual because the straps attach at the boots, rather than the upper body. The design helps alleviate the criticism that leashes interfere with a child's natural skiing stance.
Stoic Liner Gloves ($24) can help fill up a stocking and be useful on their own in mild weather. For skiers and boarders who like to carry their electronics on the mountain, the Marmot Connect Glove ($30) has a conductive, touch-screen compatible index finger, so there's no need to tear off your gloves to make a call or change music.
Yaktrax SkiTrax ($20) make walking in ski boots much easier and protect the boot soles from wear and tear in the process. While the basic idea has been around for years with Seirus Cat Tracks ($15), Yaktrax SkiTrax have a unique heel-to-toe roll design that does make walking more natural.
Energy bars are a staple food for serious skiers and boarders. Kate's Tram Bars (6 for $21) add a ski-theme inspired by Jackson Hole's famous red tram. Made of all natural ingredients, each bar packs 360 calories. Be sure to keep the bars in an inner jacket pocket on storm days, because they will get a little hard if they get too cold.
Finally, a good book to read in the lodge can complete both a ski day and this stocking stuffer gift list. "In Search of Powder: A Story of America's Disappearing Ski Bum" ($17) by Jeremy Evans investigates the changing culture in ski-resort areas such as Lake Tahoe and Jackson Hole.
-- Eric Wagnon