Gift Guide to her favourite things for Christmas 2018

Burton Women’s Rider’s 23L Backpack €70

When jacket pockets have been stuffed to the brim full of essential crap for a day spent on the mountain, all girls are happy to direct any overspill into a nifty backpack. Not only does this Burton number (above left)r have a vertical snowboard carry system; it’s got a fleece-lined goggle compartment, a padded waist belt, is hydration-pack friendly, has an easy access shovel plus probe storage section and looks like it could hold at least six, maybe seven, cans for gondola beers.

Eivy Shorty Sports Bra €35

Bored with plain mono-coloured base layers, Swedish fashion designer and snowboarder Anna Vister created Eivy in 2009 as a women specific base layer brand. With the fashion house located at the bottom of Åre’s slopes, Anna’s knockout range has injected a hefty dose of style and pretty to women’s sports under layers that are multiFUNctional without being a complete snoozefest. Treat her to something soft and supportive (above centre) this Christmas.

Armada Carmel Windstopper Mittens £62

What girl can say that a 'bright copper kettle' is one of her favourite things? But warm mittens? Now you're talking. They say ‘cold hands, cold heart*’, but just because you’re empty on the inside doesn’t mean your fingers can’t be toasty on the outside. Have you tried mittens? They’re a complete game-changer for those of us with poor hand circulation and who end up biting back tears of icy pain on chilly chairlifts each winter. These snug Armada babies (above right) have a super grippy palm and are made with Gore Windstopper® lining to keep frosty winds from nibbling at your fingernails.

*Yes. I know that’s not the correct saying.

Nikita Sycamore Jacket €250

A ski or snowboard jacket should consist of three elements:

• Be waterproof and cosy af.

• Have deep pockets, phone pockets, secret pockets, money pockets, lift-pass pockets and did I mention pockets?

• Gives you a little thrill of confidence when catching a reflection on a mirrored surface.

Nikita is a 90s pioneer in women’s skate and snowwear (when there basically was none), and now they’re a leader in fusing design and function from streetwear to mountains. This feature packed long-line jacket (above left) in a delicious maraschino cherry hue is also made as a navy and electric tie-dye option. Who knew red and camouflage would go so well together. 

Girl vs Cancer BANGERS Sweatshirt £38

Help smack breast cancer by the boob by picking up a charity sweatshirt (above second left) or tit-tee where 25 percent of the sale will be split between four amazing organisations. Each time the wearer gets their ‘BANGERS’ jumper out it will serve as a reminder to check their own lady lumps, and most likely be a conversation starter where others can be reminded to do the same or get their own jubblies jumper.

Dakine Mirco Ski Lock £9.99

This is probably the most unsexy, no-fun, Ms Practical-Pants-type-of-present to ever gift someone, but the theft of winter sports equipment in the mountains unfortunately is a common occurrence. In the safe bubble-like mindset of a ski resort, holidaymakers and seasonaires implicitly trust that everyone else is also there for good times and Aperol; but there’s absolutely nothing stopping a criminal swiping a set of £400 skis or limited edition snowboard from outside an après bar and walking away. Deter these party-poopers with a lightweight but decent lock (above second right) and carry on dancing.

LUX LODGE Stance socks £24.99

There are socks, then there are socks. These are the latter. Stance socks weave technical credibility into splashy designs which will appeal to the jazziest of personalities and the fussiest of sports nerds. With a seamless toe-closure, graduated compression, left and right engineered arch support AND this winter’s animal-print trend in metallic gold (above right), wearers will have the fanciest feet on the pistes.

Dope Con Ski Pants £126

Like shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, finding decent snow pants is a delicate art. Obviously everyone has a personal preference on what mountain look they want to achieve, but we can all agree that no one wants gut-squeezing pants that give even a hint of camel-toe. You can’t go wrong with a slim-fit leg and a mid-rise hip which flatters most shapes. These pants (above left) from British snow and streetwear brand Dope are designed to fit close to the body but still give some wiggle room with their stretchability.

Rainbow plate hip flask £9.99

You don’t win friends with salad, but you do win friends with a sneaky booze flask (above centre) of your favourite tipple. Ideal for a quick nip to warm up, to save pennies when piste prices are too steep until payday or just because iridescent rainbow is your jam no matter what the product is. Please, please, please drink responsibly. Prost!

Jones Twin Sister Snowboard £435

Gorgeous graphics and killer looks aside, the versatile Women’s Twin Sister (above right) is a ride anything, do anything board. It’s innovative blunt profile nose shape perfect for intermediate to expert riders exploring all types of terrains. Perfect for mucking around in the park, playing on the pistes or cruising backcountry treelines; so Santa, hurry down that chimney tonight

Now check out our Guy's Gift Guide