Christmas Gifts for the Snowboarder

Shannon’s list of Christmas gifts for the snowboarder had prodded me to come up with my own list. Most riders would appreciate a new pair of boots or a new board, but unless your snowboarder has expressed a very explicit and firm interest in a particular board or set of boots, I’d say stay away, since personal taste matters so much in those items.

So many of the items below are more of commodities–one size fits all, if you will. Unlike a new board, they’re generally inexpensive as well.

1. A group or private lesson.
If someone you know is interested in snowboarding but hasn’t started, this is the way to get them started. Many ski areas will offer a deal that packages rental equipment, lift tickets, and instructional time. They’re usually a bargain compared with what it would cost to purchase each item one by one. By the way, even advanced riders can benefit from lessons, too.

2. A new pair of gloves with built-in wrist guards.
Wrist injuries are among the most common injuries, especially for new snowboarders. I use Flexmeter gloves. In addition to protecting my wrist, they give me a sense of power with the “Darth Vader” look.

3. A copy of Leocha’s Ski/Snowboard America 2009.

Charlie Leocha knows his stuff. So does his stable of writers. Get the information you need on destination mountains in this book, which makes for great bedtime reading.

4. A subscription to Frequency magazine.

Most snowboarding magazines are simply unreadable. Frequency is different–though your snowboarder will appreciate the photos more than the text. Great visuals will keep your rider dreaming of big-mountain days.

5. An iPod Nano.

OK, so this is a bit spendy, at $150. But it’s a useful companion for the rider who spends more time on the chairlift than on the slopes. And of course many snowboarders enjoy having music to go with them. The Nano is lightweight and, lacking any moving parts, can absorb falls.

6. Toe warmers and hand warmers.
It’s cold out there, and if your toes aren’t happy, you’re not going to be happy. Ditto for the fingers. These little pouches are filled with chemicals that heat up when you open the outer wrapping and then stick them inside a pair of gloves or boots. They can work for hours at a time, and make great stocking stuffers. They’re also cheap and widely available at sporting goods stores.

7. Gloves for driving to the ski hill.
Granted, this is a boring pick, but it’s relatively cheap. I like Obermeyer spring gloves. They’re comfortable and lightweight, so they won’t feel like you’re driving with mittens. But they take off the chill until the heater kicks in. Don’t like those? That’s fine; any gloves will do. I’m always looking for a pair of gloves.

8. A folding chair.
What? Yes, a folding chair. Your snowboarder sticks it in the trunk of the car, and pulls it out once he or she gets to the parking lot. Snowboard boots are comfortable, but you really can’t drive in them, so you’re going to have to change into boots somewhere. Why not save the trouble of hauling stuff to the lodge by taking a seat in the parking lot and changing there?

Well there you go: Eight gifts that take you most of the way towards the 12 days of Christmas.