We were warned to start shopping early this year. Yet if you’re a chronic procrastinator who would rather spend sunny days riding and snowy days skiing (like us), getting over to a crowded store after Thanksgiving just didn’t make the to-do list. Thankfully, there are still plenty of ways to spread holiday cheer (and to avoid the wrath of empty-handed family and friends). Don’t sweat the supply chain with these guaranteed-to-find gifts and wow-inducing experiences, all for the most outdoorsy among us.
Find it locally
Visit these storefronts on the Front Range.
Norrøna
Where to get it: Boulder
There’s no need to worry about any supply chain shenanigans when you opt for that old-fashioned way of shopping: actually going into a store. The Norwegian outdoor apparel (and much more) experts at Norrøna have a well-stocked storefront situated down on the Pearl Street walking mall—Neptune Mountaineering in South Boulder carries the brand as well. We love their hardy Trollveggen Powerstretch Pro Zip Hood ($209), a durable yet breathable midlayer perfect for days adventuring in the backcountry. Available in men’s and women’s. norrona.com
Title Nine
Where to get it: Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs
No matter where you live along the Front Range, there’s a Title Nine location relatively close. We love this brand for their sassy attitude and the fact that they’re women-owned. Your leading ladies will also dig their function-meets-fashion approach to apparel. See it in their quick-drying Por Vida 2.0 Sweater ($129). titlenine.com
Patagonia
Where to get it: Boulder, Denver
Known for taking a stand on environmental and supply chain issues, Patagonia is a brand outdoor enthusiasts love to support. Their Nano Puff Jacket ($199), for instance, is windproof, water-resistant, and filled with PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, while boasting a Fair Trade certification. Find it in men’s, women’s, kid’s, and toddler styles. Also check out Patagonia’s Worn Wear store, located on Pearl Street, which offers used and vintage items. Research from the brand indicates buying used gear extends its life on average by 2.2 years, which reduces its carbon, waste and water footprint by an impressive 73%. patagonia.com
Deviation Distilling
Where to get it: Denver
Drop by Deviation Distilling’s location in Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District on a Friday or Saturday to sample one of the taproom’s seasonal cocktails. Then head home with a craft gin or flavorful whiskey (or both) for under the tree. We’re fans of their holiday trio pack ($42), which includes 200-ml bottles of their Citrus Rosé, Spice Trade, and Mountain Herb gins. deviationdistilling.com
Arc’Teryx Outlet
Where to get it: Castle Rock
Last-minute shoppers looking for a bargain should head down to the Outlets at Castle Rock, south of Denver. Expect to find great deals on top-notch outdoor gear from Black Diamond, Columbia, Eddie Bauer, The North Face, and Oakley. Our favorite though is the men’s/women’s Beta LT Jacket from Arc’Teryx ($368), a waterproof shell made with bluesign-approved Gore-Tex fabric. Buy it from the outlet and save a whopping $157 off the retail price. arcteryx.com
Opt for Experiential
Give the gift of unforgettable memories with one of these trips.
St. Regis Aspen
Treat yourself and the others on the “Nice” list to a stay at the swanky St. Regis, Aspen (rates vary). Just two blocks from the Silver Queen Gondola at Aspen Mountain, the five-star hotel is ideally situated for a luxury ski getaway. You’ll get the day started with a ring to your personal butler who will deliver gourmet coffee, hot cocoa (with or without marshmallows), or a selection of teas to your room before walking the short distance to the slopes. After a day chasing powder, relax in one of the three hot tubs, enjoy a massage from the on-site Remède Spa, or just kick back with a Downhill Snapper, their garden-to-glass take on the Bloody Mary. marriott.com/hotels/travel/asexr-the-st-regis-aspen-resort
Mountain Village at Lake Estes
Given that Estes Park is just an hour and a half from Denver, those of us on the Front Range often think of the mountain town as a day-trip destination. We recommend, however, that you make it an overnight expedition with a stay in one of the cabins at Mountain Village at Lake Estes (rates vary). Their 1,577 square-foot, two-story cabins include two bedroom suites (plus pull-out couches to sleep four more people), custom kitchens for decadent breakfasts, and a personal hot tub to soak muscles tired from snowshoeing through Moraine Park or backcountry skiing at Hidden Valley. mountainvillageestespark.com
Snag these pieces online
Online inventory is stocked and ready to go on these styles and selections.
Suunto 9 Peak
Built for the trail with170 hours of GPS recording capacity and more than 80 sport modes, the Suunto 9 Peak’s (starting at $569) clean design is also stylish enough for date night. Expect standard features of the Suunto 9 family like customizable screens to show the most relevant data for your workout and accurate wrist-based heart rate monitoring, as well as updates like faster charging (0% to 100% in an hour) and a new watch face that showcases weekly training metrics. suunto.com
Colorado Crafted Spa Box
Carefully curated with quality, local treats, bath products, and other goodies, the line-up of gift boxes from Colorado Crafted offers a taste of the Centennial State. There are plenty of chocolatey options if your outdoors-lover has a sweet tooth, but we suggest sending a bit of post-workout bliss with the Spa Box ($97), complete with Lavender Sugar Scrub, Grapefruit & Rosemary Sea Mineral Body Polish, and more. coloradocraftedbox.com
Solo Stove Bonfire
We haven’t put our finger on it exactly. It could be the crackling white noise of the popping logs. Or maybe it’s the mesmerizing flick of the flames. Whatever je ne sais quoi is at play, we’ve found that the best conversations happen over an open fire. With Solo Stove, you can bring that campground vibe to the backyard. Plus, the purposeful design minimizes smoke and ash so you can enjoy the campfire without smelling like one. We dig the 19.5-inch diameter Bonfire size ($250), though larger and smaller sizes are available. solostove.com
Pearl Izumi Men’s PRO Air Bib Short
Perfect for logging serious mileage on the trainer as well as for heading out on rides IRL, the Men’s PRO Air Bib Short ($275) from Louisville-based Pearl Izumi is feather-light and equipped with a proprietary cooling technology. User reviews dub the chamois “surprisingly supple” and “a lifesaver on long gravel rides.” pearlizumi.com
Tracksmith Downeaster Crew
Boston-based running brand Tracksmith has nailed an old-school cool that’s equal parts preppy and totally badass. The runner in your life will dig their Downeaster Crew ($138), made with a merino wool and polypropylene blend that’s perfect for ticking off miles in chilly temps as well as snuggling up with a book après workout. Available in men’s and women’s. tracksmith.com
Saucony Triumph 19
Whether your gift recipient is making New Year’s running resolutions or just keeping pace with their regular workout schedule, Saucony’s Triumph 19 ($150) is a great option for both ladies and gents. It’s sock-like fit molds to the foot; it’s proprietary PWRRUN+ cushioning reduces the pounding; and the new mesh upper promises enhanced breathability in a lighter package. saucony.com
Avocado Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets
Great sleep is essential for high performance. And with a luxurious 600-1,000 thread count per inch, the Organic Superfine Suvin Cotton Sheets ($296 for the queen size, 600 thread count) from eco-forward brand Avocado Green Mattress practically sing you a lullaby. Knowing that the B Corporation’s factory is powered entirely by renewable energy and that the brand donates to 1% for the Planet will further ensure you rest easy. Wrap these up for your SO–then you can enjoy them too! avocadogreenmattress.com
Howler Brothers Palo Duro Fleece Hoodie
If the man in your life is still looking for that perfect knock-about, post-adventure staple of a hoodie, it’s time to check out the Palo Duro Fleece ($99) from Howler Brothers. The polyester grid fleece is snuggly without being too hot and the zippered stash pocket is great for holding keys or a credit card. howlerbros.com
Patagonia Provisions Snacks
Patagonia Provisions offers a tasty line-up of trail-ready snacks and meals from organic savory seeds (the mellow curry is our go-to flavor) and fruit + nut bars to 6-ounce tins of salmon and mackerel (pricing varies). Most importantly, these vittles are sourced using regenerative practices. patagoniaprovisions.com
