The women in your life give you so much. This year, give back with this gift guide to some of the best winter gear around.
If she’s an ICE CLIMBER, give her the:
Petzl Nomic – This intuitively designed, lightweight ice axe features a modular head with two removable 
pick weights that allow her to customize the axe to her needs and ability. This means that climbers of all abilities and strengths can achieve perfect axe balance and will be able to swing the axe precisely and strongly each time. Plus, an adjustable ergonomic handle allows for multiple grip modes and smoother hand switching. $298.95; petzl.com
Petzl Meteor – A new take on an old favorite. This feather light helmet has been in the line since 1996, but now it’s even lighter, better ventilated and fits a bit more comfortably thanks to a soft headband that conforms to her head and the breathable foam lining that is positioned to stabilize the helmet on the head. Our favorite addition: the new magnetic buckle on the chinstrap means she only needs one hand to latch it. $99.95
If she’s a BACKCOUNTRY SKIER, get her the:
Scarpa Terminator X Pro W’s Boot – For a long time, Scarpa’s tele boots have been the bo
ots to beat all boots. But now, with this NTN-compatible equivalent of the category-defining T1 Women’s telemark boot, Scarpa has even outdone itself. These boots have a unique ski/walk mechanism that provides mobility so the tour is comfortable and rigidity so your downhill turns are precise and powerful. The SCARPA’s Intuition® Speed Pro Tele Women’s Liner offers warmth in a women’s specific fit and an Active Power Strap cradles her lower leg and provides increased responsiveness and comfort. $699; scarpa.com.
G3 Alpinist High Traction Elle Climbing Skins – The lightest, fastest, best-for-ascending skins around. For an aggressive route or ascending on hard packed surfaces, she’ll want these – the most secure skins she can get. Not only do these have extra traction, but also they have a fun graphic pattern and “RipStrip” non-adhesive strip so she won’t have to strain to pull the skins apart. $167.95; genuineguidegear.com.
If she’s a NORDIC SKIER or SNOWSHOER, get her the:
Patagonia Women’s Thermal Speedwork Zip-Neck – Treated with Polygiene® permanent odor control, this warm, stretchy, breathable piece moves with her, provides warmth, and wicks moisture as she kicks and glides through lung-busting terrain. Whether she wears it next to her skin or over a base layer, the neck zipper and collar provide temperature regulation, zippered chest pocket offers convenient storage for snacks or lip balm and thumb holes at the cuff protect her from stiff breezes and frigid temps. $119; www.patagonia.com.
Ibex Women’s Granite Mountain Glove – The brains at Ibex mixed soft Merino twill flannel with stretchy softshell and added leather in high friction areas to create a highly functional, technical glove that lasts and is made to fit a women’s hand. They threw in extremely soft insulation and a fully Merino wool lining for added warmth and breathability. Details we love: the nose wipe on the thumb and the adjustable Velcro cuff. $120; ibex.com.
If she’s a DOWNHILL SKIER, get her the:
K2 OoolaLUV 85Ti– Swoosh through powder, crush crud and rock firm snow with these versatile all-mountain skis that pair metal laminate with a light core made of aspen, paulownia and bamboo. These sweet planks showcase K2’s new women’s-specific Channel Light Core technology which means grooved channels run lengthwise through the middle of the ski creating a desirable flex pattern and reduced swing weight. $1100 (w/ bindings) $850 (Flat); k2skis.com.
Ibex Women’s Woolies 2 Bottom – Just the right thickness to keep her cozy while cruising downhill, these 100-percent Merino, mid weight long undies rock. And their spunky, digital pattern in fun colors mean she no longer has to only hide them under ski pants; she can also wear them with a skirt to make a fashion statement. $105; ibex.com.
If she’s an ALPINIST, get her the Millet Peuterey Integral 30+10 Pack –Built to withstand abuse from ice axes, skis and crampons, while still having a minimalist design, this all-season pack carries comfortably because it’s tailored to fit a women’s body and utilizes a unique build that allows great freedom of movement. $190; www.millet-mountain.com.
Eddie Bauer Custom W’s Microtherm Stormdown™ Jacket –Built by the First Ascent guide team, this super light, windproof, water repellent jacket with Stormdown™, which still insulates even when wet, is perfect for alpine climbing. Packs into chest pocket so she can stow it or clip it to her harness. And, the best part? This jacket is fully customizable. She chooses from a wide range of colors for each part of the jacket (body, side panels, zipper, interior, etc.) to create a jacket that fully reflects her personality. $249; www.eddiebauer.com
For more ideas, check out: Gift Guide Part 2: Presents for the Active Ladies in Your Life Who Don’t Stop for Winter and Gift Guide Part 3: Presents to Pamper the Active Lady in Your Life.
