Counting today, there are just 12 more days to find that perfect gift for your skier. And as always the question is how can you go shopping without letting it interfere with your ski time. One way is to do your shopping at ski shops on or near the mountain.
Be on the mountain early for the best conditions, then hit the shops. This time of year there isn’t a lot open, so you can hit most of the runs by lunchtime. Start with the shops on the mountain and work your way through shops on the access road on your way home. That’s my plan.
If you can wait until after the holidays to ski, you can use shops away from the slopes. Either way, time is short so here are some ideas. Of course, we’ll start with skis.
We have three strong choices for the guys. Let’s begin with the Volkl Racetiger GS. This ski will handle at high speeds for the guy or gal who likes to race. At the same time, it’s an easy “into the turn, all mountain” ski for advanced recreational skiers. This versatile model will make any turn at any speed and has plenty of stability. With bindings, this ski lists for $1,200, but you can probably buy it for less. There is also a race stock GS, but it is not as versatile.
For that macho guy who loves speed and gates, check out the Rossignol 9X World Cup RK. Team its new RKI GS specific plate with the Race Stock FKS World Cup binding, and this ski will carve turns in or out of the gates. The plate can be adjusted to the desired performance. Lock down the front to push power forward, or the tail to add a powerful finish to the turn. Set in the middle for a more forgiving cruiser. This one will make him smile before he even hits the slopes. Skis $1,079; bindings $389.
Our first two are race skis that will do other things. The Atomic Metron is an all-mountain, wide carver with a race ski feel when you lay it over.
For that skier who leaves the groomed runs to ski in the trees and in unbroken snow, the Metron B-5 is 76 mm wide at the waist and 131 at the tip. That gives it the flotation, and a 162 cm model will be plenty of ski for all but heavy, aggressive skiers. The surprise comes when the ski is laid over. It carves like a racer. Ski $949; binding $219. But you can find it for less.
Got a lady on your list? Volkl has the Attiva series, not only a ski designed for women, but with a matching clothing line. From the Queen Attiva, down through the S1, there are six skis for all ability levels. The 20/20 core is 20 percent lighter and 20 percent softer than the men’s core. Combine this with the women specific ski binding system, Attiva Motion, and make her really happy on the big day and even happier on the mountain. Price $895. Add the matching Attiva Diamond Jacket with Alcantara leather and score big points – $429.
Our boot selection for Christmas is the Dalbello Avanti V11. With today’s shorter skis, we don’t need those super-stiff racing boots, but we do need a great fit and this boot with the Truflex Supercomp Innerboot is one of the easiest to slip on. For all but the racers, this boot will give your skier top performance, but don’t tell him you only spent $349.
A new pair of gloves is always welcome, and what could be better than the Teflon Smooth Leather NFX-1 Bad Boy from Swany. This top-of-the-line glove has the feel a skier wants and the warmth and comfort he needs – $120
Okay, maybe you don’t have the budget for new boots. There are some items that can make the old ones better. How about the Therm-ic Footwarmer Supermax. This can provide a toasty 99 degrees of heat for 12 hours, and the battery is rechargeable and usable worldwide. Can be added to any boot for $179.95
Another item to fix old boots could be a fitting session, including a footbed. Because this is a custom product, the ski shop doesn’t name specific materials. We recommend spending some time with a boot fitter and having needed adjustments made. Cost varies from a bit of shimming and padding or new footbeds from $25 to $150.
The Uvex Capability. The spheric litemirror blue lens shields the eyes from sunlight while providing plenty of contrast. Super Helix is a great goggle choice. For the stocking, there are plenty of small items all skiers can use.
Taking care of those occasional burrs we get on our edges right on the slopes can be done with the Edge Trick from FK Tools. This device has adjustable angles for $21. To protect those skis while sipping some hot chocolate, the SkiKey is about as secure a lock as can be found. Look for it around $20. Other items that can be found for a buck or two include heating pads for gloves, Chapstick and sunscreen.
If these aren’t enough, there are always certificates for lift tickets. Of course, if your budget is more like mine, pick up a copy of Charlie Leocha’s Ski America and Canada for $24.95 and let them plan their own trip. The point is there are presents for skiers to fit every budget. Just squeeze the shopping in between or during ski trips.
Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.
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