Last-Minute Gift Ideas: the Skiers Ultimate Christmas Wish List
The clock is ticking and days counting down and even though you promised yourself not to leave the Christmas shop to the last minute, the anxiety mounts with a long list of people still to buy gifts for. To add to the mountain of things to do, there is that one particular person who already seems to have it all. An adventure ski enthusiast, with a buffed physique and all year tan – who spends extended seasons in the Alps – before catching some sun on a luxury yacht to recover from the strenuous activity of jumping off ledges into waist-deep powder.
In hope of alleviating some of the stress, here are 10 top ideas for the seasoned luxury traveller to help inspire your last minute Christmas shopping.
1. Ravean Heated Sleeping Bag (£200)
After battling a sub-zero day on the mountain, what could be more inviting than a zip-up cocoon to warm up in? An ideal gift for the backcountry skier or mountaineer, Ravean make two rechargeable heated sleeping bags; a simple traditional bag and a wearable version. A single charge will last up to 12hrs to get you through the night, with temperature control to regulate warmth for maximum comfort.
Every keen skier wants to own a GoPro to re-live the days’ action. A popular gadget for adrenalin junkies, extreme feats captured on GoPros have gone viral, exciting and thrilling online viewers. You might be thinking ‘surely the skier who has it all has already invested in a GoPro’ – and indeed perhaps they have. However, the new GoPro Hero5 is no ordinary GoPro. This easy-to-use mini device is the ultimate camera for rugged terrain and the latest ‘must-have’ in wearable technology. With superior features to include advance stabilisation, hands-free voice control and 4K video + 10MP photos; this nifty piece of tech is waterproof without housing to 33ft (10m) and allows instant access and sharing with auto cloud upload. Barely bigger than a ring box, the GoPro is one gift bound to crack a Christmas smile.
4. TuXSedo GoPro Cover (£14-£25)
If your looking for something a little more understated to fill the stocking, check out these GoPro cases from Xsories. Made from stretchy, weather-resistant neoprene, these super fun ‘Tuxsedo’s’ will personalise, accessorise and add little fun to any alpine repertoire!
5. Consensio Alpine Mystery Package (££ dependent on travel)
Give someone an experience that can never be replicated – leaving treasured memories for keepsake. Consensio offers bespoke Alpine Mystery Experiences that will showcase a whole new side of the Alps to even the most seasoned of skiers. The intrigue of not knowing what’s on the days’ agenda will add an exciting and curious holiday twist to keep guests on their toes. Package prices are dependent on the time of travel and are subject to availability. Yet all bookings will include accommodation in one of Consensio’s stunning fully catered and staffed luxury ski chalets in the French Alps, a free-flowing service of Perrier Jouët, 2 local mystery activities + 1 mystery challenge and a special evening of in-chalet entertainment.
Brand new for 2016 Abom Anti-Fog Googles use a pioneering invisible heat-conductive film between a two-part lens. At the touch of a button, a rechargeable battery sends a heated current through the two lenses to clear the internal fog that clouds your vision when skiing. According to Abom “It is the most powerful, comfortable, effective technology ever put in a goggle.”
Not the cheapest Googles on the market but a reasonable price considering the innovative technology. The battery life is approximately 7 hours in “active mode” yet if need be, there is boost mode which will allow for a quick 10 minute defog before automatically switching off until reactivated.
7. POC Fornix Communication Helmet (£200)
Also new to the market for 2016 is the POC Fornix Communication Helmet with integrated Beats audio. Wired with top quality Beat headphones, users simply snake the detachable cord with remote and microphone under their jacket and attach to their preferred audio device. Offering supreme bass and louder sound output to that of the Outdoor Technology Chips Bluetooth headphone accessory, you can expect a little sound leakage for those sitting up close on the chair lift. Initially, the helmet came in a choice of black, white and red – however, it appears red will be discontinued for 2017
8. Slytech One Lite Harlaut Back Protector (£115)
Admittedly, this is not the most glamorous of gifts! But I am all for practical gifts and take it from someone with back issues, this ninja turtleback brace is a game-changer on the mountain. Low profile and light, Swedish free-skier Henrik Harlaut’s barely-there pro model back brace ensures peace of mind, offering support and stability on the mountain. Its superior design is surprisingly comfortable, softening with body heat and hardening upon on impact to stabilise and absorb the shock of a landing. It comes in four sizes and has an adjustable Velcro belt to ensure a secure fit.
7. Chelski Lessons (starting from £39.95)
Indoor skiing you ask… Why on earth would an avid super skier hit a moving indoor carpet? Well, believe it or not indoor skiing is a great resource for refining technique, maintaining fitness and recovering from injury. Set in the heart of London’s chic Chelsea on Kings Rd, ChelSki is a high-tech facility with professional instructors. With no more than 3 customers on the slope at any one time, it is money well spent!
A little dorky but definitely novel – The hanskie is a very mumsy gift but a practical one all the same. It solves the noteworthy problem of cold fingertips when retaining a solid grip on the all-important après-beer. A traditional Icelandic design, this slightly odd-looking glove is handmade from a soft wool blend and granted– the website does a good job of making it look cool! One thing is for sure, the Hanskie will certainly make for an entertaining gift!
9. Schusser Luxury Alpine Luggage
Handcrafted in England, this beautiful range of ski and sports luggage is one of those luxury items you might feel reluctant to purchase for yourself – which of course is what makes it such a great gift! Every piece of Schusser luggage is handcrafted with uncompromised attention to quality and versatility. The soft brown leather is a durable and hardy oozing classic charm. You are bound to fall in love with these bags and might even have to ask Santa for one for yourself!
10. Après-Ski Russian Vodka (£20- £3.7M)
If all else fails opt for a suitable Après-Ski beverage to warm the cockles. For some extra bling– just add diamonds! Vodka is a safe bet and our Russian sales consultant – Julia would be very disappointed if I was not to suggest a “True Russian Vodka” – something that will completely knock your socks off!
You can’t beat a classic Stoli sensibly priced at around £20 per bottle. Spicy and elegant, this Vodka is said to be both vicious and sweet – a good mix of naughty and nice.
But if you want to splash out on a lavish Christmas gift, at the other end of the scale there is always the Billionaires Vodka – suitably named to match its almost £3M price tag. Unsurprisingly Billionaires Vodka is known to be the most expensive Vodka in the world; only produced for a select group of high-end and influential clientele. The bottle has been designed by the famous luxury designer Leon Verres, whilst the five litres of vodka it contains is distilled over precious diamonds worth millions in their own right. The bottle will sparkle on the mantlepiece encrusted with the 3000 diamonds and Swarovski crystals used to create the letter ‘I’ of the title Billionaire.
