CHRISTMAS PRESENTS FOR:

THE SNOWBOARDER: THE ART OF SHRALPINISM

Calling it Shralpinism as a combination of 'shredding' and 'alpinism', the latest book from Jeremy Jones is not so much a technical guide on snowboarding but more a very personal approach to mountains, snow, and adventure, The Art of Shralpinism reflects the extreme and remarkable journey of snowboarding drawing on his experiences and the hundreds of journals he has kept over the years. Catch our interview with the gnar-master, Jeremy Jones here.

And feel good about buying this book as you'll also be gifting 1 percent of the cost towards Jeremy Jones'  climate action mountain community, Protect Our Winters. 

THE SKIER: PERSONAL SKI COACH

However good a skier they are, it's guaranteed they'll get hours of playtime on the pistes from a set of Carvs, the digital ski coach using boot sensors and app designed to improve skiing techniques. Learn your turns with Carv, ride and tested here, which has many extras in the app and endless feedback that drills down on your balance, rotation, edging and pressure, comparing your sessions. There are also training modes that focus on one aspect to help you improve. So not only does it make you carve better, but it also keeps you entertained and on your toes - or at least the balls of your feet.

Or book them a lesson or two with Darren 'Carve' Turner, ski coach (image above) 

THE FASHIONSKISTA: THE COOL VIBE TRIBE

Mountains? Snow? What am I going to wear? What colour jacket? Is it still cool to have a bobble on my beanie? Should my goggles be mirrored? Are my pants too baggy?  Being a Fashionskista is like being on style caffeine. Buying a present for them is daunting so first check out what's new for skiing and snowboarding for 2023. Still stuck? Then buy them a gift voucher from Blue Tomato.     

ANYONE WITH COLD HANDS

As ride and tested by our Backcountry Editor who suffers from the cold because of formerly frostbitten fingers, central-heated mitts from HeatPerformance, founded by a young progressive Dutch couple, are hands down the best on the market. Also available are heated socks, insoles, inner gloves, hats, vests and even a heated pad, so all bases (!) well covered.

ANYONE WITH COLD FEET

These super-insulated boots are the off piste version of snowboots, appealing to lovers of the extreme. Anyone who's been to Japan will recognise them as skiers and snowboarders stomp around in these colourful wellies brightening up the streets. The Niseko 2.0, above, are available online from the Swedish company, Fubuki for around €100.

ON A BUDGET: DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

A Black Diamond ski trap is the only ski carrying accessory with gnar outside the apres bar and extremely practical as you can lash skis with poles (see above) leaving hands free if you're the bloke on a rope. Even if they already have one, he or she can use it on another of the many pairs of skis they're bound to have in their quiver. But, er, check that they're not a snowboarder.

One simple strap will keep one pair of skis together. And only 7.50€ from Decathlon online.

NO BUDGET: THE AXE FACTOR

Book either a skier or a snowboarder on next year's Ice Axe expedition to Antarctica, a journey to see and ski the last great untouched wilderness, as reviewed on Style Altitude via a 5 star expedition ship. Cost of the trip is eye-watering, cost of the experience is priceless! Buy what must be the ultimate giftcard here.

Style Altitude has no affiliate arrangement with any brand or retailer and will not profit from any sales made through links in this feature.