Christmas Presents for Skiers and Snowboarders

1)  Insta360 X5 Camera

Let's face it there's a limit to what a mobile phone can capture when it comes to ski and snowboard photography. The Insta360 X5 is the latest action camera with groundbreaking image quality, rugged durability, and AI-powered ease of use, setting a new benchmark for what 360° cameras can achieve - and a great present.

X5's larger 1/1.28" sensors and lightning-fast Triple AI Chip system deliver a dramatic leap in image quality across all resolutions, including stunning 8K30fps 360° video. With PureVideo, a new AI-powered low-light mode, X5 achieves crisp, cinematic footage in challenging lighting.

Built for outdoor adventures, this is the toughest 360° camera ever. Its lenses are crafted from a new ultra-durable glass, while a first-of-its-kind replaceable lens system sets a new standard for the industry, allowing you to swap out damaged lenses on the go. Further hardware upgrades like a built-in wind guard, extended 3-hour battery life, and waterproofing to 49ft, make X5 the ultimate companion for active creators.

There's not even any need to take warm gloves off and freeze fingers to start the camera rolling when using it mounted on an invisible stick (image above).

Available via the Insta360 Official Store, Amazon, and select retailers for around $600.

2)  Panda RS2 Polarised Ski Goggles

Goggles are a precious piece of kit for any skier or snowboarder. A pair with technical lenses can make all the difference on a cloudy or white-out day, as well as a bright and sunny one. But they, also, have to look good, give wide panoramic vision, and slot neatly under the helmet.

So giving PANDA Optics goggles is a gift that keeps on giving in both performance and style. The new RS2 goggles combine state-of-the-art optics, a revolutionary lens-swapping system, and unparalleled comfort features, engineered for riders seeking peak performance in every condition. Check out these key features:

• Upgraded Magnetic Lens System with Reinforced Side Clips: Enables quick, secure lens swaps without compromising stability, even during high-intensity runs.
• Free Low-Light HD Lens included: Optimised for overcast, snowy, or dusk conditions, ensuring clarity when visibility is challenging.
• Enhanced Polarised Optics: Delivers superior glare reduction, sharper contrast, and true-to-life colour definition.
• Integrated Guma® Anti-Fog Technology: Advanced anti-fog system combining innovative lens coating and enhanced ventilation to maintain clear vision all day.
• Significant Lower Ventilation Upgrade: Improved airflow reduces fogging and regulates temperature inside the goggle, even in extreme conditions.
• Reduced Frame Depth with Increased Lens Depth: Streamlined for maximum comfort without compromising peripheral vision, offering riders a broader, more immersive field of view.
• Refined Comfort Design: Triple-layer moisture-wicking foam, helmet compatibility, and a frame fit optimised for all-day wear.
• All-Condition Versatility: Engineered for any rider, anywhere on the mountain, from bluebird groomers to powder chutes.

Available from Panda Optics for £142.

3) Carv Digital Ski Coach

If you know a skier who doesn't have Carv digital ski coach sensors (and over 50,000 worldwide now do) then this is a great gift for their ski technique. Carv not only gives performance tips for all levels, but also has a global leaderboard so even carving pros are challenged to crank harder to get to the top of the league.

The latest Carv 2 sensors simply clip onto each boot strap, but give feedback from a shed load of data, sent to the wearer's mobile via bluetooth as they ski. Carv tracks every run and each turn, analysing technique to show exactly how to improve, as piste-tested by STYLE ALTITUDE.

Along with the digital ski coach, technique tips can be learnt from the Carve Master, Ted Ligety (image above), winner of two Olympic Golds and five World Championships, who has developed one of the most exciting carving turns in skiing and is now partnered with Carv to share the secrets to perfect carving.

For a season's Carv skiing including free sensors, the cost is around €250 from Carv.

4) Goggle Sunglasses

Buy these new google sunglasses as a present and give style kudos. As in the cycling world, sunglasses have become super-sized so they're not only stylish but also extremely practical offering a wider view and protection for eyes in snow and sun.

The Wildcat Performance Sunglasses (above) come with two large lenses, which combine ChromaPop and contrast enhancement with light-responsive PhotoChromic tech. They are also designed to integrate with Smith helmets for a gap free fit and fog-free riding.

5) Imbrace Compression Leggings

Anyone you know have knee or leg issues when it comes to skiing or snowboarding? Then they'll really thank you for a pair of Imbrace support leggings. Based on the original, best-selling and award-winning Snow Sport Base Layer, the Imbrace Gen 2 takes performance, comfort, and protection to the next level. Designed to be worn under salopettes or a waterproof shell, the Imbrace Gen 2 retains the advanced support and innovative fabric technology that made the original a favourite among skiers, snowboarders, and mountain professionals.

Just ask Chemmy Alcott, above right, four times winter Olympian. An ambassador for Imbrace, she has suffered 49 broken bones including her neck when she was 11, and her leg which required over 1028 minutes of surgery. but continues her sporting endeavours including skiing full pelt down slalom courses while presenting Ski Sunday.

Or read our Tech Editor's ride and tested review, here.

Around €192 from Imbrace.

6) Heated Gloves

Hands up if you know someone who suffers from cold hands, especially on exposed chairlifts in January? Buy them heated mitts. Our STYLE ALTITUDE Ski Editor, Ken, is a big fan of HeatPerformance, founded by a young progressive Dutch couple.  

Even without any heating on the gloves are well insulated and windproof. Turned up to max, they're toasty. And  by leaving them on a low setting they give enough background heat to stop the onset of frigidity.

With a 7.4v 2600 lithium battery tucked away neatly in a waterproof zippered pocket there seems to be ample power for a day's skiing if the power is managed as above..

The company also offers other heated products such as heated socks, insoles, inner gloves, hats, vests and even a heated pad, so all bases (!) well covered.

Supreme heated goat leather mittens with dual heating and 3M Thinsulate lining for around €200 from HeatPerformance.

And Then There Are Always Socks...

Every ski and snowboarders appreciates a new pair of quality socks. You can't go wrong giving Decathlon ski or snowboard Merino socks, for around $25..

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