Holiday Gift Guide #2
11/20/2023 10:00AM ● By Ski Town Media StaffHoliday Gift Guide #2: For the ski bum who needs to hit 100+ days.
1) T-Bar merch. From koozies to Voile Straps to rolling papers to hoodies, nothing screams Steamboat Steeze like rocking some gear from the coolest bar on the mountain. Bonus: you have to buy merch at T-Bar, not online, so you can go see the scene for yourself.
2) Steamboat Resort Uphill Access armband. Anyone who paid for uphill access in seasons past will tell you that it’s a rarity to get checked for an armband when you’re skinning up the resort, but part of the proceeds go to local nonprofits like Routt County SAR and the Routt County Crisis Center, as well as Friends of Colorado Avalanche Information Center, so you’ll earn some karma points. $39, purchase online at www.steamboat.com.
3) The best ski socks in the ‘Boat. After local couple Patty and Peter Duke sold their former company, Smartwool, they decided to start Point6 right here in Steamboat. Made of high-quality Merino wool, the Dukes reinvented their Point6 socks to not only use more sustainable production methods than their Smartwool predecessor, but they’re also made to be more durable and comfortable. $23.95-$29.95, www.point6.com
4) A membership to the Old Town Hot Springs because, let’s face it – you don’t make it 100+ days without a tomahawk or two that leaves you stiffer than a brand new 130-flex ski boot, and nothing whispers relaxation like a yoga class coupled with a soak in the hot spring or an hour-long massage. Membership prices vary.
5) Reusable snack bags so your favorite skier doesn’t have to pay $15 for a basket of French fries. Starting at $10, available locally at Natural Grocers.
6) A Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio. Founded in Denver in 2019, Rocky Talkie has quickly gained popularity amongst hard-core adventurers. With normal usage, Rocky Talkies can last up to four days on one charge, even in extreme cold. Plus, they have a usable range of up to five miles, so staying in touch, even in the backcountry, is easy. Starting at $110.
7) There’s nothing worse than buying a brand new ski boot at the start of the season only to have the sole wear out by the time the spring break rush gets to town. A pair of Seirus Cat Tracks will prevent that, making boots last a decade. $25 at Ski Haus.
8) There’s a reason that Kinco gloves and mittens are so popular in Steamboat. Originally designed as an outdoor work glove and later adopted by skiers and snowboarders alike, Kincos don’t just keep hands warm; the durable material lasts for years and years. (Bonus steeze points if you Sharpie some original artwork on these bad boys). Prices start at $29.99 at Ace Hardware.