As the gift-giving season gears up, it’s good to remember that the very best things in life are free. Sunrise dawn patrol on the mountain, your kid landing his first 360, playing hooky on a powder day. “Every year, I wish for the same thing,” says big-mountain skier Kalen Thorien. “Oodles of powder and a solid snowpack. There is no physical item that would surpass my desire to be hiking and skiing perfect snow.”
But if the weather gods fail to deliver, there’s always retail therapy. To help with your shopping, we asked some of the top women athletes what they covet most this season. Here’s a one-stop, adrenaline-infused wish list that will appeal to all the adventure girls in your life.
BOGA Classic Bamboo SUP
“My favorite activity after a long run on Mount Tam is to go paddle boarding with my son in Sausalito,” says Oakland, California–based ultra runner Magdalena Boulet, who won the TransRockies 6-day stage race in August. “It’s a great recovery activity, and there’s nothing better than sharing a board with your kid.” The Classic Bamboo board from BOGA ($1,195) is as aesthetically pleasing as it is performance oriented. At 11-feet-two-inches tall and 30 inches wide, the board is a sandwich of bamboo and PVC construction, plenty stable for two, yet nimble enough for racing and surfing.
Stio Hometown Down Hooded Parka
Designed in Jackson Hole and made of 650-fill water repellent down, Stio’s Hometown Down Parka ($325) provides bomber warmth in a surprisingly sleek package. “I’ve always wanted a full length down jacket and the fit on this one is really flattering,” says pro ski-mountaineer Sari Anderson, who lives and trains in Carbondale, Colorado. The roomy adjustable hood with a poppy red liner means you won’t be out in the cold if you forget your hat.
Mons Royale Boy Leg Short and Bra
The search for the world’s perfect stocking stuffer ends here. Mons Royale‘s sexy-yet-sporty wool bootleg boy short and matching cross-back bra ($44.95 each) will please even the pickiest on your list. Made from soft, silk-like New Zealand merino, Mons Royale breathable unders ward off the chill and wick moisture without the itch. “They are fun, flattering layers that don’t stink when you’re getting after it for multiple days in the backcountry, ” says Park City-based pro skier and model Sierra Quitiquit.
Patagonia PowSlayer bibs
On deep, blower days, we crave bomber coverage that will enable us to keep skiing steeps well after the guys have crawled back to the lodge. The PowSlayers ($599) are a big investment with huge payoffs: three-layer waterproof-breathable Gore-Tex Pro fabric beats back even the gnarliest of storms, and the high-rise, drop-seat bibs means no more snow sneaking its way into your waist. Thigh vents provide built-in AC, and belt loops offer flexibility when you feel like losing the straps on a long climb. Equally at home on the frontside and deep in backcountry bowls.
Faraday Porteur Bicycle
“I’m in love with this bike,” says Magdalena Boulet, of the stylish, full-spec’ed, battery-assisted Porteur ($3,500). Born in the San Francisco hills, the eight-speed, steel workhorse comes commute-ready with front and rear LED lights, baguette-worthy basket, bamboo fenders, chain guard, and Shimano disc brakes. The Porteur’s 250-watt motor runs for 20 miles on one charge and reboots within three hours when plugged into a simple wall outlet. Because even ultra runners need a boost now and then. Ask Santa to pre-order now for a March delivery.