From art and accessories to a relief-providing massage tool, here’s our pick of items to give your favorite Nordic skiers this season.
“Sprint Final” Print
Graphic designer Chris Schmidt is also an avid cross country skier (and bike racer) who lives on northern Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. His work—through his firm, Studio 13— includes bold prints, like this one, that showcase Nordic skiing. Each 13-inch by 19-inch print is reproduced on archival-quality paper and ready for framing. $30, xmaticdesign.com
Oboz x Skida Whakata Puffy
Skida, the Vermont-based hat company with roots in the Nordic world, frequently collaborates with other brands, putting its vibrant prints on everything from cycling bibs to gear fix-it patches. One of our favorites: a new partnership with Montana footwear company Oboz. Available in low (shown here) or mid heights, the Whakata (for women or men) is perfect for commuting to the trails and wearing après ski, with insulated uppers and a slip-resistant sole. The print pays tribute to Montana’s state flower, the bitterroot. $105 (low)/$115 (mid), obozfootwear.com
“All Out to the Finish Line” Ring
Minnesota jeweler Larissa Loden caters to an unabashedly independent clientele, so—no surprise—she has a collab with Jessie Diggins that includes earrings, a necklace and this inspirational ring. The message etched inside the band is recreated in Diggins’s handwriting. Bonus: 50 percent of the proceeds goes to Protect Our Winters. $295 (10K gold)/$120 (sterling silver), larissaloden.com
Delaine Vintage-Style Sweater
Celebrate the wool ski sweaters of old with one of Delaine & Co.’s modern retro styles for men and women, all knit in the U.S. from domestically sourced merino wool. The women’s full-zip in natural ivory, shown here, has rib stitching on the yoke and cuffs for a little extra panache and Lycra in the bottom for shape retention. $270, skidelaine.com
KAVU Herschel Beanie and Moonwalk Socks
This cuffed acrylic beanie with pom-pom, in the print called Ski Line, is a fun way to celebrate Nordic style around town. Pair it with these comfy calf-height crew socks, also in the Ski Line print. $30, hat/$25, socks, kavu.com
Roll Recovery R1 Percussion Massager
At a fraction of the cost of other massage tools, the R1 does a great job of loosening up sore quads and calves and melting away stubborn knots. Designed with input from pro athletes, the tool comes with four attachment heads and operates—fairly quietly—at four speeds. The body’s made of aircraft-grade anodized aluminum, which holds up well, and it’s small enough to easily fit in a travel bag. The rechargeable battery lasts for at least seven hours, and the massager shuts itself off after 15 minutes of non-use to maximize the charge. $129, rollrecovery.com
OuterU FaceGlove Flex
OuterU’s original FaceGlove is used by guides on Everest and other high peaks to protect their noses and cheeks from cold, wind and sun. Nordic skiers will appreciate a lighter version, the FaceGlove Flex, on bitter cold or blustery days. It’s made of a wind- and water-resistant softshell fabric that’s breathable, and it has a wire-molded nosepiece. $30, outeru.com
Skiandsnowboard.live Subscription
Give the gift of watching World Cup racing with a subscription for viewing Nordic events abroad. All international races can be viewed live and also on demand at skiandsnowboard.live. (The World Cup races in Minneapolis can be viewed for free on Outside Watch.) $70, all-access pass (all ski disciplines)/$16 monthly (all disciplines)/$9 monthly (only Nordic races and events), skiandsnowboard.live
Bivo Water Bottle
Designed by a former cross country racer and her small Vermont team, this stainless-steel bottle stays put in a hip belt thanks to its shape and an anti-slip silicone coating. And the water flow is exceptional, coming through an innovative valve designed by an ex-NASA engineer. Read our full review of the bottle for more details. $39–$49, drinkbivo.com
Ornot Handlebar Bag Mini
Chances are you have a skier on your list who’s also into biking. Cycling brand Ornot took inspiration for its latest line of clothing and accessories from a Nordic classic: Salomon’s brightly colored 811 combi boots from 1992 (if you know, you know). Read more about the full line in our upcoming review. This strap-on handlebar bag provides easy access to snacks and a phone—and stuffs easily into a stocking. $44, ornotbike.com
Sauce Fleece N Swift Toque
This Montana-based headwear brand was founded by Shayla Swanson, who raced on the Canadian national cross country team. The Fleece N Swift is fleece lined at the bottom and light and breathable up top. Available in 13 patterns, we love it in this “Silence” print by Canadian artist Sarah Angst. $34, sauceactive.com
Cross Country Skier subscription
Of course, a subscription to our print magazine is always a great option. We publish twice each winter, bringing readers stories from every corner of the Nordic skiing world. Our features go deep on the sport’s most compelling narratives, stories on destinations and trail systems here and abroad, in-depth gear reviews and expert advice on technique. Plus, we highlight the sport’s finest photography, especially in our upcoming Photo Annual issue. $24.95, subscribe here