The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
Smartwool Ski Socks
Anyone who spends multiple days on powder this season needs a solid pair of woolies. The Steamboat Springs-based company just released a collection of graphic tees and wool socks inspired by adventures in the mountains called the Art of the Outdoors, created by artist and pro skier Chris Benchetler, pro snowboarder Bryan Iguchi, and local artist John Fellows. Designed by Benchetler, the PhD Ski Light Elite Powder Days Print Socks are made with Indestructawool technology to be durable and comfortable. The brightly colored socks feature Benchetler’s unique design, targeted cushioning, and a performance-oriented fit. $25.95
Zeal Sunglasses
Since Colorado receives about 300 days of sunshine a year, eye protection is crucial. Zeal Optics, based in Boulder, molds plant-based materials into sunglass frames and lenses. This year, get the adventure-loving person in your life Zeal’s Cleo sunglasses in Rosé All Day. These ultra-cool shades are 99.9 percent polarized and feature blue-light filtration to protect eyes and enhance color. They are also lightweight and come in three additional colors. $149
That's only $1 per issue!
Honey Stinger Cracker Bar
Every adventurer needs a well-stocked supply of energy bars. A great stocking stuffer, the new Cracker Bar from Steamboat Springs-based Honey Stinger is delicious and full of all-natural energy. Made with organic ingredients, the Cracker Bar is stuffed with organic nut butter and honey, then sandwiched between two multigrain crackers and covered in chocolate. Bonus: the bars come in three flavors—peanut butter and milk chocolate, cashew butter and milk chocolate, and almond butter and dark chocolate. $26.40 for a box of 12
Matador Pocket Blanket
Another great stocking stuffer—and fits perfectly in a daypack—is Matador’s new Pocket Blanket. Made from nylon, the foldable blanket offers a dry, clean place to relax along the trail or at a campsite. The blanket, which fits two to four adults, is water-repellent, puncture-resistant, and packs down to the size of a wallet. The blanket features weighted corners with built-in stakes and sand pockets so wind won’t ever be an issue. Bonus: for every Pocket Blanket purchase, Matador will remove one pound of waste from our waterways. $29.99
Never Summer Lady West
For a loved one who spends the winter shredding, be sure to check out Never Summer’s new model of the Lady West snowboard. This model not only features a slight taper, but also an updated shape to help riders carve and steer better. In addition, this all-mountain board boasts a vibrant design to set itself apart on the slopes. $519.99
Roofnest Tent
The ultimate adventure gift is arguably the Eagle tent by Roofnest. The Boulder-based outdoor company, which specializes in durable, easy-to-use rooftop tents, has been crafting pop-up bedrooms since December 2016. Roofnest offers four different styles of tents that are relatively easy to assemble, making outdoor camping convenient and comfortable, no matter where adventure takes you. The Eagle tent, Roofnest’s biggest tent, is ideal for longer trips or family excursions, especially if you plan on bringing along Fido. Each tent comes with an aluminum ladder, three-inch foam mattress, anti-condensation mat, shoe pockets, and mounting hardware for installation. $2,995
