Why an experience beats another piece of ski gear
Most skiers and snowboarders are particular about their gear, which makes it a risky gift. A winter experience avoids the sizing and brand question and gives them a day on the snow they would not plan for themselves. It also works for people who love winter but do not ski.
Winter experience gift ideas
For speed, snowmobile tours run through the Lost Sierra around Lake Davis in California and outside Fairbanks in Alaska, and a private Golden Circle tour from Reykjavik includes a snowmobile ride. For a quieter day, guided snowshoe tours go out on Mt. Hood, in Park City, around Big Bear and along Colorado's Front Range, and there is a cross-country ski excursion near Rocky Mountain National Park with the pass and rentals included. For a night out, the Magic Meadows yurt dinner has guests ski or snowshoe to a backcountry yurt for a five-course meal. See all snowmobile tours and snowshoe tours.
For the adventurous
Ice climbing at Rifle Mountain Park in Colorado is a private full day for beginners or experienced climbers, with equipment included, and ice canyoning trips run at Abraham Lake and in Golden in Canada. In Iceland, glacier hikes and ice cave tours, including Vatnajokull, make a winter trip memorable. To drive a team of dogs, the Learn to Mush tour in Montana puts them on the sled, and the dogsledding page has more. See all ice climbing experiences.
Choosing and sending it
Match the experience to the person: a snowshoe tour or snow tubing for anyone, a snowmobile tour for someone who likes speed, ice climbing for someone who wants a challenge. Many of these run only in winter, so check the dates on each listing, and use the location filter to find ones near them. E-gifts arrive instantly or on the date you choose, and vouchers never expire, so a gift bought now can be used this season or next. For other ideas, see outdoor adventure experiences or a Spur gift card.
Looking for holiday gift ideas? Browse Christmas experience gifts.
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