8 Great Gear Gifts From Vermont

Vermont is home to some of the techiest of innovations in skiing and riding; Burton has been a legend in snowboarding and its splitboard lives up to its family’s reputation. Renoun has introduced new materials to ski construction. Now Sloggn is rethinking what a car rack could be. But there are also plenty of warm, cozy stocking stuffers out there. Here’s the best of this year’s soft and hard goods from companies based here in the Green Mountain state.

QUEEN CITY DRYGOODS’ VERMONT HOUSE SHOES

After years of making custom shoes, Matt Renna founded Queen City Dry Goods. The brand’s Vermont House Shoes ($150) are designed to be easily slipped on when you come in from the snow.   The low-cut loafer is made in Vermont by hand from buttery soft saddle leather, molded suede soles, merino wool insoles and internal cushion foam midsoles. Queencitydrygoods.com

BERNIE MITTENS

If you were smitten by the mittens that Senator Bernie Sanders wore to the 2021 Presidential inauguration, there’s good news. School teacher Jenn Ellis. who hand-knit those mittens for Sen. Sanders, is now working with Vermont Teddy Bear Company to sell Bernie Mittens. Each pair ($49.99) is unique and  made from retired sweaters and finished with warm fleece made from recycled plastic bottles. A portion of the proceeds from the mittens goes to support Outright Vermont. Vermontteddybear.com 

DARN TOUGH’S SKI SOCKS

Winters last a lot longer when you venture north. You need warmer gear, including cold-weather socks. Darn Tough’s over-the-calf women’s Due North ($29) ski socks are midweight with cushion to pack the heat. Breathable construction atop the foot regulates your climate for all-day rideability with a healthy no-slip grab. Dial in extra durability in high-wear areas and the Darn Tough unconditional lifetime guarantee to back it up, and you’ll be ready for the extra-long haul. Side note: not all polar bears drink soda. Darntough.com

US SHERPA’S KNITS FROM NEPAL

US Sherpa’s Thame Hat, Yeti Mitten and Sherpa Socks are made with 100% sheep wool and lined with Sherpa fleece for maximum comfort and warmth. They are part of Vermont-based US Sherpa’s extensive line of functional, natural fiber products handcrafted in Nepal for the active, caring and outdoor lifestyle. Owner Ongyel Sherpa founded US Sherpa in Burlington in 2005 and works with over 300 knitters, primarily in the Kathmandu region, providing sustainable jobs in an economically challenged region. US Sherpa also arranges trekking opportunities in Nepal for the adventurous traveler. Thame Hat and Yeti Mittens, $29.50, Sherpa Socks $39.50. ussherpa.com

 

RENOUN’S ENDURANCE 98 SKIS

Designed to take on Vermont’s variable terrain, Renoun’s  Endurance 98  ($899) is a versatile tool skiers are lining up for this winter. Engineered to be playful and poppy, the ski’s aspen and metal framework helps you keep your composure on even the toughest conditions. This unique ski also incorporates VibeStop™ Technology to actively reduce vibrations and smooth chatter for yours knees and joints. “I haven’t taken aspirin since getting my Renoun’s” says Bill V, a proud owner in 2021/22 season). VibeStop™ Technology is a patented technology exclusive to Renoun. Renoun.com

SKIDA’S HIGH PILE HATS & MITTS

A graduate of Middlebury College and Burke Mountain Academy, Vermont ski racer Corinne Prevot founded Skida to make hats for her teammates. Skida’s new High Pile Hats and Mittens are made of recycled Polartec fleece – two timeless styles with an eco-twist. The Mittens feature a touch-screen palm and both styles have a patch that features a signature Skida print. Skida.com

 

SLOGGN’S CAR DECK

Vermonter Kitter Slater remembers loading up the car with everything but the kitchen sink for family vacations. With Sloggn’s car deck and accessories, he set out to simplifiy that process. The Sloggn Base Deck ($200) fits into a trailer hitch on the back of the car with accessories that allow you to carry skis and boards, a Yeti cooler or bikes. For most cars, you can still open the hatchback. Sloggn.com 

BURTON’S SPLIT BOARDS 

If you like to earn your turns on a snowboard, and like those turns buttery soft, the Burton Family Tree Hometown Hero Camber Splitboard ($939) is both stiff enough and agile enough in the front and sidecountry terrain but loves to float on the fresh stuff.  The Split Channel mounting system makes for smooth transitions from uphill to downhill. Burton.com

Lisa Lynn

Editor of VT SKI + RIDE and Vermont Sports.