The 2025-26 season is all but complete, and skiers are turning their attention towards upgrading their gear. And that got us curious, so we took to social media to find out what gear SnowBrains readers need.
In a Facebook post, we asked SnowBrains readers what ski gear they would buy if they had a $1,000 gift card for any gear. We received 110 responses with a variety of different ideas of what to buy. Here were some of the most common answers.
1. New Skis and Snowboards
The most common response we received was new skis and snowboards. 32 people (nearly 30%) said they wanted new skis and boards, and they were specific about it.
Choices ranged from all-mountain daily drivers to wide powder killers, with brand loyalty on full display in the comments. Brands like Jones, Shaggy’s, Rossignol, and others were shown love when people were thinking about what gear they needed most.
New skis and snowboards can be pricey, especially at a time defined by inflation. A $1,000 gift card would certainly soften the blow of purchasing new skis and snowboards, and many respondents seemed to feel that way, too.
2. New Boots
The second most common answer was new boots. 15 readers shouted out new boots, and as they did with skis, got very specific about fit systems, custom footbeds, and liner upgrades.
One reader summed up what many of us feel: “New skis/boots! Does anyone else keep their boots forever because they’re comfy? Can’t bear the thought of getting new ones & them being painful all day!”
Another reader offered perhaps the most technically valid take of the thread: “Great boots — it’s your contact point.”
3. Lift Tickets, Season Passes, and the Whole Mountain Experience
A significant chunk of the comments skipped the gear entirely and went straight for mountain access (don’t worry, we will count that as gear). Answers ranged from single-day passes to season passes at international destinations.
Other comments zoomed out even further. Two commenters talked about trips to Japan. Three others were intrigued by helicopter rides.
Other answers cut to the point of inflation at resorts. “A day pass and a cheeseburger in the lodge,” one reader wrote. “A slice of pizza and a coke at any resort these days,” another commented. When a $1,000 gift card has skiers dreaming about affording lunch at resorts, something is being said about the current state of resort prices.
4. New Outerwear
11 readers expressed their desire for new outerwear. Jackets, bibs, pants, and full kits were all brought into the conversation, including high-end technical shells and lifestyle brands.
Popular brands like Arc’teryx and Bogner were mentioned, along with features like Gore-Tex.
Like skis, outerwear can be expensive as well. But with a $1,000 gift card, many SnowBrains readers will find themselves with new outerwear.
5. Helmets, Goggles, Gloves, and the Small Stuff
Not everyone found themselves needing a full-quiver refresh. Some found themselves needing essentials that get overlooked if they fail.
“Good set of gloves, helmet, and boots. If head, fingers and toes are cold and feet are in pain you’ll never enjoy skiing,” wrote one reader. “The most important items: googles and boots,” another wrote in agreement.
Answers ranged from heated gloves to premium goggles to custom footbeds. But some kept it simple.
“Some new socks I guess,” one reader wrote — modest much?
5. Giving the Money Away
Four respondents said they would give the money to someone who needed it more, and lifted our spirits about the community in the process. “I would get a couple kids [sic] that needed some gear and lift tickets at a local mountain set up,” one respondent wrote. Another said they would give it to ski patrol. A third: “Give to people who can’t afford it. I still have my snowboarding gear which is still going strong after more than a decade.”
One reader came with a different kind of generosity: “Dinner for the ops team.”
With responses like these, we know the mountain community is alive and well.
6. Other Responses
We received a variety of other comments that stood out. A pair of commentators said they would get new knees, and another said they would go for a whole exoskeleton. These commenters clearly had some tough seasons.
Another commenter took the safety route and requested an avalanche airbag pack. Respect.
Two readers said beer, and another said après. We salute you.
The most niche answer of the thread? A monoski or Skwal. We admire your bravery.
