In a trend that extends beyond the holiday season, gear makers are partnering with philanthropies to promote causes close to the hearts of owners and employees. Here are a few last-minute gift ideas, guaranteed to please mountain-lovers while funding deserving charities.
The North Face Baselayers
Dress your favorite lady in The North Face Slumber Partee Baselayers this winter and support Boarding for Breast Cancer, a non-profit that raises awareness about the need for early detection and active lifestyles. These polyester baselayers wick away moisture and provide warmth in chilly temps—not to mention cheerful pink highlights that brighten a day on the snow. $45 (top) and $40 (bottoms); thenorthface.com
Vans Cirro
Proceeds from the Vans Cirro men’s snowboarding boot support the work of Protect Our Winters, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of climate change and environmentally responsible behavior. The Cirro mimics a custom fit with an adjustable thermal liner, while the Flex Control System allows riders to create a softer or stiffer boot. “Vans came to us with this idea,” says POW executive director Chris Steinkamp. “The Cirro boot is one of their top-sellers. We use the money for a number of different initiatives: our education outreach, our anti-coal initiative, and our ongoing activism efforts.” $310; vanssnow.com
SkiLogik Custom Graphic
The boutique ski manufacturer SkiLogik is offering 500 pairs of skis with a custom topsheet designed by the Mountain Rider’s Alliance, a business that develops community ski areas. All models are available with the design, including the Howitzer, which features rockered tips to navigate variable snow. Two layers of carbon fiber keep it lightweight for hikes and tours. “I suspect [the skis] will be quite the conversation piece in lift lines,” says MRA co-founder Jamie Schectman. Each sale includes a percentage donated to the Native American Olympic Team Foundation. $770; skilogik.com —Brigid Mander
For more on gear with good will from Flylow, CamelBak, Oakley, Nuun, and Faction, pick up a copy of Mountain’s Winter 2012 issue.
