2012 Holiday Gift Recommendations

Holiday shopping can be time consuming and frustrating. In an attempt to make your holiday shopping season a bit more tolerable, and a bit more responsible, we have put together this list to help you outfit your outdoorsy loved one with environmentally and socially conscious gifts from socks to skis! We have provided links for all the companies featured so you can learn what kind of social and environmental commitments they actually have.

Soul Poles: Original Soul 

Soul Poles' mission is to "Innovate the greenest equipment in the snow sports industry by merging sustainable design with uncompromising performance and truly original style." With a classic vintage look, the handmade original soul is a combination of style, performance, and sustainability for those who don’t need to shout it. Learn about their 1% For The Planet membership and other eco initiatives here.

SmartWool Athlete Artist Series: Anthony Boronowski




Designed by artist and friend of Alpine Initiatives, Anthony Boronowski, these socks are the most technical works of art of the slopes. Features the 4-Degree Elite Fit System and Reliawool Technology to create the most comfortable and durable SmartWool ski sock yet. Check out SmartWool's commitment to their community here.

Armada: AI JJ



Alpine Initiatives and Armada have teamed up again for another limited release of the JJ.  Only 120 pairs of this custom graphic have been produced so once they are gone, they are gone for good. Additionally, Armada is proud to announce that all proceeds from the sale of the AIJJ will go directly to Alpine Initiatives to aid in our ongoing charitable projects around the world. Learn more about this collaboration ski that benefits Alpine Initiatives here.

Oakley: JP Auclair Signature Photo Crowbar

The most exciting feature of these goggles besides their creative stylings and superior technical performance is that 2% of proceeds go toward supporting Alpine Initiatives. 1% of proceeds coming from Oakley and 1% coming from JP. On top of that, the JP Auclair Signature Photo Crowbar Goggle can supply fresh style and crisp vision when you need it most. Tough, dual Plutonite lenses block out 100% of UVA, UVB, UVC rays and a spherical shape prevent distortion and enhance vision. Check out Oakley's community programs here.

Patagonia: Men’s Snowshot Ski Pants


??Patagonia turns recycled soda bottles, unusable second quality fabrics and worn out garments into polyester fibers used in many of their clothes. Made with this very recycled polyester, these relaxed ski pants feature an enhanced design, a progressive fit and a durable H2No® Performance Standard 2-layer polyester plain weave or ripstop fabric with a waterproof/breathable barrier to keep you warm and dry. ??With their Common Threads Initiative, Patagonia has found the real solution to Reduce: don’t buy what you don’t need, Repair: fix what can still be used, Reuse: share or pass to someone else, and then Recycle: only when the other options have already been exhausted. Check out the Common Threads Initiative here.

Klean Kanteen: Steel Pint Party Pack

This pack of 16oz Steel Pints are durable, reusable, stackable, dishwasher safe, BPA free and perfect for sipping eggnog next to a crackling fire! Whether it’s drinking nog or heading out camping, these steel pints are great for all occasions and all beverages. Get rid of those single-use red party cups and get stylish and eco-friendly with Klean Kanteen Pints. This party pack comes with four standard pints, four pint rings, and four steel carabiners. Learn about Klean Kanteen's support of various non-profits here.

Aspen/Snowmass: Holiday Vacation

Aspen/Snowmass is celebrating seven years as a third party ISO 14001 certified resort. They are the first of only two ski resorts in the country to achieve this recognition, second being Jackson Hole, which is another amazing place to vacation. What is ISO 14001? It is the highest standard for environmental management a ski resort can attain. The list could go on about how sustainably and environmentally focused Aspen/Snowmass is, but in short, this is the ski area where you want to vacation while keeping fun and an environmental commitment at the top of your priorities this holiday season. Check out the Aspen/Snowmass website for more about their continued commitment to the environment and to plan a vacation.

Orage: Maria Baselayer



The Foundation line of baselayers from Orage are made 100% from recycled plastic. This women’s Maria baselayer is made from 92% recycled polyester derived from 24 empty plastic water bottles and will keep you warm and dry all day. You can never go wrong with the gift of a solid and sustainable baselayer! See what Orage is doing in terms of sustainability as a company here.

Krochet Kids: The Rainier


The Rainier feels light as a feather but keeps you toasty and warm in the snow and chill of winter weather. With a rib knit and a pom detail you won’t be missed in this incredible hat! Through a unique model, Krochet Kids empowers the women of Northern Uganda and Peru with the assets, skills, and knowledge to lift themselves and their families out of poverty. They provide a job so that women can meet the present needs of their families. They educate them so that they develop beyond the need for outside aid. They provide mentorship to help each lady plan a unique and sustainable career path for the future. The result is long lasting and sustainable change. Learn more about Krochet Kids here.

Heifer International: Give a Goat



The gift of a dairy goat can supply a family with up to a ton of milk a year. Extra milk can be sold or used to make cheese, butter or yogurt. Families learn to use goat manure to fertilize gardens and the goat’s offspring can be used or given to other families in need. ??Heifer International’s mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. One way you can help those in need this season is by giving a unique and lasting gift. From goats to bees to baskets, you can donate to help children and families around the world to receive training and animal gifts that help them become self-reliant. Learn more about Heifer International here.

Burton: Thatcher Snowboard Jacket

Burton Snowboards and Mountain Dew collaborated on their 2013 Green Mountain Project outerwear collection, which utilizes sustainable fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. The Thatcher Snowboard Jacket features a 3-layer hemp ripstop fabric, Nanoshell technology with fluorocarbon-free DWR, and recycled Mountain Dew bottle fabric. Check out the Green Mountain Project here.

Swany: Eco-Mitt

The Swany Eco-Mitt is perfect for any cold weather activity and is 100% recyclable. This mitt features an Ecostorm shell with digitized, reinforced palm, an Eco-dry lining with Primaloft, Swany Eco-X waterproof, breathable insert and pre-curved construction with barrel lock cuff. Check out what Swany has to say about how they are trying to create a more sustainable future here.

Sherpas Cineman: All.I.Can.


If your giftee doesn’t already own it, do them a favor and get them All.I.Can from Sherpas Cinema on blu-ray or DVD. This multi-award winning film “strives to unite global mountain culture and bind us together as the leaders of a revolution. We must be inspired to do all we can for the environment, and we must learn how to take that first tiny step in the right direction." Check them out here.