Hey Santa! Here’s What POWDER’s Editors Want for Christmas

Here at POWDER we spend a lot of time chatting about skiing, gear, places we want to ski, and luckily, actually going skiing. These days, we all live spread around the country, from California, to the Tetons, the Cascades, or whatever swell or base area Beny’s van is currently parked at. It’s 2025, so we’re pretty much constantly connected via the internet, so it’s fun to drop questions into our team Slack thread to stir the pot a little. This past week, in commemoration of the holidays, I figured I’d ask the team what everyone would put on their Christmas wish list.

So, Santa, if you’re a POWDER reader, I’d suggest you take a look.

Matt Lorelli

A Mountainflow Infrared (IR) Waxer.

I love waxing my skis and making a huge mess as much as the next guy, but these IR waxers seem too good for me not to own one.

Salomon S/LAB QST BLANK, 186cm.

I own the last iteration of the Salomon QST Blank, and they’re arguably the best ski in my quiver. I had the opportunity to try out the new QST Blank (this year’s model) at Alta Ski Area last season. They blew me away.

Moment Skis Chipotle Banana, 186cm.

I have wanted to own these powder-slaying planks ever since I first saw a pair at Mt. Rose in March of 2023. They’re fat. They’re beautiful. They’re kind of impractical for most conditions, but dang do I want a pair.

A GoPro Max2.

I’m a massive fan of the GoPro 13 Black with the ultra-wide lens adapter for filming POV shots for social media, but the GoPro Max2 does all of that and more. I wouldn’t mind being able to slap one of these on my helmet next season.

Defining Moments by Tony Harrington.

This book doesn’t fall into the ‘gear’ category, but it’s so incredible that it had to be featured on my Christmas wish list. Tony Harrington has done the unthinkable in creating this print masterpiece. For one, it’s huge at over 1,300 pages, and doesn’t miss a beat throughout. This is the ultimate gift for the skier or surfer in your life who loves to read and look at print images. At $300, it’s not cheap, but it’s worth its weight in gold. On that note, this book weighs close to 20 pounds. Fair warning.

Ian Greenwood

K2 Hellbents.

I don’t care about the year or a specific topsheet—I just want some Hellbents. Since I was kid, these were the skis to have, but I never got the opportunity to ride them. I also made a rookie mistake selling my K2 Pettitors a few years back. There’s a floppy, wide ski shaped hole in my heart. 

Frontside skis.

On the other end of the spectrum, I’ve found myself curious about frontside skis. I haven’t touched anything narrower than 100mm underfoot in at least a decade and I have suspicion that going skinnier might change my life. Too optimistic? I don’t think so.

A Mercedes Sprinter Van.

This is a wishlist, right? Let me dream. 

A powder day.

Cliche, I know. But here in California, this winter’s been rough so far. New gear is great, but what I really want—and may or may not receive this Christmas—is some snow, finally.

Beny Huckaby

A solution for the drain pipe in my van that keeps freezing.

Starting off with the most practical. Seriously, this sucks. I’m tired of the toothpaste pond in my sink. 

Blizzard Rustler 11s, 180 cm, mounted with Look Pivot 16s.

I’d be a better man if I had them, and I’m sure of it. 

Better blood circulation.

My toes leave the chat every single ski day, even when I’m not in ski boots. Lol… Maybe I should have insulated the floor in my van a little better. Not funny tbh. 

An action camera, because I’m lonely.

By achieving a long-time goal of working where I’d normally vacation (aka living in my van and working at ski resorts, surf spots, and trailheads), I’ve entered a bit of self-induced isolation. Surprise, surprise: no one’s available to ski on Tuesday mornings. I want a GoPro or DJI action cam to capture solo days, both in frozen water and liquid water.

I want Snow Santa to bring us all more snow.

He’s kind of blowing it this year, at least according to a lot of folks in our comments.

Izzy Lidsky

Snow!

Lots of it, in Central Oregon specifically. 

A snowmobile.

Or in lieu of a snowmobile, someone willing to take me on theirs frequently, but without the cost of maintaining my own. Local to central Oregon preferred. Platonic inquires only, no weirdos, no splitboarders. Please and thank you. 

4FRNT Sinisters.

Find me a hotter new ski, I dare you. 

Patagonia Women’s Nano-Air Ultralight Freeride Jacket.

I made the mistake of walking into Patagonia recently and got got by this jacket. Is it a $329 mid-layer? You betcha. Am I convinced I absolutely need it? 100%

Instagram to be a photo-only platform again.

More print mags.

The fall of the patriarchy.

Dave Reddick

Leica Q3 Monochrom.

Beautiful photos from a beautiful little camera.

Atomic Remedy 130 boots, size 28.0.

Patagonia Pow-Slayer bibs.

I would like those to be manufactured again and forevermore. Size XL please.

Floorspace at a ski in-ski out pad.

I’ll trade for cooking and chores!

A Four Wheel Camper Swift.

In case the ski in-ski out thing is too much to ask for.

Max Ritter

A snowmobile that I don’t have to own.

I’m with Izzy on this one. I want a sled, but I don’t want to deal with owning a sled. I just want an 850 turbo with a ski rack that isn’t going to explode all the time.

A Euro-style train over/through Teton Pass.

IFKYK. If you don’t, this should explain it nicely.

A ban on it raining between October and May in ski towns.

Snow or sun only, please.

Climbing skins that don’t suck.

Whatever happened to the era of skins like 6 years ago that lasted for years with zero maintenance? Pomoca? Black Diamond? Kohla? Are you listening?

Free locals parking at ski areas.

As if skiing isn’t expensive enough. Just give us a break already!