Lumi’s Holiday Gear Guide
The holiday season is in full swing and winter’s first snows are beginning to blanket trails across the world. That means it’s the perfect time to stock up on fresh gear for your next winter adventure. Not only are some of our favorite partners unveiling new products in time for winter, the holidays also bring savings on gifts of all sizes. Whether you’re shopping for that special someone or simply looking for a deal to replenish your personal gear closet, we’ve got plenty of recommendations to inspire you.
Skida Hats (Julia Kern Edition)
Olympic cross-country skier Julia Kern has teamed up with Skida to release a refreshed design for this year’s Julia’s Journey collaboration. Proceeds from each sale will help support Julia’s World Cup tour! This year’s design is titled Bright Side and features a multitude of cheerful smiles on an attractive burgundy backdrop. Choose from fleece-lined and brimmed hats, headbands, neckwarmers and more. Everything has been designed with cross-country skiers’ needs in mind. Not only will you look good on the trail, Skida’s gear will keep you warm and wick away moisture as well. We’re excited to unveil the new 2026 Skida hat for Lumi guests soon too!
Gabriele's German Sweets
Share a tasty treat with your friends and loved ones this holiday season with a shipment of delights from Gabriele’s German Sweets in Ashland, WI! Gabriele hails from Germany and her shop is a favorite stop for Garrott when he returns to the Midwest each year. Her selection is as astonishing as it is delicious, featuring a wide variety of cookies, truffles, chocolates and more. The designer truffles are worth the trip from Innsbruck! All of their baked goods are made in-house, while they also carry imported specialties that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Shipping is available so you can get your hands on her irresistible treats no matter where you live. Order today in time for the Christmas holidays, or stop in to her gingerbread-esque shop next time you’re in Wisconsin’s northwoods.
Dermatone Lip Balm & Skin Protector
Avoid chapped lips and dry skin with protective balms from Dermatone. Their lip balms come in a variety of flavors, keeping your lips from cracking in winter’s cool, dry air. Their ski balms help fend off frostbite on exposed skin while also protecting you from the sun’s rays thanks to its built-in 23 SPF sunscreen and moisturizer. They even have biodegradable face glitter inspired by Jesse Diggins for your next race. Dermatone is a headgear co-sponsor of Julia Kern – with Lumi Experiences and Skida rounding out her headgear partners for the coming season!
Chris Zafren Artwork
Past Lumi guests will recognize Anchorage-based artist Chris Zafren’s artwork from Lumi’s annual holiday cards, which feature beautiful imagery based on Chris’ travels with Lumi over the years. Her creativity and ability to invoke the feeling of a winter sunset with just a few colors has us checking back often to see what she’ll create next. Whether her art is inspired by the landscapes of Alaska or scenes from the Alps, you’re guaranteed to enjoy what she’s come up with.
Bliz Eyewear
Ready to see the world in a whole new way? Bliz Eyewear’s cutting-edge sunglasses not only protect your eyes from sun and wind, they’ve also been designed to filter out specific color wavelengths to help sharpen your vision on the trail in less than ideal light – like those flat, gray days with little to no contrast. The lenses are nearly unbreakable and come in a variety of colors for any condition, sport or outfit. Some models are also available with built-in prescription lenses for maximum comfort and usability. Two-time Olympian and Lumi trip leader Holly Brooks loves her Bliz glasses. Bliz glasses are sold through EnjoyWinter, the publisher of Lumi partner SkiPost.
Studio 13 Holiday Cards & Artwork
Based in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, artist Chris Schmidt is a self-proclaimed “bike-racing, cross-country-skiing translator and graphic designer” whose artwork perfectly encapsulates his love for adventure in the upper Midwest and beyond. His holiday cards are as thoughtful as they are funny, while his extensive collection of original prints includes many unique takes on classic cross-country skiing moments. We particularly like this abstract view of perfectly groomed corduroy. You can almost feel the zippy glide!
Sportube Ski Case
Nothing beats the peace of mind of traveling with your skis safely bundled inside a Sportube hard-sided ski case. Designed to survive the rigors of international travel, Sportube’s tough cases can handle a lot of abuse while keeping your skis intact and ready for the trail. Their Series 1 line can fit two sets of cross-country skis and poles, while Series 2 can handle four pairs so you’re ready for any type of adventure. With roller wheels and an extendable handle, traveling with a hard-shell ski case has never been easier.
Allianz Travel Insurance
It’s the thought that counts! Supporting someone’s trip with Allianz Travel Insurance could avoid big headaches if their luggage is lost, there’s a major delay, or their trip is canceled due to an injury or sickness. Protect their investment from unforeseen events with a policy tailor made for their trip. Allianz is Jessie Diggins’ headgear sponsor and a Lumi travel insurance partner.
Bivo Trio Insulated Water Bottle (Julia Kern Edition)
US cross-country skiing superstar Julia Kern has teamed up with Bivo to create a custom insulated water bottle that will bring the sunshine wherever you go. Featuring a laser engraved sunflower graphic, these bottles will keep your drinks at a steady temperature for long days on the trail – hot or cold. We love their solid stainless steel construction, keeping your favorite drink from developing an off-taste that’s common in plastic squeeze bottles. They fit in universal water bottle cages for any type of bike and the grippy silicone finish stays put in hip packs as well. We look forward to seeing this one on the trails! Bivo was founded by Carina Hamel, a former member of the US World Junior Ski Team during her time at the University of Vermont.
Boot Covers & Overboots
Protect your boot investment with covers and overboots! You won’t want to go back after trying out a pair of Salomon’s overboots on a wet and windy day. Likewise, Salomon’s coverboots protect your ski boots from degradation while walking on hard surfaces as well as boosting your traction on slippery floors. Some options may be brand specific so you may need to shop around for a model that will fit your boots well.
Birkie Gear
Show off your love for the nation’s largest ski race with a commemorative piece from the Birkie Shop! Grab a mug, shirt, neck warmer or ornament, or any of the several dozen other items they have available. They’ve got fresh designs for the 2025-26 season as well as timeless favorites for everyone. Need stocking stuffers? They’ve got almost fifty sticker options to choose from!
2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics Merch
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games are just a few months away and the excitement is building as athletes train for their big events. Whether you’re attending the Olympics or rooting for Team USA from home, now’s the time to pick up some official Olympics merch to commemorate the occasion. There is something for every price point and interest, from hats and t-shirts to sweaters and hoodies. This year’s logo is particularly sharp and will show your love for the Games for years to come. Get it before it’s gone!
Lumi Experiences Trip
Share your love for cross country skiing with a trip to a beautiful new destination with Lumi! Let Lumi handle the logistics of planning your friend or loved one’s next vacation with ground transportation, trail passes, most dinners and more taken care of by your expert local trip leaders. Whether they’ve been dreaming of exploring the Julian Alps in Slovenia or rescuing Prince Haakon in the Norwegian Birkebeiner, Lumi can help make it happen. Reach out to info@lumiexperiences.com today for a detailed trip itinerary to a destination of their choice.
Check out our 2024 Holiday Gear Guide for even more ideas!
See you on the trail!
Garrott Kuzzy
Olympian & Founder of Lumi Experiences
garrott@lumiexperiences.com