Skiing Promotional Products: Inspired by My Trip to Deer Valley and Alta
Why Utah’s Ski Resorts Nail Branding (and What You Can Learn From Them)
Over the Holidays, I had the pleasure of skiing at Deer Valley and Alta in Utah. These are two iconic ski destinations that delivered incredible snow (for the later-half of the trip), breathtaking scenery and surprisingly, some of the coolest promotional products I’ve seen. The branded products at both resorts weren't just trinkets. They were practical, well-designed items specifically created with the needs of skiers in mind.
If you’re looking for ideas to create branded skiing products (or promotional products for your merch store) that will stand out, here’s a roundup of what caught my eye and why these items are perfect for your next promotional campaign.
Customized Ski Accessories
Goggle Covers
Every skier knows the pain of scratched goggles. That’s probably why custom goggle covers were everywhere at Alta and Deer Valley. These covers, often sublimated with awesome designs, do double duty: they protect your goggles and make a statement.
One design that stood out was a colorful, mountain-inspired print at Deer Valley, which perfectly captured the spirit of the slopes. Imagine your brand’s logo paired with a unique design that is a bit outside of the box.
Neck Gaiters
Another must-have accessory that was hugely popular at both resorts: neck gaiters. These versatile items keep your face warm and offer endless customization possibilities through sublimation printing.
One of my favorite designs was at Alta, where they had neck gaiters printed with a map of the mountain. Whether you go for a stylish pattern or something practical like a trail map, branded neck gaiters are a hit on the slopes.
Essential Cold-Weather Items
Hand Warmers
If you’ve skied in freezing conditions, you know how essential hand warmers can be. At both resorts, I saw an abundance of branded hand warmers, from disposable two-packs to sleek rechargeable models.
Disposable hand warmers are a low-cost, high-impact giveaway, while rechargeable options make for a premium gift that skiers will use repeatedly. Both versions were lifesavers on cold mornings and they’re a thoughtful way to associate your brand with comfort and care.
Trending Drinkware: Collapsible Bottles
Hydration is key on the slopes but carrying a bulky water bottle isn’t ideal. Enter the collapsible bottle trend which was huge at both Deer Valley and Alta. I saw a lot of custom-printed Vapur Folding Anti-Bottles and I totally get the appeal.
These bottles are lightweight, foldable and perfect for tucking into a ski jacket or backpack. They’re also eco-friendly, which is a major selling point for today’s outdoor enthusiasts. Branding them with your logo and a sleek design makes them both practical and stylish.
More Collapsible Bottle Options can be found here.
Branded Ski Apparel in Custom PMS Colors
Fleece Ear Warmers
Custom fleece ear warmers were a practical and popular item at the resorts. They were available in specific PMS colors that matched the resort branding perfectly.
Tacky Sweaters
Deer Valley and Alta also leaned into fun with their promotional apparel. Tacky sweaters were a hit—bright, bold and unique. They’re perfect for holiday promotions or après-ski events and their quirky charm makes them a memorable keepsake.
Pantone-Matched Beanies
Both resorts cleverly utilized custom-colored beanies as a powerful branding tool. Made from high-quality jacquard, these cool and warm accessories showcased resort or company logos in a bold and memorable way, with each beanie a unique Pantone shade.
Niche Winter Sport Products
Snowboard and Ski Wax
This one’s for the hardcore skiers and snowboarders. Both Deer Valley and Alta stocked branded ski and snowboard wax, which is an incredibly practical item for anyone hitting the slopes. Adding your logo to a product like this ensures your brand stays top of mind every time someone gears up for a day on the mountain.
Why Custom Ski Products Are Perfect for Branding
As I explored the merchandise at Deer Valley and Alta, I realized that every product served a dual purpose: they were useful on the slopes and offered a way to showcase the resort’s branding in a creative and memorable way.
Customized ski accessories, cold-weather essentials and niche products like ski wax reflect the needs of skiers while providing long-term value. Whether you’re a ski resort, outdoor brand or corporate sponsor, these products are a great way to connect with your audience in a meaningful way.
Final Thoughts
My trip to Utah was more than just a skiing escapade, it was also a lesson in how effective promotional products can be. From custom goggle covers to Pantone-matched beanies, every item at Deer Valley and Alta was designed with thoughtfulness and functionality.
If you’re looking to create promotional products that resonate with your audience, take a cue from these resorts. Choose items that are practical, stylish and memorable; and don’t be afraid to get creative with your designs.
Ready to explore these ideas for your next winter campaign? Check out the customizable ski products on our website to get started!