The biggest shopping day of the year is behind us, which means we have less than a month to find the right gifts for that skier or golfer on our list.

I used to be able to devote this annual column entirely to skiers, but now with the transition from golf to skiing hitting before the Christmas season, I will combine the two here. It makes sense, because each season I meet more skiers who golf and golfers who ski.

Prices are more favorable for those shopping with golf in mind, as ski shops are in prime selling season, while any golf pro shops still open have most everything marked down. The year-round shops tend to have sales on golf equipment at this time of year, as well. But this space is more about dreaming than price shopping, so let’s get to the skiing.

What all skiers want is to ski. How you give that gift depends entirely on the budget. I called Skican and got the latest rates on a trip to Banff. A seven-night stay at Banff Springs or Chateau Lake Louise in February or March would be $1,270 U.S., including lodging, airfare from Boston, five days of lift tickets for Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Norquay and transfers from Calgary.

The Chateau is the romantic spot, while downtown Banff is where the action is. To save a few bucks, you could stay at the Ptarmigan, within walking distance of the shops, restaurants and pubs for $980. Call Skican at (888)-475-4226.

That’s one way to give skiing. Ski areas sell gift certificates and tickets on the Web that usually are cheaper than purchasing them at the area. Check the Web sites for different offers.

When it comes to ski equipment, you have to be in tune with what your skier wants or needs. For the advanced skier, today’s GS models are easy into the turn; stable, yet forgiving.

Here’s one that would make any good skier happy. The Volkl P60 GC Racing with Marker Titanium 1200 EPS binding carries a suggested retail price around $1,080, but you can probably find it for a less. Comparable race models and bindings from Atomic, Dynastar, Head, Rossignol and Salomon carry similar prices. For less experienced or skilled skiers, you can find packages for half that price and get fine skis.

No one should shop for boots with a brand in mind. I found out years ago that my foot fits into a Tecnica with very little modification, so I have stuck with them. Today’s boot fitters can do a great job in helping skiers find the right boot for their foot. If your skier needs boots, set him or her up with a fitting session and plan to spend $300 to $800 depending on the skier’s ability level. The fitting session, which should include custom foot beds, will determine which brand to select.

For the stocking, check out ski socks, chapstick, sunglasses, goggles, tuning tools and wax.

Any skier can benefit from Coach Tom Reynolds’ new book “Effective Ski Coaching,” but if your skier is an instructor or coach he really will appreciate it. It costs $24.95, plus $3 shipping and handling and $1.25 Maine sales tax. You may order using Visa or Mastercard at (207) 778-3471.

Like skiers, golfers want to play. Some may want to take a southern trip in March to get a head start on the season. Others would enjoy a membership at a nearby club. If they like to travel around, the Lung Card is a good buy with enough discounts to keep a golfer busy all summer. Most courses offer gift certificates for green fees as well.

One of the best destinations is Myrtle Beach. With more than 125 courses, the South Carolina resorts are always running specials. Check www.myrtlebeach.com.

For travel, the new Pan Am flight from Manchester for about $250 round-trip is a great way to add the transportation. Find them online at www.FlyPanAm.com.

If you want to make a real hit, try a vacation in Scotland (www.perrygolf.com). It won’t be cheap, but imagine the impact on Christmas morning.

Buying golf equipment for someone else is no easier than buying ski equipment. Ability levels vary greatly, and with them, so do equipment needs. A club fitting session would be a good place to start. Cost of these sessions vary, but many local pros will deduct the cost if you buy a set of clubs. Size and anatomy will determine lie and shaft length. Shaft flex is determined more by swing speed. Young and strong golfers might go for a stiff shaft, while older golfers will want more flex. Check with your local club pro for information on how to go about this gift.

Other potential gifts include a new bag, travel bag or cart. Bags come in various sizes from lightweight carry bags to bulky cart bags, but all have trade-offs. Most of us want standing bags now, and light is good, but when we have to take a power cart or travel, we might want more capacity in the form of extra pockets. I finally found one, the Sport Utility Bag from X-Sports. This bag has seven sections for clubs with full length dividers and 13 pockets. Its stand can be locked off with velcro, and it will stand upright without the legs. Plus, it weighs only five pounds. For $149, this makes a good versatile bag (www.xsportsinc.com).

The best cart to push around the course is the Speed Cart. This thing rolls so easily that it can take off by itself in a strong wind if the brake isn’t set. If your golfer is a walker, check these at $169 to $199.

For a travel bag, the Last Bag from Club Glove is the top choice at $249. It’s hard enough so you won’t have to sign a damage waiver and has enough pockets to carry most of your golf wear.

Balls or a bag of 2-inch tees will be useful as stocking stuffers.

There are more options out there, but remember it’s important to shop on the stormy days so you can ski on the sunny days.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.

Copy the Story Link