If you’ve ever been skiing or snowboarding, you know that sliding around on snowy mountains is undoubtedly some of the most fun a gal can have. But deciding where to go, let alone sifting through the constantly growing and evolving selection of ski and snowboard gear can be downright overwhelming. Which skis do I want? How about outerwear? Will it work well for the conditions here? Fear not! To help dumb it down, your local SheJumps Ambassadors are sharing their favorite gear for the area so you can spend less time sifting through hundreds of reviews and get out there with the clothing and equipment you know works best! Used and trusted by the badass women you know and love, this is SheJumps favorite ski and snowboard gear for Washington:
Yulia Dubinina – Washington
Home Base: Alpental & Crystal Mountain
What’s unique about skiing in your region?
Have you ever heard of the term “PNWet”? Skiing in Washington can be challenging due to weather, as it can turn from blower to cascade concrete or bluebird to ping-pong too quickly. The key is to hit the weather just right, so you can maximize the amount of white stuff hitting you in the face.
Where specifically do you prefer to ride and why?
In the heart of winter, I like to be where there are no crowds and the snow is the fluffiest. Thankfully both Alpental and Crystal have lots to offer, if you know where to go! In the spring, 1 word: volcano.
What is your favorite run/trail at your home mountain?
There is an area at Crystal that our local crew calls “Free Cat Skiing Zone”. If you find it, you will be in heaven. If you don’t, there is always the hike up the King.
Favorite skis for your region? Why? (Pick up to 3 pairs of skis)
I love the Line Pandora series. I have been skiing on the 110 Pandora for a long time, and it has been my favorite all around PNW ski. This coming year, Line has changed their line-up a bit and even though the 110 is not available, the Line Pandora 104 is rad. If you do want something wider for deeper resort days, you should check out the Line Skis Sick Day 114.
Favorite outerwear — jacket and pants — for your region? Why?
I found that Patagonia fits my booty just right. I rock the Patagonia PowSlayer bib and Patagonia Untracked jacket. Those pieces keep me warm and dry all day everyday.
Favorite accessories for your region? Why?
My Pieps Sport Beacon. Anytime you are skiing pow, you should always be “beeping” – no matter if you are at a resort or in the backcountry.
Secret(s) to thriving as a skier/snowboarder in your region?
If the weather is right, don’t think too hard, just take that much deserved sick day. Also, make sure to do a snow dance at least once a week.
Krystin Norman – Washington
Home Base: Crystal Mountain
What’s unique about skiing in your region?
With warmer temps and higher snowfall in the Pacific Northwest, we have a really bomber base and deep snowpack that lasts through the spring and into the summer. You basically never hit rocks while skiing in Washington mid-season, ski some of the deepest pow of your life, and you can ski year-round. Skiing in Washington has made me a much stronger skier!
Where specifically do you prefer to ride and why?
I mostly ski at Crystal Mountain and Alpental. I love Crystal for the steep and complex terrain that it has to offer in the Southback and Northway areas. There are tons of hidden gems and you can ski untracked powder many days after a storm if you are willing to hike a bit! I also love Alpental for night skiing after work, and love the playfulness of the terrain. Alpental naturally has tons of side hits and some of the best tree skiing that make riding there super fun.
What is your favorite run/trail at your home mountain?
My favorite place to ski at Crystal is The Silver King. The front side of the King has steep/tech lines and cliffs, and the backside has low-angle pow skiing. I never regret hiking The King for some of the best skiing in North America!
Favorite skis for your region? Why? (Pick up to 3 pairs of skis)
Powder/Touring Skis = K2 Gottaluvit 105 Ti. These are my every day ski for all conditions. They are super fun in pow, on groomers, firm conditions, spring snow, and they are both fun and hard-charging at the same time. I also use these skis for backcountry skiing in a shorter length than my resort skis and they are perfect. Groomer Skis = K2 Marksman. I’ve never felt more immediately at home on a pair of skis. The Marksmans ski amazing on groomers and all mountain conditions!
Favorite outerwear — jacket and pants — for your region? Why?
Arc’teryx Sentinel LT Jacket: I love the long fit of this jacket and the color-blocking. Keeps me dry even if it is raining all day! Arc’teryx Shashka Bib Pants: Bib pants rule! They look cute, are easy to move in, guarantee you will never get snow sneaking in to your base layers even if you crash, have good vents to open when touring or hiking, and they are extra waterproof for wet PNW days on the mountain. Also, it is easy to go to the bathroom with the drop-seat!
Favorite accessories for your region? Why?
Dakine Galaxy Gore-Tex Mittens: These are the best mittens ever. They keep my hands super warm and completely dry on the wettest of days! Smith Squad Goggles: Cool style, interchangeable lenses for high/low light conditions. XS Unified Freeride Helmet: the most comfortable and cute helmet I’ve been able to find as an adult woman. Removable padding and ear covers so I can use my helmet mid-winter and for summer tours. Darn Tough Ski Socks: These are the best socks. They keep your feet warm, dry, and never bunch up in my ski boots. They also last forever!
Secret(s) to thriving as a skier/snowboarder in your region?
Gore-Tex is the best investment of my adult-life. Commit to going skiing, even if the conditions look wet and warm. You will never regret a day on the mountain even if the conditions aren’t perfect!
Jeanette Johnson – Washington
Home Base: Crystal Mountain
What’s unique about skiing in your region?
There is nothing like catching first chair on a bluebird day at Crystal Mountain. You get to the top of Rex and you’ve got Rainier in all her glory right in your face. Then you hike out to South Back and have the best untouched ride on your way down. What makes it unique to all though is the community. The friendships I’ve made at my home mountain and the level of stoke and understanding we have with each other is out of this world. That may be every ski town but I really do feel something special in the Northwest.
Where specifically do you prefer to ride and why?
I specifically like to ride my home mountain because I know it best. You can go a little faster and know where the secret stashes are.
What is your favorite run/trail at your home mountain?
My favorite run is off the back side of the King. Everyone has a different name for it!
Favorite snowboard for your region? Why?
My favorite snowboard would be my first Lib Tech. It was a TRS and once I rode it I fell IN LOVE with snowboarding. Mervin Manufacturing has created Magne Traction and it is a game changer for the snowboarding community! Second favorite is my GNU B-Pro Snowboard, it has C3 BTX, which is great for all mountain riding. It is not too aggressive but just enough so I can keep up or be first one down. Third choice is my Capita Birds of a Feather. This board is great for a spring day of riding. It is flexible and fun. In WA we get all types of weather, so it’s good to have options. And buttering with my Capita is super fun!
Favorite outerwear — jacket and pants — for your region? Why?
My favorite Jacket is the Roxy Essence 2L GORE-TEX jacket. I love the new 2019 print too, it’s pink and floral but still subtle. This jacket fits my freestyle riding, it keeps me warm and the GORE-TEX keeps me dry. My favorite pants are the Roxy Creek in Hott Pink! They have zipper pockets in the back and zippers on the side at the boot which I love. They are 15K which is perfect for me because I don’t get too hot or too cold in them. The lining is fleece which is the best part! Don’t have to wear a base layer if it isn’t terribly cold.
Favorite accessories for your region? Why?
My Favorite accessory is my grey Neff beanie. I buy the same beanie in all the colors. It’s comfy, it’s stretchy, it keeps me warm, it makes me happy when I get to wear it on the mountain and around town!
Secret(s) to thriving as a snowboarder in your region?
Always wear a helmet! It keeps your head warm and is safe! Smith helmets flush very nicely with Smith goggles. Keep snacks in your pockets at all times. In our region the weather is constantly changing, So wear layers. Always, always treat your gloves. And you can’t go wrong with all-temp wax.
Still have questions about ski/snowboard gear?
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