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:
Christy Pelland – Washington
Home Base: Crystal Mountain
What’s unique about skiing in your region?
Inclement weather, period.
Where specifically do you prefer to ride and why?
Crystal Mountain – I learned to ski there, taught my kids to ski there and have built a strong community there. Plus, it’s the best lift access terrain in the state!
What is your favorite run/trail at your home mountain?
Sparkle Trees off the King
Favorite skis for your region? Why? (Pick up to 3 pairs of skis)
K2 Remedy 112 for pow days and K2 Fulluvit 95 for touring.
Favorite outerwear — jacket and pants — for your region? Why?
Arc’teryx Beta Shell Jacket + Arc’teryx Shashka Pant – because we NEED waterproof gear here in the PNW.
Favorite accessories for your region? Why?
Smith I/O goggles – I can always depend on them. Outdoor Research Lucent heated gloves – it gets freakin’ cold, why wouldn’t you want to feel your fingers? Duct tape – because it fixes everything. Mullet wig = party time!
Secret(s) to thriving as a skier/snowboarder in your region?
Build others up and invest in the mountain community.
Megan Davin – Washington
Home Base: Crystal Mountain
What’s unique about skiing in your region?
I learned to ski in Vermont in college and then moved to Colorado, Utah and now finally Washington. I love Washington because it’s like Vermont but bigger. The people, the community and friends are what make a mountain special outside the terrain.
Where specifically do you prefer to ride and why?
Crystal Mountain, that’s where my friends and community are. But I also love trips to Mt. Baker and the backcountry.
What is your favorite run/trail at your home mountain?
Do I have to pick just one?
Favorite skis for your region? Why? (Pick up to 3 pairs of skis)
Favorite outerwear — jacket and pants — for your region? Why?
Arc’teryx Sentinel pants and jacket. 3 layer Gore-Tex. It can be wet and I like to be dry. These outerwear pieces are also super rugged and very comfortable.
Favorite accessories for your region? Why?
Smith I/O goggles: Protect your eyes, and don’t loose your contacts Smith Vantage Helmet: Because I love my brain Panda Poles: They are bamboo and have a custom grip Skida Tour Neckwarmer: This is not too thick or think and always in fun colors Flylow Tough Guy Gloves: They stand up to everything. Earings by Sirings: Always look good!
Secret to thriving as a skier/snowboarder in your region?
No excuses, go all the time. Just show up, even if it’s only for 1 run – take more time in the mountains.
Steph Bennett – Washington
Home Base: Washington Pass
What’s unique about skiing in your region?
Where I live, it’s primarily backcountry access only. Most folks own a snowmobile, and we all drive to the “end of the road” to go sled up and explore the North Cascades along highway 20. It’s a pretty special experience.
Where specifically do you prefer to ride and why?
I love to ride where I live. After having a pass and standing in lift lines for over two decades, I feel pretty lucky to be able to ski in the mountains with my best friends and my dogs with pretty much no one else around.
What is your favorite run/trail at your home mountain?
There is the iconic “Birthday Tour,” which circumnavigates the Rock formation at WA Pass. It’s about 6000’ feet of vert, and you have the ability to ski multiple aspects. There are also a lot of great spots along the corridor and then in the Pasayten that may see only a few folks a season, and you’re just in the middle of nowhere surrounded by majestic peaks.
Favorite skis for your region? Why? (Pick up to 3 pairs of skis)
I ski and Splitboard… so, my Pallas Split is amazing for getting through pretty much everything… and then Line Sick Days for when I ski (I’m just learning!). But, I’ve been checking out DPS and excited to maybe buy a pair this season
Favorite outerwear — jacket and pants — for your region? Why?
Trew Chariot bibs and Burton Ak jacket. My coats a few years old, but I’ll probably buy the Burton AK Embark this season to finally replace it. Even though I’ve in the east side, I still need super durable and waterproof gear. I’ve probably put 100 days on my bibs, and over 150 on my jacket… along with screwing around with snowmobiles and everything else.
Favorite accessories for your region? Why?
Sorel boots and my Patagonia Fitz Roy puff. It can be brutally cold when you’re unloading your snowmobiles, and definitely while riding them.. so, always just try to stay warm.
Secret(s) to thriving as a skier/snowboarder in your region?
Really like to ski uphill… a lot.
Still have questions about ski/snowboard gear?
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