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 Oregon:
Annie Pendygraft – Oregon
Home Base: Mt. Bachelor
What’s unique about skiing in your region?
Variable conditions! We can have cold, dry days followed by wet, warm clouds…fresh powder one day and slush the next. That’s what makes versatile gear so important skiing in the cascades.
Where specifically do you prefer to ride and why?
While Mt. Bachelor is my home resort mountain, my true home mountain is on the slopes of the Central Oregon Cascade backcountry. Because I have a snowmobile, I can access some hidden gems in our beautiful, volcano-filled backyard.
What is your favorite run/trail at your home mountain?
When they’re accessible, the west bowls have my heart. On a fresh and clear day, there’s not much better than Cow’s Face. But both require regular prayers to the snow goddesses as the access can be fickle and is very weather/condition-dependent.
Favorite skis for your region? Why? (Pick up to 3 pairs of skis)
I snowboard…so my faves: – Burton Family Tree AntiSocial SplitBoard -For resort only days: Pretty much anything Mervin makes I’ll trust at Mt. Bachelor. Specifically, I love my Gnu Beauty powder board with C2 to help float through the deep (but sometimes not so steep) powder at Mt. Bachelor. When mother nature is stingy with her powder, I enjoy my traditional rocker board. Something a little smaller and poppier to play around in Mt. Bachelor’s terrain parks and off piste playgrounds.
Favorite outerwear — jacket and pants — for your region? Why?
For backcountry touring, waterproof and breathability are a must. I love my Marmot waterproof pants and Mammut shell. Both are Gore-Tex shells and can be layered over pretty much anything. I lightweight puffy such as the Patagonia nano-puff pretty much secures the day.
Favorite accessories for your region? Why?
My buff! I love it as a face shield on days with wind and lots of precip. Then it doubles as a sweat-guard/hair band when I’m hauling rump up a steep pitch and sweating my you-know-whats off.
Secret(s) to thriving as a skier/snowboarder in your region?
A good attitude! There is always fun to be had in the Central Oregon Cascades. But listen to mother nature and be grateful for what she gives you…feet of fresh powder, corn, slush, wind, crowds…it’s all good. Just enjoy it.
Siri Smithback – Oregon
Home Base: Mount Hood Meadows
What’s unique about skiing in your region?
Volcano skiing!–open faces that get hit with variable weather, never allowing for a dull moment. Also, the snow can be heavy and wet.
Where specifically do you prefer to ride and why?
Mt. Hood Meadows while in resort due to terrain.
What is your favorite run/trail at your home mountain?
Heather Canyon
Favorite skis for your region? Why? (Pick up to 3 pairs of skis)
My touring ski setup
Favorite outerwear — jacket and pants — for your region? Why?
Anything with GORE-TEX–needed for the wet snow. I wear a Helly Hansen jacket I love!
Favorite accessories for your region? Why?
Secret(s) to thriving as a skier/snowboarder in your region?
Take an Avy course–know before you go!
Still have questions about ski/snowboard gear?