BACKCOUNTRY SKI ESSENTIALS

Hi! I'm Viktoria. I live and work in the mountains of Banff National Park! I began ski and splitboard touring as a way to experience my favourite mountains in winter! You won't find me on strava, but you will find me cruising up slow and enjoying the ride down!

SMARTWOOL INTRAKNIT STRAPPY BRA

Part way between a bralette and a tank, I love it! Outer fabric is made from a supportive and quick drying nylon blend and the lining is a merino wool blend that is super soft, wicking and stretchy


MEC t2 MERINO BASELAYER BOTTOMS

Because I don't wear either an insulating midlayer bottom or ski pants, the heavier weight (180gsm) of these are perfect for all temps! I do find them to be a little short (29" inseam) in the leg for my 5'8" frame, but they get the job done!


MEC t2 HOODED MERINO BASELAYER TOP

Love the full coverage fitted hood for extra warmth on windy approaches. For warmer climbs, the heavier weight (180gsm) allows for me to wear this piece as a breathable stand alone.


VIM & VIGR MERINO COMPRESSION SKI SOCKS

I don't get cold feet often, and prefer a thinner sock whenever possible for both my ski and snowboard boots. With a merino content of 40%, I find these socks to be very warm and have good moisture wicking properties. Because they have a slight compression to them (15-20 mmHg) I find these socks to offer a tight, wrinkle-free secure fit, that increases blood flow and keep my feet toasty!


LIMITED ARTISTS EDITION BUFF

Everyone needs a good Buff and I teamed up with fellow artist Balance Explore and Buff to create one! Made of 100% recycled REPREVE® Performance Microfiber this 4-Way ultra stretch multi purpose buff is seamless and features UPF 50 sun protection.


SUNGOD ZEPHYRS Polarized SUNGLASSES

These beauties are a favourite of mine. Made from 100% recycled materials, scratch resistant lenses and cool to boot. Sungod is awesome because you can fully customize your frames, lenses and details!


MEC NORTHERN LITE HOODIE

I spend most of my day ski touring wearing only this jacket, my ski pants and my base layer and there's a reason why: this jacket slams. It uses 60g EcoSoft recycled synthetic insulation which makes it warm and stuffable (it weighs 400grams and stuffs into its own zippered pocket like a hot pocket). I'm a big fan of its wind stopping abilities, especially around the neck and cuff thanks to elastic edge binding.


MEC RADIATOR LITE DOWN JACKET

A lightweight and warm hooded down jacket doesn't need any fancy features to do its job which is why I chose the MEC Radiator Lite Down. It's got a fill of 850, fits over my other jackets when I'm in a hurry, doesn't weigh a whole lot and stuffs into its own zippered pocket.


MEC COULOIR GORE-TEX PRO SHELL

This jacket has it all and I agree with MEC that it is the pinnacle of their performance outerwear. I love the roomier fit and the articulated cut means I can move with style! It's got all the features I need in a high end touring jacket: Gore-tex, tapes seams, armpit vents, high neck cuff, big pockets, and wide cuffs with velcro closures. It's lightweight enough to carry me through to spring skiing too!


MEC COULOIR INSULATED GORE-TEX JACKET


MEC COULOIR GORE-TEX PRO BIB PANTS


MEC T1 GORE-TEX GLOVES


MEC 32L TOURING PACK


EVERTHERM DOWN MITTENS


SNAPBACK HAT


VANGUARD GOGGLES BY SUNGOD


METHOD HELMET BY SMITH


BARRYVOX TRANSCEIVER BY MAMMUT


GARMIN VENU GPS WATCH


GARMIN INREACH MINI2

If you're on a budget when it comes to building out your backcountry ski kit, I recommend that you skip spending money on expensive outerwear and invest in one of Garmin's InReach products. This piece of technology could be what saves a life.


ALUGATOR RIDE SHOVEL/HOE BY MAMMUT


320CM SPEEDLOCK PROBE BY MAMMUT


BONESAW SNOWSAW BY G3


LEXAN SNOW CRYSTAL CARD BY BCA


DREAMWEAVER SPLITBOARD BY JONES


ARC ST BINDINGS BY SPARK R&D


POMOCA CLIMB 2.0 145MM SKINS


COMPACTOR Z POLES BY BLACK DIAMOND


IBEX ST CRAMPONS


CADENCE BOA SOFT BOOT BY RIDE


LICENSE FREE RADIO BY ROCKY TALKIE



10X25 WATERPROOF BINOCULARS


SNOW PROFILE KIT


REPAIR ITEMS:


BINDING REPAIR KIT BY SPARK R&D





MISC ITEMS:


Suncreen Chapstick and Stick from Salt + Stone

Bear spray

spare batteries

Fully stocked first aid kit with lots of bandaid brand blister bandages

A pair of spare contacts, ibuprofen, benadryl, tensor, tick key

Spare pair of socks

Airpods



HERE ARE SOME (NOT ALL) OF THE ITEMS I USE FOR MOUNTAIN RUNNING

This list is not sponsored, the items are simply what I am currently using for trail running.

HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT GEAR?

SEND ME A MESSAGE BELOW!