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Gift Guide · Ski/Snowboard

The Backcountry Skier

Gift Guide · Ski/Snowboard

Up, up, up. Most skiers just talk about the downhill. But the real riders – the ones who skip the lift line – know that a solid uphill skin track earns you an even better descent.

A person wearing a yellow Norrøna jacket and carrying skis walks uphill in the snow with a moon in the sky.

Jackets & Tops

Ski touring is mostly heat management. Many skin up in a base layer and pull on the shell at the top, so a light, breathable shell that packs small earns its place.

Gore-Tex Jacket – Oatmeal
Gore-Tex Jacket – Oatmeal
GBP 630
4 Colors
thermo60 aero200 Jacket – Oatmeal
thermo60 aero200 Jacket – Oatmeal
GBP 320
4 Colors

Pants

Touring pants need to breathe and move on the uptrack. Side vents and cuffs that fit over touring boots are worth looking for.

Gore-Tex Salopette – Oatmeal
Gore-Tex Salopette – Oatmeal
GBP 590
4 Colors
<span class="-lower">flex<sup>1</sup></span> Bibs – Oatmeal
<span class="-lower">flex<sup>1</sup></span> Bibs – Oatmeal
GBP 300
3 Colors

Midlayer

Light insulation that can go on at transitions, often over the shell, keeps them warm while skins come off and boots get locked.

Octa Zip Hood – Oatmeal
Octa Zip Hood – Oatmeal
GBP 230
3 Colors
thermo100active Vest – Whisper White
thermo100active Vest – Whisper White
GBP 170
4 Colors

Headwear

A thin headband for the climb, and a warm beanie for the top.

heavy cotton Beanie – Indigo Night Melange
heavy cotton Beanie – Indigo Night Melange
GBP 55
3 Colors
mid merinoUll logo Beanie – Indigo Night Melange
mid merinoUll logo Beanie – Indigo Night Melange
GBP 55
7 Colors

Gloves & Mittens

Two pairs is the usual system: light gloves for the uptrack and warmer gloves or mittens for the descent.