Collection: OOO: Outdoor Research Ski Day

One of the primary reasons many Outdoor Research employees work in the outdoor industry is their passion for immersing themselves in the environments our gear is built for. From peaceful hikes to tucked-away alpine lakes to coastal strike missions when the swell kicks up to adrenaline-pumping days on the mountain bike, our staff is keen for adventure. The 2024 edition of the annual Outdoor Research Ski Day was no exception.

With our out-of-office messages set for the day, the crew met up bright and early for first chair laps at The Summit at Snoqualmie, a short 45-minute drive from our home office in Seattle. The sun was shining, the groomers were perfect, and the stoke level was off the chart! A day of fantastic chairlift conversations, high-speed groomer carving, and even a few sneaky pow turns soon followed.

We asked our team members to snap a few photos during their day on the hill in their favorite OR kits. Just like at your favorite restaurant, if a staff member recommends it, it’s gotta be good! Keep reading to learn more about our staff picks for getting after it at the resort.

Kelcie Gradin, Sr. Credit & Collections Manager – Skytour Jacket, Skytour Bibs

I have been working at OR since May 2023 as an Accounts Receivable Specialist. I came to OR specifically to stay within Finance in the outdoor industry! I have a huge passion for snowboarding and love being in the outdoors, so it was important to me to align myself with a company with similar values.

I have fallen in love with my Skytour AscentShell kit this year, mainly because it is the most comfortable snow gear I have worn. It has large pockets in all of the right places and is so stretchy, which are both rare in women's outerwear. I was also able to order a shorter inseam, to ensure the perfect fit. I would recommend it to anyone looking for comfortable, yet functional gear!

Mike Cahill, Creative Content Specialist – Carbide Jacket, Point N Chute Mitts

Yo! My name is Mike Cahill, originally from Spokane, WA, I’ve been at OR for right around 2 and a half years. Currently working as Creative Content Specialist on our Brand Team, I assist in the production of video content and handle the planning/execution of our ecommerce photography. For me personally, working at OR is a way to bridge my passion for the outdoors and my day to day life. Working so closely with products that I actually get stoked to use has been a super gratifying experience. The Carbide Jacket has been a staple piece of mine since day one on the job. As what I believe to be one of our most slept-on outerwear pieces, this jacket is a swiss army knife in terms of versatility. As someone who prefers a shell with layering capabilities, from early season blizzards to slushy spring laps this jacket truly does it all.

Stacey Peterson, Sr. Digital Marketing Manager – Hemispheres II Jacket, Hemispheres II Bibs

Why OR? As a PNW native, I’ve been a fan of Outdoor Research for many years and knew first-hand the product was solid. Pairing a good product with a brand you respect makes my job as a digital marketer that much more fulfilling. I genuinely want more people to learn about the brand based on the merits that OR gear can truly make your time outside that much more enjoyable. Our team consists of those that hustle. We obsess over the details and put the product thru its paces out on the trail, mountain or wherever the weekend may take you. I can honestly say I am constantly inspired by those I get to collaborate with on a daily basis.

Hemispheres II Kit: I’ve been a big fan of the Hemispheres kit for a few years now, waterproof, stretchy, durable, comfortable, looks great on, what else could you want?! While working for an outdoor brand you develop a quiver of kits, and this is the kit I wear probably 80% of the season, inbounds, out of bounds, storm days and spring skiing, it really is that good!

Schuyler Schuster, Supply Chain Director – Allies Microgravity AscentShell Jacket, Deviator Wind Pants

I have been with OR for 11 years, 10 of those in Supply Chain. I started out as a buyer in running specialty retail, and always wanted to be involved in the production of the gear that I use to get outside. I’m primarily a runner, so being on skis is not my natural state at all. For OR Ski Day I was wearing the Deviator Wind Pants, which really made a difference when we got high up and were encountering some pretty cold winds. For a jacket I was wearing the Allies Microgravity AscentShell Jacket, which is the tactical version of our regular Microgravity AscentShell Jacket. This jacket balances waterproofing and breathability incredibly well. I never overheated even when we were working hard uphill with my terrible skiing form.

Jamie Holzkamp, Sr. Product Developer – Deviator Hoodie, Cirque II Pants, Vigor Lightweight Sensor Gloves, Shadow Insulated Ballcap, Alpine Onset Merino Ubertube

My name is Jamie Holzkamp, and I’m a Senior Product Developer on Outerwear and Accessories. I’ve worked at OR for a year and a half now but have been in the Outdoor/Sportswear industry for over a decade. I originally wanted to work at Outdoor Research because we make incredible, technical, quality product and I knew this role would help me continue learning and growing as a Developer; but I stay because my team is composed of wonderful, funny, and highly competent people, and I can bring my fur-baby into the office (huge perk!). I love the kit I’m wearing, because it’s the perfect layering combination to stay warm and dry while being active in the cold. I’m very much a beginner at cross-country skiing, and this outfit effectively kept the snow out after all the falling that inevitably happens going downhill!

Alex Lauver, Sr. Director Materials Innovations, and Sustainability – Snowcrew Anorak, Snowcrew Pant, Vigor Grid Fleece Half Zip

I’ve been at Outdoor Research for eight years, and I’m passionate about sustainable gear that performs up to expectations. I love working at OR because no two days are ever the same! The Snowcrew Anorak and Pant in this photo were actually wear-test samples that performed so well that I continued to wear after the testing concluded. For resort laps, especially with my family, I love being able to throw a lightly insulated piece over a Vigor fleece hoody and stay comfortable. We ski in wet conditions pretty often here in the PNW so the weather protection of our kit has always kept me dry and focused on skiing!

Kelcey Lockard-Bean, Product Merchandising Specialist – Skytour Jacket, Skytour Bibs

I started at OR in May 2022. I love the outdoors & working with great people who are passionate about what they do. My favorite thing about the Skytour Kit is that I never have to worry about being wet and cold. The waterproofing is exceptional while the flexibility of the jacket is perfect for layering while still maintaining good movement. I am also obsessed with my vigor pullover hoodie as it's super warm and has a built-in balaclava hood!

Lihn Vien, Shipping Lead – Verismo Hooded Down Jacket (Discontinued style...a testament to our gear’s durability!)

Hello, I’m Linh and I have been with OR for over 20 years! I’ve done almost every job around the warehouse and am currently a Distribution Lead. I audit and pack most of the large vendor orders that go out to our partners to be sold in stores or online. I’ve enjoyed my work everyday because there’s always a new problem to solve and everyone feels like family. On a recent employee outing (next to my daughter who used to work at OR too), I wore the Verismo Hooded Down Jacket, a beanie from fall ’14 and a pair of snow pants so old that it has the original OR women’s line flower logo. The Verismo kept me incredibly warm as an outer layer yet lightweight and non-puffy enough that I could put another hardshell over top had I needed to. I often use this jacket as my go-to everyday wear because I can pack it into its own pocket stuff sack. Although I no longer remember the name of the snow pants, it’s a testament to the quality that I’ve kept it so long and still use it yearly.

Dan Mayers, Brand Communication Manager – Hemispheres II Jacket, SuperStrand Vest, Revolution Mitts

I joined OR knowing a bit about the brand, mostly about the quality of their accessories. My first piece of OR gear was a pair of cherished Gore-Tex over mitts I had in college that always has a home in my pack when i went out splitboarding. Since joining the company, I’ve had the opportunity to ride in several jackets, mitts, and layers, but my favorite are the Hemispheres II Jacket, SuperStrand Vest, and Revolution Mitt. The Hemispheres II is lightweight, waterproof, breathes extremely well, and is ultra-comfy. And it doesn't feel bulky underneath my backpack and gives a fantastic range of motion. The SuperStrand Vest is the PERFECT mid-layer—lightweight and warm and perfect for resort riding and touring. The Revolution Mitt is waterproof and warm but doesn’t overheat my hands when I'm riding hard on the hill. Really looking forward to putting more of our gear to the test!