When you head into the backcountry, you crave the off-piste solitude, the big mountain landscapes, and the chance to enjoy the quiet that winter brings. Backcountry skiers have distinct needs, and today we’re talking about Ski Touring: Lightweight breathability and stretch for high-exertion activity. So ‘click’ in and raise your riser, it’s time to elevate your backcountry ski kit. Find your favorite backcountry style in our Fall 2018 Ski Collection. If “earn your turns” is your ski mantra, you know a thing or two about working hard in the mountains. Steep inclines and long approaches don’t bother you, in fact – you find half the fun in the ascent. Getting your heart and legs worked up, soaking in the beauty of big mountain landscapes, and enjoying the anticipation of the perfect line ahead... To you, skinning uphill is just as joyful as bombing down. Outdoor Research Ambassador Martin Volken would agree. Owner of his own mountain guiding service, author of three backcountry ski books, and father to two girls, Volken has made a life out of showing others how to enjoy the challenges that mountains present us with his favorite mode of backcountry travel: Ski Touring. Ski Touring can involve a day full of 90% uphill travel, so skiers need apparel that breathes and works with them, while protecting them from the elements. Enter the Skyward II Collection: The totally waterproof, super stretchy, and incredibly lightweight pair of ski jackets and pants that shield you against ice, snow, wind, and however else the weather tries to thwart a perfectly planned ski tour. But most important for ski tourers, its breathability is unmatched. AscentShell™ technology powers our most active outerwear collections, including the Skyward. This electrospun, air-permeable membrane breathes faster than traditional membranes for exceptional moisture management. Plus, both the Skyward Jacket and Pants are complete with vented zips that let heat escape when the temps – or your pace – turn up. The Skyward has earned awards and #1 spots on athlete-favorited gear lists for years, but we still saw room for improvement. This season, Outdoor Research designers updated and trimmed down the aesthetic for versatility that blends into other alpine sports, and we’ve injected even more stretch into the Skyward’s face fabric to enhance your range of motion during dynamic activities. When Volken set off to Jackson with the goal of putting the Skyward through the ringer, he needed to complete his Ski Touring Kit with the best layers and accessories to match his touring objectives. That’s why he looked for: Breathability: Fabrics and features that let heat and sweat escape fast. High stretch for ease of movement: Mobility-enhancing apparel that won’t inhibit long strides or lunges. Lightweight and waterproof: Heavy snow doesn’t need heavyweight protection – each piece in our Ski Touring Collection let you move light and fast, while ensuring durable waterproofness. Rest assured, we’re here to stoke your journey with purpose-built gear for however you like to get out there. Discover your own perfect backcountry kit in our Fall 2018 Ski Collection.
