Weekend Adventure : Skiing with Backcountry
I hope everyone had a lovely weekend! After a heavy week, I knew we needed to get outside over the weekend to recharge. Whenever I’m feeling anxious or overwhelmed, spending time being active outdoors is always the best remedy to put me in a positive headspace. Today’s post is different than my usual interiors or home decor, but it’s a good one. I wanted to give you a glimpse at some fun we had over the weekend with friends- complete with beautiful snowy Utah scenes. I know we’re all looking forward to spring, but I haven’t been able to ski since my surgery… my doctor finally released me and I was more than ready to slide around on the snow and get back to my favorite winter hobby before the season ends. Emmett & I called up some friends, packed up breakfast items, and took a short drive up the mountain to one of our favorite local resorts for a gorgeous sunrise, fresh air, friend time, and fun in the mountains… a much needed reprieve! Click through to see how we like to spend our winter weekends and for a roundup of my favorite winter gear & apparel on sale for the end of the season- plus I have a discount code for you.
*This post is sponsored by Backcountry.com. All content, ideas, and words are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that allow us to create unique content while featuring products we actually use & enjoy!
Our preferred weekend winter activity is skiing. Emmett & I started skiing when we were kids and we both worked at a local ski resort during our teenage / high school years. I’m actually a certified ski instructor… although these days the only people I teach are friends & family, but I used to specialize in teaching kids (they’re fun because they’re fearless), as well adaptive or para alpine skiing- which is the most rewarding and incredible experience. These days, we just ski for fun and exercise, but it’s still one of our favorite winter hobbies. On Saturday, we woke up early, packed up our gear, picked up some friends, and headed up the mountain to eat breakfast and catch the sunrise before a day of skiing & snowboarding.
Time spent outside with good company… is there anything better? It’s good for the soul! You might actually recognize my friend Angela… her face has popped up here on the blog before. Remember when we gave her deck a makeover (she’s our neighbor)? She’s also my dive buddy! All of my Utah girlfriends are adventurous and I love that we can get outside and have fun together- no matter the season. I’m thankful to have friends who share my love of the outdoors and are always game to recharge with me. Angela & I were on coffee duty for our Saturday ski morning and tailgate, as we waited for the sun to make its way above the mountain range.
When Backcountry asked if I’d be interested to share some of my favorite gear for their End of Season Sale, I immediately responded with a big YES. While I primarily chat about home & interiors here on the blog, most of you know Emmett & I are outdoor enthusiasts. From camping and hiking to kayaking and fishing, we moved to this gorgeous state because of the landscape and array of outdoor activities. Emmett’s office is actually next door to Backcountry, our favorite outdoor shop, so it’s always our go-to for outdoor clothing, gear, and adventure items. It’s where 99% of our outdoor apparel comes from too, so we have plenty of favorites to share.
Coffee was made, we got our gear on, and we started up the charcoal grill for breakfast. If you’re going to catch a winter sunrise and spend a day burning a lot of calories on skis- good breakfast is a must! We do a lot of camping and traveling with these particular friends, so we’ve got cooking down to science at this point, knowing who tackles what. I’m always the one organizing, packing, and unpacking…
We were thankful we made extra coffee (ok, you got me- it’s Irish coffee) because on our so-called “spring” ski day, the temperature dipped to -7 degrees. Brrr!! It was pretty chilly waiting on the sun to pop over the peak. On the cast iron, we cooked up bacon, eggs, and veggies. Our go-to outdoor breakfast is usually a skillet or breakfast burrito of sorts. It’s all about staying warm until the lifts start spinning, and you can’t beat the view or conversation.
My favorite winter looks are the ones that are easily layered, can transition from season-to-season, and clothing that functions really well. On Saturday it was all about keeping warm given the low temps. I always bundle up and shed layers throughout the day as needed. I figured I might as well make the most of my cozy North Face fleece, down jacket, and wool base layers because winter will be coming to a close soon and I won’t wear them much longer this season.
Here’s the thing about investing in quality outdoor clothing, gear, and equipment… it takes time to acquire everything you need, but we build our collection slowly for the long haul (kind of like renovating our house). We tend to buy items we need when they’re on sale, knowing they’ll last for years to come. If you also love being active outside, I wanted to share some winter favorites for women. Now is the time to grab those essentials for less… even if you’re storing them away for next winter (depending on where you live). You can shop Backcountry’s End of Season Sale now– today is the last day for up to 50% off, and I have a code for you. Use code TUESDAY15 for 15% off your first order! I’ll drop my winter apparel & gear picks for you below. Even if you don’t ski- most of these are perfect for keeping warm during colder months.
Click directly on my finds to be redirected to the source, or use the numbered links below the collage to shop…
01: down mittens // 02: wool socks // 03: beanie // 04: long hooded jacket // 05: camp coffee mug // 06: polarized sunglasses // 07: cozy leggings // 08: yeti tote // 09: puffy travel blanket // 10: fall line mitten // 11: vantage helmet // 12: cast iron set // 13: lumberjack grill // 14: yeti tundra // 15: merino fleece // 16: patagonia jacket // 17: stanley thermos // 18: insulated ski jacket // 19: smith goggles // 20: merino long sleeve // 21: north face pullover // 22: sorel snow boots // 23: k2 ski boots // 24: backcountry duffel // 25: brae snow pant // 26: base layer bottoms // 27: insulated snow pant
The first thing to get cold is always my fingers and toes… my favorite down mittens (#1) have been a game changer. I also pretty much live in my North Face fleece (#21) year round- it’s great for fall, winter, and even chilly summer evenings. It’s a great basic for layering! Another essential? The Backcountry duffel bag (#24)… Emmett & I each have one and use them to corral our outdoor gear- ski clothing, scuba gear, camping items, sports equipment, etc. Let me know if you have any specific gear or clothing questions. Like I said- I’ve built my collection over the years and own most of these, so I’m happy to help make suggestions or share feedback.
We ended up having a beautiful bluebird ski day, which was exactly what I feel like we all needed! From the breathtaking views to breaking a sweat exercising, I’m so thankful I was able to get back on my skis and make memories with friends. I really missed this during my recovery. It felt good to pick up where I left off.
As winter comes to an end and spring is just around the corner, I’ve been making a conscious effort to plan a few more cold weather activities and get outside more often. For me, it’s the best way to boost my mental health and creativity. Here in Utah, we have at least a month (probably more) of cold winter temps & snow… we definitely need the precipitation here in the West, so no complaints here. I’m making the most of my warm cozy winter clothing and am going to take in as many of those snowy landscapes before we switch gears to spring outdoor adventures. How are you spending the end of the season? Does being active outside also boost your mood? What adventures do you have planned for the year ahead? What are the best outdoor activities in your state? I’d love to hear in the comment section below!
Backcountry has all of the apparel & accessories you need if you’re looking for quality clothing & gear… don’t forget to use my code, TUESDAY15 for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com (exclusions apply). I hope you enjoyed this post and a peek into our weekend… it’s not often I’m in front of the camera, but Emmett was our photographer for the day. Consider this a reminder to be kind to yourself, get outside, breathe in some fresh air, move your body, and surround yourself with people who make you smile. Get outside and find your backcountry- wherever that may be. Let’s make the most of late winter and early spring, shall we? Guess what’s tentatively on the calendar for later this week or Monday (depending on how quickly I can edit photos)? My office reveal! Be sure to check back for that, and thanks for reading! I hope everyone has a good week.
