Winter Gear: Are You Ready? With thoughts of sugarplums and snow flurries dancing in our heads, Base Camp @ Grand Lake eagerly prepares for winter. In order to be comfortable and enjoy winter activities, having good gear is essential. A large component of Base Camp @ Grand Lake is aimed at helping people make informed decisions about outdoor gear. The gear that we have purchased over the years had been carefully thought through and researched. Doing your research will help to ensure that you get exactly what you want, although that is not always a blanket guarantee.
Winter Gear: Are You Ready? highlights the snowshoes, cross-country skis and boots that we use. Below, you will find a brief description, along with a hyperlink that will then direct you to the full product review on the website.
Stella’s skis ~ Fischer Spider 62 Crown IFP
Ideal for cross-country skiing in mountainous terrain. They have a full-length metal edge, awesome grip and allow for off-track and in-track skiing.
Larry’s skis ~ Rossignol EVO OT 65
Ideal for cross-country skiing in mountainous terrain. They have a partial metal edge in the center/base of the ski, awesome grip and allow for off-track and in-track skiing. These are slightly wider than Stella’s skis, which provides enhanced stability, yet they are still narrow enough to fit within set ski tracks.
Stella’s snowshoes ~ Louis Garneu Blizzard II
Imported from France, these snowshoes are nothing short of amazing! They have seen me through every type of terrain and condition possible. They use the BOA lacing system, are lightweight, float well in deep snow while breaking trail (which I do a significant amount of), and have ideal crampon placement for mountainous terrain. I will not replace these until they completely fall apart.
Larry’s snowshoes ~ Atlas 1030
Large, heavy-duty snowshoes designed for plowing through deep snow. They have seen Larry through every type of terrain and condition possible. This upcoming winter, he will be replacing these with a snowshoe that has the BOA lacing system. I am trying to convince him to purchase some by Louis Garneau, but I think he already has his mind set on the Tubbs Flex VRT instead.
Stella’s ski boots ~ Rossingnol F-6 SC Combi
Ultra comfortable boots for both classic and skate skiing. I fell in love with them the very first time I wore them as a rental while demoing some skis, and immediately purchased a pair.
Larry’s snow boots ~ Oboz Men’s Bridger 8″
Comfortable, insulated and waterproof for outdoor winter adventures. And, they require little to no break in period.
Stella’s snow boots ~ Keen Durand Polar WP Women’s
I purchased these boots 4 years ago and I have yet to write a review for them, although there is a reason for this. I have been entirely undecided about them! However, I will post a review for these in a few weeks. Stay posted.