A Setup That Steps Up
The Gearhead Connection: Vol. 3
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Backcountry Gearhead Alex still found a way to ski and climb, sometimes crossing state borders to visit small Ohio hills or Wisconsin crags. Even living near the third-largest city in the U.S., he managed to find his backcountry.
It comes as no surprise, then, that when Alex found himself in Salt Lake City for college, he ended up falling in love with all the activities the surrounding Wasatch Mountains have to offer. When he’s not busy helping customers gear up, you can find him backcountry touring, backpacking, or climbing—right in the city’s backyard. And since becoming part of the Backcountry herd, he’s added mountain biking, fly fishing, and snowshoeing to his pursuit list, plus a new adventure buddy. His son was born in 2019 and Alex is hoping to take the little guy skiing this winter.
As a Gearhead, Alex helps customers find the best gear and outdoor styles for their location all the time, but it isn’t every day that he gets a call from a Midwest skier. So, when Andrew phoned in for advice on a new pair of skis, the two immediately hit it off over their shared connection. Once Andrew discovered just how much of a ski nerd Alex really was, he decided to pick his brain on more than just skis.
Andrew had big plans to travel both east and west while still getting in laps closer to home, so he needed a ski setup that could take an intermediate skier into deeper snow without losing its touch on hardpack and small hills. With firsthand experience skiing 200’ of vert in Ohio and crushing powder out west, Alex was able to match Andrew up with just the right gear, from skis and boots to bindings. After all, skis are great, but boots are arguably the most important component of your setup. Or, as Alex likes to say, “You date your skis, but you marry your boots.”
Your Turn!
Wherever your next adventure might take you, we can help. From expert advice on gear to outfitting your trip in the right apparel, our Gearheads can assist in everything except getting you out there—that’s on you. Call 1-800-409-4502 or chat online for gear guidance, help with your order, or just to talk adventure.