Ambassador Spotlight: Meet Katie

Living her BAÏSTLife.

We are continuing to highlight our BAÏSTLife Crew, made up of several talented athletes who push our brand to the limit and always live their BAÏSTLife. We recently featured AJ Cutler, and now we are highlighting Katie Jane Purdy, a backcountry snowmobiler and snowboarder who is originally from the United Kingdom. After just one ski season in Colorado, she quickly fell in love with the mountains and developed a passion for the sport. Want to know more? Read on to get a peek into Katie's life:

How long have you been skiing/riding? How did you get started?

I took my first snowboard lesson back in 2006 on a dry slope which was awful and nowhere near like the real thing. I really picked up my snowboarding when I moved to Colorado in the winter of 2011-2012.

What is your first memory of skiing and who introduced you to the sport?

My first memory of snowboarding was on the dry slope in the UK. Imagine a large bristle toothbrush... this was what it was like and it really hurt when you fell over (haha!).

How many days do you currently spend skiing or boarding each year?

I usually get 30 days in on the snow each winter, which includes snowmobiling, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

What is your favorite memory of being in the snow/in nature?

Cat skiing for my 30th birthday in Revelstoke, British Columbia! It was a dream come true.

How do you start each day?

Granola and yoghurt with a strong coffee.

What does your perfect ski day look like? Who’s with you? Where are you?

My perfect ski day would be in Steamboat, Colorado, on my snowmobile with my friends, waking up to two feet of fresh pow.

What is the best ski day you’ve ever had?

Probably Niseko, Japan. This place dumps an insane amount of snow — to the point where you catch the chairlift back up the hill after your run and by the time you get off at the top all of your previous tracks are filled in!

Where is your favorite place to ski?

Steamboat, Colorado

What’s the furthest you’ve ever traveled to ski?

Queenstown, New Zealand

What's the most challenging mountain you've ever skied?

Snowbird, Utah

What do you do in the off-season to stay in shape?

Mountain biking, gym and hiking.

What hobbies do you have other than skiing?

Mountain biking and boat surfing.

You are headed out to the hill: What's in your pack? Tell us your 5 must-haves.

I ride mostly backcountry so the most important thing in my back is my avy gear, followed by my emergency supply kit, which includes things like a lighter, knife, foil blanker, first aid, etc., spare goggles and gloves, food and beer!

If you use BAÏST products, why do you enjoy using and riding with them?

I love my BAÏST gloves — they are the most waterproof and warm gloves that I have ever used! I enjoy my liners when I am snowshoeing or getting ready in the parking lot, and of course the BAÏST beanie is a MUST for all cold days even when I am not in the mountains!

What made you decide to try/use/work with BAÏST?

Great online reviews.