2023 Ski Babes Gift & Giving Guide
Welcome to this year's Gift & Giving Guide! This list was compiled from suggestions of the Ski Babes community and represents their side hustles, passion projects, favorite businesses to shop and places to donate. I hope you enjoy perusing this years recommendations!
Use the buttons below to navigate to different sections of this page or simply start scrolling to work through the full list!
Wishing you and yours a very happy winter season!
Team Mind & Mountain
Art & Jewelry
Shards of the Forest
Shards of the Forest offers a collection of glass art that brings the flora, fauna, fungi and landscapes of Aotearoa New Zealand to your home. Each piece represents a unique piece of the natural world, with inspiration coming from Alex’s backcountry travels and work in conservation and outdoor education. Alex started dabbling in glass art when recovering from a severe back injury in 2021, designing and creating nature-themed pieces to bring the places she loved so dearly near when unable to visit them. Items are designed and made by Alex in Ōtautahi/Christchurch, with high hopes of fostering human-nature connection by bringing pieces of joy from the outdoors in. Comissions and custom orders are welcome, and can be shipped internationally!
All proceeds from Shards of the Forest go towards reducing participation costs for neurodivergent and disabled people to engage in outdoor recreation & community conservation with Outdoorsa (www.outdoorsa.co.nz).
Website: https://felt.co.nz/shop/forestshards
Artwork by Oceana Willis
Oceana Wills (she/her) is an artist from Homer, Alaska whose paintings are inspired by a curiosity about nature and the plants, animals, and landscapes around her as well as summers spent commercial fishing. She paints primarily with gouache and sometimes works with acrylic, embroidery, pen, and clay.
Her prints, cards, stickers, and originals are available on her website where there is also a list of businesses in Homer and beyond that carry her work. All proceeds from Shards of the Forest go towards reducing participation costs for neurodivergent and disabled people to engage in outdoor recreation & community conservation with Outdoorsa (www.outdoorsa.co.nz).
Website: oceanawills.com
IG: @oceanawillis
Natural History Artwork by Kristin Link
Kristin Link is a fine artist and science illustrator inspired by the natural world. Her drawings, paintings, and mixed media works connect people to nature while inspiring curiosity and learning. Kristin has calendars, art prints, cards, and other fun things available on her Etsy shop.
Website: https://etsy.com/shop/nizinanaturals
IG: @linkkristen
Moonbeam Designs
Beaded brick stitch earrings by Oliviah Franke.
Olivia is a Cahíta person living in Alaska on Dena’ina Ełnena; making beaded earrings.
IG: @moonbeamdesigns
The Littlest Inuksuk
Kristin Link is a fine artist and science illustrator inspired by the natural world. Her drawings, paintings, and mixed media works connect people to nature while inspiring curiosity and learning. Kristin has calendars, art prints, cards, and other fun things available on her Etsy shop.
Website:https://thelittlestinuksuk.com/
SOY SOCIETY WELLNESS CANDLES
CANDLES FOR SELF-HEALING
We create hand-poured aromatherapy candles with intention in mind. Each soy candle is made with 30% essential oil for a true aromatherapy experience. They are made in Austin, TX with natural soy wax, phthalate-free fragrances, and pure essential oils.
Website: https://www.soysocietywellness.com/
Art by Mayhsa
Fun and beautiful stickers, art, and more by Mayhsa -- a second-generation Indian immigrant who is passionate about outdoor sports and inclusitivioty in the outdoors.
Website:https://www.instagram.com/artbymayhsa/
IG: @artbymayhsa
Photography Capturing the Beauty of Nature
Maria Fernandez is a a passionate Latinapreneur and aspiring conservation photographer based in Oregon. Maria's love for the outdoors comes alive in her breathtaking nature-inspired photography, where she skillfully captures the beauty of wild scenes and the magic of Nature - from flowers and pollinators, to people and mountains. Maria's photography goes beyond images; it tells stories of beauty and joy in the outdoors, inviting you to explore and appreciate the magic of the natural world. Maria invites you to brighten your walls with the wonders of nature through her enchanting photography.
Website: https://www.stillmountainphotography.com/
IG: @still_mountain
Apparel & Gear
Alpine Fit Alaska Adventure Apparel
Alpine Fit is an outdoor clothing company based in Anchorage, Alaska. Jen Loofbourrow and her team make base layers, bushwhacking leggings, hats, headbands and neck gaiters. Made in USA (and Made in Alaska!) gifts for any person who loves to spend time outside on your holiday list! They make their gear from merino wool, a special silver fiber odor resistant fabric for long trips, and recycled fibers. They are 1% for the Planet Members, Climate Neutral Certified and the US Small Business Administration recently awarded them as Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year for Alaska! They are best known for their long sleeve base layer tops and their light weight merino wool hats that pack small and fit under a helmet.
Website: https://alpinefit.com/
IG: @alpinefitco
Alpine Parrot
Thoughtfully designed technical outdoor wear in sizes 14-30 with two unique fits. The Perfect Blend of Durable, Breathable, Lightweight, And Stretch in Sizes 14-30.
Website: https://alpineparrot.com/
IG: @alpineparrot
Gnara Apparel
Innovative + inclusive apparel for all to enjoy the outdoors.
Answer Nature’s Call® with our patented Go Fly Technology.
Explore as you are™
Website: https://gnara.com/
IG: @gnara_apparel
Tough Cutie
👊🏽Black Woman-Owned
🧦Premium women's hiking socks
🏔️Increasing diversity in the outdoors
Website: https://www.toughcutie.com/
IG: @toughcutiebrand
Coalition Snow
Coalition Snow is a women-owned and operated Reno-based snowsports brand on a mission to deconstruct the status quo.
Jen Gurecki and Lauren Bello Okerman, our founders, were never sponsored athletes. They were never industry insiders. They were, and continue to be, two women who love playing in the mountains. They believe that everyone should be able to experience the joy and freedom of being in nature.
We started in 2014 with an obsession to fill a void in the industry with our performance-driven skis and snowboards and with a belief that a community of enlightenment, sustainability, and solidarity were key ingredients that had been missing.
Website: https://www.coalitionsnow.com/
IG: @coalitionsnow
Versa Outfitters
VERSA Outfitters © is committed to a simple goal: making comfortable outdoor apparel. We are not chasing trends. We aim to make pieces that last and will serve you in your adventures! Not only did we want a pant that could handle the action- it had to be lounge tested. Can you chill on the couch in them all day and are they comfortable enough to sleep in? No matter your speed, you can enjoy these pants. We want you to be able to wear our line inside and outdoors, in motion or at rest. Vice - VERSA ;)
Website: https://www.versaoutfitters.com/
IG: @versaoutfitters
Fishe Wear
Discover revolutionary and innovative fishing fashion with Fishe® Wear. The story of Fishe® Wear begins with one woman’s passion for fly fishing. After a lifetime of fishing in ill-fitting fishing clothing, Linda Leary founded Fishe® Wear with the goal of creating functional fishing outfits and accessories for women. She founded the company in 2015.
Fishe® Wear exists to create functional fishing fashion exclusively for women. We believe in offering inspiring and comfortable clothing that instills confidence. The end goal of Fishe® is to change women’s outdoor apparel forever to ensure comfort and confidence on their outdoor fishing adventures.
Website: https://fishewear.com/
IG: @fishewear
Skhoop USA
Insulated Scandinavian skirts for wearing in cold climates - smart clothing for active people.
Website: https://www.skhoop.us/collections/winter-2023
IG: @skhoopusa
Kāma Surface Co
In the beginning, we set out to build a yoga mat that would allow us to practice outside. The mat would keep us stable on uneven ground, be portable and rugged enough to withstand rain & sun. We spent months experimenting with cardboard, tearing up old yoga mats, and taking tents apart. A rough prototype for Kāma emerged.
Our design solution looked to origami for portability, high-tenacity fabrics for durability and a flexible panel system for modularity.
Although our roots come from the yoga community, we quickly realized that KĀMA lends itself to so many other outdoor pursuits.
Unbuckling your ski boots becomes an impromptu dance party. Pulling off a wetsuit turns into a beach picnic. Keeping KĀMA by our side gave our knees a break when weeding our gardens, and our bodies insulated when sleeping out under the stars..
Website: https://www.kamasurface.co/
IG: @kama_surfaces
BRANWYN Performance Inner Wear
Performance Innerwear lets you focus on your goals instead of your gear. Crafted out of natural fibers from Merino sheep, our fabric tames boob sweat, banishes sogginess, and eliminates funk.
All of our bras and bottoms are super-soft to the touch, stretch to move with you, and help your body breathe, stay dry, and maintain the right temperature.
From the mountains to the yoga studio and every adventure in between, Performance Innerwear will keep you supported and comfortable.
Website: https://branwyn.com/
AK Waterbody
Waterbody is an invitation to explore the lush, untamed landscape of Alaska, and to tap into the wildest parts of yourself.
Waterbody's wilderness-inspired skin and body care products are formulated with completely natural ingredients to effectively care for, nourish, protect, and restore your skin.
Website: https://akwaterbody.com/
IG: @akwaterbody
Kula Cloth
A Kula Cloth® is the first of its kind - an intentionally (and obsessively) designed reusable antimicrobial pee cloth!
In a wilderness setting (or heck, even at a porta potty!), it's very important to have good hygiene. Traditionally, we either pack in excess amounts of toilet paper and/or employ the 'shaking off' method (aka 'drip dry'). Neither of these are good options. A pee cloth is a way that we can stay comfortable AND have a positive impact on the environment at the same time.
A pee cloth is a ‘leave no trace’ toilet paper option for peeing. Simply pee, and use your Kula Cloth to pat dry - no TP left behind!
Alaska.Website: https://kulacloth.com/
IG: @kulacloth
Alpacka Raft
Making the world's most innovative packrafts for all adventures. Proud to manufacture in Mancos, CO, USA.
Website: https://www.alpackaraft.com/
IG: @alpacka_raft
NoSo Patches
In 2015, our founder Kelli Jones hopped a barbed-wire fence while she was hunting and ripped her brand-new $400 Patagonia Fitz Roy down parka. The only thing she could find to repair it was a piece of duct tape, but didn’t like the way it looked. Nylon gear rips all the time, and she had a lot of tears in her clothes, so she sourced materials online to cut into heart and star patches. In the tram line at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, people kept asking about them. In August 2016, NoSo Patches successfully launched on Indiegogo. Currently NoSo Patches are carried in over 500 specialty stores in over 10 countries, and we’ve received thousands of orders from around the world.
Alaska.Website:https://nosopatches.com/
IG: @nosopatches
Coaching & Training
2024 Clarity & Intention-setting Session with Julia Yanker of Life Untethered Coaching
All of us face the questions: What's next for me in life? Why do I feel so stuck? What's my next move? Oftentimes, these questions especially weigh on our minds at the start of the New Year.
If you know someone at a crossroads who feels like they're mired down or lacking clarity on what they want next in life, or wondering why they can't seem to make progress towards what they do want, a coaching session with Julia can help them find enough clarity to move forward confidently.
During this 90-minute session, Julia and the giftee will dive into whatever issue is brought to the session and develop a roadmap for how to move forward with whatever is unearthed. Reach out to Julia to receive a personalized gift certificate for the giftee & to receive your special Mind & Mountain discounted rate: one 90-minute session for $90. Please allow 3 days for processing the order. Contact Julia for any questions or more gift ideas.
Website: www.juliayanker.com
Luc Mehl -- Outdoor Education
Luc offers safety training & education for people who want to get outside while mitigating risks and environmental impacts. His online courses include Wild Ice, Packrafting Skills & Safety, and Start & End at Home: Remote Trip Planning. He also teaches in person classes in the Anchorage area when conditions are right.
Website: https://courses.thingstolucat.com/
IG: @lucmehl
The Gift of Ski Babes!
The Ski Babes style is down-to-earth, body-positive, and mental health-informed. You won't find any body-shaming, comparison, or pressure to override your body's signals here.
Instead, I coach using positive encouragement that helps you listen to your body & find the right challenge level for you. I promise to deliver an encouraging push when you need it, as well as reminders that "moving is winning" and "you've got this" as your body adjusts to the workouts.
And yes, we have badass winter athletes inside, but don't be intimidated by that. We also have new moms, weekend warriors, and even people who "dread winter." The workouts are super adaptable to meet your body where it's at and help you move toward your goals, from the big ski adventures to family outings to coping with winter mental health.
The Midwinter Round begins Nov. 27th & the Spring Round begins Jan 15th. Each round is 6 weeks.
Website: https://www.mindandmountain.co/ski-babes
Gift Offers - this is the only place you will find this link!
IG: @sarahmhistand
Radiant Wellness
Merreley provides Embodied Coaching virtually and in person in Valdez, Alaska. Her training in Somatic Experiencing and Realization Practice as well as years of practice as a Rolfer allow her a multi-faceted lens from which to support the body and nervous system. Merreley has a gift for listening deeply and supporting people as they move into their more generative, generous, creative, playful, and grounded selves. ate: one 90-minute session for $90. Please allow 3 days for processing the order. Contact Julia for any questions or more gift ideas.
Website: https://www.merreleydonohue.com/
Experiences
Anchorage Museum
A membership to the Anchorage Museum is the gift that keeps giving! New exhibitions, programming and events all year long, focused on our place in the North!
Website: www.anchoragemuseum.org
IG: @anchoragemuseum
Border Lakes Tour Company
Take a guided overnight canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, one of National Geographic’s “50 Places of a Lifetime," with Border Lakes Tour Company. From the hidden gems to the must-see sites, our experienced and professional guides will ensure your enjoyment and safety every step or paddle stroke of the way.
Women's Mushing Retreat with Squid Acres Kennel
Alright Ladies! Now is the time to sign up for the 2024 Wild Women’s Mushing Retreat!
Join Iditarod and Yukon Quest mushers Ryne Olson of Ryno Sled Dog Kennel and Paige Drobny of Squid Acres Kennel on a 7-day extensive learning trip just for gals! This trip will take mushers from Cantwell to Susitna Advenutre Lodge on the famed Denali Highway.
This popular trip is back with two trips planned. We like to keep the groups small, so we have maximum of 6 mushers per trip. Learn how to mush your own team and meet some of the 1000-mile canine athletes. No prior mushing experience is necessary but you must be active and relatively fit.
2024 Trip Dates
Trip 1: March 24 - March 30, 2024
Trip 2: March 30 - April 6, 2024
Website: https://squidacres.com/2024-womens-mushing-retreat/
Make the Susitna Adventure Lodge your basecamp for adventure!
The Susitna Adventure Lodge is private retreat located on the Denali Highway. We offer private property rentals and custom all-inclusive guided adventures in the heart of the Alaska Range. Open winter and summer. We can create a custom itinerary of adventures or give you a basecamp to create your own adventures.
Website: https://susitnaadventurelodge.com/
Alaska Mountain Bike Tours
Alaska Bike Adventures is a locally grown, grassroots guiding company that opened its doors (put it’s wheels on the ground) in early 2019 and is currently guiding clients on mountain bikes and fatbikes across Alaska!
Based in Anchorage Alaska, Alaska Bike Adventures offers guided mountain bike trips for all user groups. Our guided trips tour many types of terrain: from single-track to double-track, dirt and ATV roads— our trips are GUARANTEED to give you the ride of a lifetime! Whether your two-wheeled adventure preference is multi-day bikepacking trip or a couple of hot laps, AKBA has you covered.
Website: https://www.akbikeadventures.com/
Shred Maiden
SHREDMAIDEN IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT SUPPORTS WOMEN IN OUTDOOR RECREATION THROUGH EDUCATION, INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S TRIPS, EVENTS, AND LOCAL MEETUPS.
Shredmaiden empowers women and gives them the tools to succeed within their given sports. They create a safe environment to learn, succeed, and give them the tools to create their own communities.
Website: https://shredmaiden.com/
IG: @shredmaiden
New Public Use Yurt on the Kenai Peninsula with Moose Pass Adventures
Moose Pass Adventures is passionate about expanding access to wild, beautiful spaces. Not only do they offer guided kayak and overnight experiences for those visiting Alaska, they also want Alaskans to get out and experience the beauty of the Chugach Mountains. Their public use yurt is situated on the shores of stunning Grant Lake just a short kayak and hike (or snowshoe!) from Moose Pass. The yurt is available for self-supported rentals for those with experience in traveling in Alaska’s backcountry. If you’ve only driven through Moose Pass on your way to Seward, this is your opportunity to stop, get out, and explore this beautiful area.
Website: www.moosepassadventures.com
Giving
Backcountry Squatters: fostering equitable outdoor access for college-aged women & non-binary folks
Backcountry Squatters is a nationwide coalition of college clubs committed to fostering participation, leadership, and inclusivity among women and gender-queer folks within the outdoor industry and community. Your support will help ensure women and non-binary individuals feel that the outdoor community and industry is an environment where they can show up comfortably, confidently, and authentically.
Website: https://backcountrysquatters.org/
Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center
Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center was founded in 2008 by volunteers to meet a need for avalanche information within the growing backcountry winter recreation community in Hatcher Pass, Alaska. Today, HPAC is dedicated to providing avalanche advisories, conditions reports, storm warnings, and avalanche awareness education to the public. They recently installed a new weather station and partnered with the Alaska Avalanche School to provide eight scholarships to individuals who have been historically underrepresented in snow sports. HPAC is run by a tight-knit team who are passionate about keeping Alaskans safe and informed, and is one of the only avalanche centers in the country that runs 100% on community and foundation support as a 501(c)3 non-profit.
Website: www.hpavalanche.org/donate
IG: @h_p_a_c
Eastern Alaska Range Avalanche Center
Founded in 2015 The Eastern Alaska Range Avalanche Center (EARAC) is a community funded avalanche center that focuses on the fantastic Eastern Alaska Range. Their mission is to promote education, develop a robust observer network, and improve the meteorological resources in the area. They are happy to be a part of the Alaska Avalanche Information Center's network of Avalanche Centers around the state.
Website: https://alaskasnow.org/partnership/
IG: @earac_alaska
Trustees for Alaska
Trustees for Alaska uses the law to protect and defend Alaska’s lands, waters, wildlife, and people.
With their expertise not only in Federal statutes and regulations but also in Alaska’s unique legal framework – Alaska is the only state with an entire constitutional article aimed at safeguarding natural resources within its boundaries – they have set legal precedents and won significant victories.
Trustees for Alaska Vision:
A wild and vibrant Alaska where fish, wildlife, and people thrive.
Website: https://trustees.org/support/
Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS)
RAIS provides a variety of services to support refugee resettlement in Alaska. Through a focus on economic self-sufficiency, community integration, and a respect for unique cultures, history and traditions, RAIS creates an environment of compassion and encouragement for refugees to flourish. They support Grow North Farm, employment and education support, small business development, opportunities to hire a refugee, and so much more. Here at Mind & Mountain we were able to hire from this program -- Asia (not pictured) supports our team & community by mailing out our star charts every session, which is a huge help and mutually beneficial for all involved.
Native Movement
VISION STATEMENT
Native Movement envisions a society that embraces Indigenous values of reciprocity and respect with all beings. Our actions are grounded in ceremony, justice, and love in support of regenerative communities.
MISSION STATEMENT
Native Movement is dedicated to building people power, rooted in an Indigenized worldview, toward healthy, sustainable, & just communities for ALL. Native Movement supports grassroots-led projects that align with our vision, that endeavor to ensure social justice, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and the rights of Mother Earth.
Alaska.Website: https://www.nativemovement.org/
IG: @navive_mvmnt
Tasty Treats
Heavy Weather Fish Co.
We are a husband and wife commercial fishing team harvesting wild sockeye salmon from Bristol Bay, Alaska. We provide fresh sockeye salmon frozen fillets and smoked sockeye jars to local communities throughout.
Alaska.Website: heavyweatherfish.com
Itacate Latin Backpacking food
Latin backpacking food for adventurers with great taste and strong values.
Website: https://itacatefoods.com/
Plant-Based Meat from Northern Seitan Company
Northern Seitan Company is Alaska's first plant-based meat producer. They manufacture seitan - a gluten-based meat alternative that originated in China - locally in Spenard. With over half a dozen varieties, including Chikin, Gyro, and Pepperoni, they're sure to satisfy your vegan or veg-curious friends. Their plant-based SeiHams also make a great addition to any holiday meal.
Alaska.Website: www.northernseitan.com
IG: @northernseitan
Heather's Choice
At Heather’s Choice, we believe that life is full of adventures. That’s why we make lightweight, packable meals and snacks that you can take with you anywhere in the world. Made with wholesome, quality ingredients, our products will leave you feeling energized, satiated, and ready for what’s over the horizon.
Website: https://www.heatherschoice.com/
IG: @heatherschoice
Salmon Sisters
Salmon Sisters celebrates coastal heritage, wild places, ocean stewardship and Alaska seafood through quality products and design. Est. in 2012 in Homer, Alaska.
Alaska.Website: https://aksalmonsisters.com/
IG: @aksalmonsisters
