Steamboat-made Gear

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bamboo toilet plunger by GrassSticks

GrassSticks Toilet Plunger

When it’s dumping outside and you have to take one, don’t let your schralp sesh get backed up by clogged pipes. Steamboat’s GrassSticks has you covered with the world’s first bamboo ski pole plunger! The forced-cup black plunger head comes with a 20-inch bamboo handle, complete with a pole strap for maximum security. Bonus: It’s made from recycled cut-off bamboo scraps from ski poles and comes with a 5-year warranty (not that we’ve known anyone to ever bust a plunger). “It’s an overlooked piece of gear…everyone has an ugly plunger next to their toilet,” says GrassSticks’ Andrew Beckler. “They’re as beautiful as a plunger can get and make you think about skiing every time you enter the pow room.” $38, www.grasssticks.com

Harvest Skis Homegrown Tourer

Harvest Homegrown Skis

From mandolin to maching down the mountain. That’s the storyline behind Harvest Skis founder Eric Baker, who, when not picking the mando for Buffalo Commons, presses homespun skis for Harvest. This season’s pick: its flagship Homegrown Touring ski, complete with Tread Tech fish scales underfoot for scootching up (and schussing down) those short shots on Rabbit Ears. With dimensions of 136/105/126 (beefy shovel, ample midwaist girth for pow), it comes in four lengths (187/177/167/157cm), traditional camber for edge hold, and nose rocker for float and turn initiation. And it’s medium flex profile and waist width gives it playful, carving feel at the resort. $789, www.harvestskis.com

Big Agnes Sidewinder Sleeping Bag

Big Agnes Sidewinder Sleeping Bag
Big Agnes Sidewinder Sleeping Bag

Like sleeping on your side? Steamboat’s own Big Agnes unveils its Sidewinder SL and Camp sleeping bags, designed for side sleepers with a long, ambidextrous zipper that stays out of the way — especially when rolling from side to side. Constructed with body-mapped insulation to optimize warmth and minimize pressure points and other ‘side effects,’ the series is a side sleeper’s dream and is available in both women’s and men’s models. $149.95-$279.95, www.bigagnes.com

Bar U Eat

Bar U Eat

Born right here in Steamboat by company co-founders Sam Nelson and Jason Friday, and named after the quintessential Bar UE chairlift, Bar U Eat uses simple, whole, and organic ingredients that you can read and recognize, including roasted oats, nuts and seeds, bonded together with Medjool dates and honey. Available in bites and bars, they’re available in four flavors (our faves: Coffee Pecan and Peanut & Cherries) and are guaranteed to not leave you bonking on White Out’s bumps. Bonus: They’re sealed in plant-based compostable packaging and the company donates to 1% for the Planet and sponsors Routt County Riders

www.barueat.com

Honey Stinger

Honey Stinger

Bars, chews, waffles…for two decades, Steamboat’s own Honey Stinger has been a trusted energy source for athletes large and small (is that PC?). With a blend of organic sweeteners (including honey) designed to improve stamina and performance, they’re perfect to pull out on the chair or trail as you lay tracks for a few more turns. Personally, Swillin’ sides with the chews or waffles out on the slopes, especially the Cookies and Cream and Apple Cinnamon. The only thing you’ll be waffling about? Sharing it with your seatmates. www.honeystinger.com

Sled Dog Snow Skates

Look, ma, no skis! Or shame. Yep, that’s the storyline behind Sled Dog Snow Skates (no, they’re not snow blades), which will have you skating circles around your friends on the snow. The world’s first patented snowskates, they’re basically ski boots with ski bases and metal edges — think a combo of ice skating and Alpine skiing. They come with adjustable aluminum buckles, 40mm power strap, grab loops for easy tongue and inner adjustment, and a moldable inner-boot with moldable foam for custom ankle fit (not that you’re real worried about performance with these babies). Bonus: A special shock-absorbing heel helps with big landings. Where’d we try them? The slopes of Howelsen (even riding the Magic Carpet next to the kiddos). Next stop: the Big Mountain.