Expert Gear Picks from Nikki Champion

    Expert outdoor recreation gear recommendations from Nikki Champion, Mountain Guide, Ski Guide, Avalanche Forecaster, based in Salt Lake City, UT.

    Nikki Champion's Ski Touring

    From ski guiding to avalanche forecasting to just ripping around with friends, this is the day-to-day kit that keeps up with all of it.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Raide Research LF 30L — The daily driver pack that gives me quick access to my probe when I’m digging a pit or checking snow depth. Thoughtfully built, and the back panel makes it easy to grab snacks and layers without digging around.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Black Diamond Cirque 50 Backpack — When I need something for bigger ski days, guiding on Rainier, or an overnight this is the pack I reach for.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Black Diamond Transfer Shovel — I have a variety of shovels. For longer person days, where I am not just planning to move a ton of snow, this is what I find in my pack. Bonus points, pink.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Black Diamond Quickdraw Pro Probe — An easy-to-use 320 probe. Probe is something I never want to skimp on. Get the 300 or longer...

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Mammut Barryvox S2 — Beacons are like a cell phone; you want one that is new and up to date, fits well in your pocket, and you're comfortable with. That's this for me.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Black Diamond Snow Saw Pro — Love that this saw can be used to isolate a column early season, really low profile and easy to store in the pack, and I can confirm - it will also cut a small tree when necessary.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Black Diamond Binding Buddy — Being prepared in the mountains is crucial. Having a well-built repair kit is the first step. Easy to toss in the brain of your pack to fix not only bindings, but much of the other gear we are often carrying.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Black Diamond Expedition Ski Poles — A straightforward pole that can take a beating. Love the long grip for cold days and steep sidehills.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Black Diamond Expedition 3 Whippet — Some days you don't want a whippet, but when you do - it's nice to be able to add the removable head. A great addition to my Denali kit.

    • Nikki Champion recommends the Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Medical Kit - Guide — A first aid kit is crucial, this is nice that it comes pre-built and you can adjust throughout the season.

    Nikki Champion's Denali Gear List

    West Buttress List

    Nikki Champion
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    Nikki Champion

    Mountain Guide, Ski Guide, Avalanche Forecaster
    Nikki Champion
    slow down

    Nikki Champion

    Mountain Guide, Ski Guide, Avalanche Forecaster
    Nikki, photo 1 of 1

    About Nikki

    Nikki works as a mountain guide during the summers, primarily on Denali, and across the Cascades. Nikki has spent winters all over the west working as an avalanche professional. She currently spends the off-season in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she can be found mountain biking, skiing, ice climbing and cooking while working as an Avalanche Forecaster for the Utah Avalanche Center, and Ski Guide.

    Details

    DisciplineOutdoor Recreation
    SpecialityBackcountry skiing, mountaineering, avalanche safety, mountain biking, trail running
    LocationSalt Lake City, UT
    JoinedMar 2026

    Highlights

    018 Denali summits, often involving glitter, and maybe some mullets.
    0212+ years as a mountain guide, including nearly 100 summits of Rainier, with experience across Alaska, the Northwest, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming.
    03Avalanche professional, educator, ski guide, and mentor, working in the avalanche space to open doors and bring more women into the fold.
    LF 30L
    Raide Research · $579LF 30L
    Nikki“The daily driver pack that gives me quick access to my probe when I’m digging a pit or checking snow depth. Thoughtfully built, and the back panel makes it easy to grab snacks and layers without digging around.”