Backcountry announced the addition of three athletes to its team. Kalen Thorien and Nils Mindnich will wear its owned brand, Backcountry Gear & Apparel (BG&A), during outdoor pursuits, competition and training. Toby Miller will wear winter outerwear and insulation from BG&A for all on-snow activities, training and competitions.
“Supporting elite-level athletes who are all-around great people is an honor for us,” said CMO Sarah Crockett. “Kalen, Nils and Toby are all doing incredible things in their respective sports and are always pushing the limits of what’s possible. While all three are extremely talented on-snow, they are stewards of the outdoors and continuously inspire others to get outside, which aligns nicely with the Backcountry brand.”
Thorien, 32, is a Utah-based professional skier and outdoorswoman, shown lead image. “Backcountry has long supported my dreams even before I was ever a pro skier. From starting as a Gearhead to now being a sponsored athlete, they are a key reason I got where I am today,” said Thorien. “Backcountry understands, to the core, the passion we all have for the outdoors, and that’s reflected in their business and products. It was a no-brainer for me to join the family, and I’m excited to work with them for years to come.”
Mindnich, 26, is also a Utah-based professional freeride snowboarder known for his fast and powerful riding. Nils recently competed in the Natural Selection Tour and finished fifth overall (with third-place podiums in Ordino-Arcalis and Fieberbrunn) on the 2021 Freeride World Tour.
“Working with Backcountry was an easy decision to make as the brand is such a natural fit,” said Mindnich. “Snowboarding is my main passion, but rock climbing and other outdoor adventures are a huge part of my life, so it’s great to work with a brand whose values and products transcend snowboarding. Backcountry is a huge support system and is already opening the door to many opportunities for me. I’m super grateful to ride for them.”
Miller, 21, has been described as the future of men’s halfpipe snowboarding. A Truckee, CA native and member of the 2020/21 U.S. Snowboard Team. Miller is a two-time junior world champion and riding professionally since he was 13.
“I could not be more excited about partnering with Backcountry,” said Miller. “It’s truly an honor to work with a brand that has done so much for the ski and snowboard industry. I can’t wait for what’s to come.”
Photos courtesy Backcountry
