For the 2025 Ultimate Winter Getaway Contest I was provided with the CKX Elevation Women’s one-piece suit as well as the CKX Titan Original Carbon Helmet with both the Trail and Backcountry goggles.
The CKX Titan helmet has been my go-to for a few years, but I was pleasantly surprised with the new carbon version. It is lightweight and has a lot of options for the inserts to make it truly customizable. The two sets of goggles are very beneficial when travelling through different terrain. Having the spare was also helpful for swapping out goggles on especially icy evenings.
The removable muzzle is a necessity on the snow and is the biggest highlight of the helmet in my opinion, allowing you some extra breathing room or even to take a quick bite of food without having to remove your helmet. I have seen this helmet used by many individuals and in many conditions over the past few years and I truly think it is the best option for riders of all capabilities and all snow conditions, and it is no wonder this helmet is so common amongst riders. CKX has this one perfected!
In the past, I have always ridden with a two-piece suit and had never considered anything else as I felt a monosuit would cause issues with overheating as well as bathroom breaks. I was genuinely impressed with the Elevation suit on my first ride. I was nervous about water seeping in on the first day as we had a rainy start that morning but the suit effectively kept the rain out with no leaks or seeps inside. Once the weather cleared it was still a fairly warm day, so I utilized all the vents to keep me cool while in the backcountry. The venting is optimally placed to allow good air flow throughout the suit. They are easily accessible for opening/closing on the go and take no effort to get used to.
The next few days were very different conditions which ranged from snow squalls, frigid temperatures as well as high winds and the suit excelled in all conditions. The suit also features a zipper on the back with a drop seat which makes bathroom breaks a breeze. This is especially important in a monosuit as the majority of the suit is still able to remain on your body throughout the process. Other great features to note with this suit include the clips on the bottom ensuring the pants can properly attach to your boots, avoiding snow getting in on the powder days, as well as the many pockets optimally placed throughout the inside and outside of the suit allowing you quick access to things along the ride. The front chest pocket is large enough to fit our communication devices which places the headpiece within hearing range, allowing me to ride without a backpack. Another impressive feature I would like to point out was the padding on the knees. Typically the first few days of riding for the year would result in bumps and bruises to my knees and calves but the padding in this suit is extended allowing full protection throughout the ride. It is also beneficial when kneeling on the ground for quick mechanical work or to light a fire as it allows an extra layer of comfort without feeling bulky. Overall this suit exceeded my expectations in every manner and will be my new go-to for future rides.
