Winter where are you?

I waited all fall for winter. Now it's winter and I'm still waiting.

I spent the fall in Vermont, finishing my last semester of school. Now I'm officially a college graduate! Well, I ask myself what now? Well skiing of course! While I have finally made it west for "good" after a nice holiday season with the family in Vermont, the conditions are less than superb. Everyone has hopes the snow will come, but the waiting game isn't easy. In the meant time, maybe I'll find a new hobby...

It's Just That Simple

Ask the majority of people who they look up to and admire in skiing and undoubtedly most people will rattle off a list of athletes from Seth Morrison to Sage Cattabriga-Alosa to Ingrid Backstrom. I couldn’t disagree from this ever-expanding list of athletes who are constantly pushing the boundaries of the sport, skiing lines that most people can hardly dream about. However, for me I have just a few free spirited, ski loving kids to thank for reminding me why it is I love skiing so much.

I’m not going to lie; it’s easy to get wrapped up in the world of sponsors, media, and the latest and greatest gear. Fighting for your time in the spotlight, wanting to get the perfect shot, be the first to rip a powder line, and battling to win competitions. There came a point when all this distracted me just a bit from the reason I ski. It’s a simple answer to a simple question. I ski because I love it.

Skiing with SASS Global Travel in Bariloche, Argentina this summer I decided to break away from my normal group of guys I had been skiing with, in order to ski with a group of mostly younger campers for a day.  Even though our skiing abilities might have differed, this group just looked like they were having so much damn fun, I secretly just wanted to be a part of it. I had had enough of the competitive nature of the boys, one constantly trying to outshine the other. And as it just so happened that was one of my best days skiing down south this summer.

We started our day off by boot-packing up to the top of a spire filled area of Cerro Catedral known as Laguna. This is an area I’ve been to enough times I practically feel as if I could hike up with my eyes closed. However, this was a first for the other eight or so campers I was with. Now don’t let me down play this hike by any means. There are a few areas, which could be deemed as “sketchy.” Yes, with a few slips and a fall you could see your life flash before your eyes, but this type of hike up a ridge, I have become so familiar with in the last few years it seems like second nature. Yet, I have to keep in mind this is a concept most people are unfamiliar with. And yes, the average American thinks us “extreme” skiers are down right out of our minds, and truthfully they are probably right.  

As we reached the summit the campers were thankful the hike was over. They ripped their backpacks off and put their butts to the snow in order to catch their breath from the forty-five minute or so climb. As everyone regained composure, we took in the 360 degree views that surrounded us. Off in one direction you can see down the valley to the large lake, creating a view so stunning it looks fake. Opposing that is such an abundance of untouched backcountry lines, you could ski till your hearts content and still never make it to half the zones. Being on the top of Laguna gives you the feeling you are standing on top of the world, just taking in the sights is awe inspiring.

As the campers started to realize the magnificence of where they were, I started to hear comments such as, “Wow, this is the coolest thing I’ve ever done” and “This is the best day of my entire life.” It is with those comments that I just wanted to slap myself. I had come to the point where I started to take these things for granted. I realized most people will never experience a mere portion of the sights and adventures’ skiing has to offer. Here these campers were down in Argentina having the trip of their life, going from weekend ski warriors to potential backcountry enthusiasts, practically overnight. And that was only the beginning. We still had an untouched powder filled slope in front of us, just begging us to lay down some tracks. As I watched each skier make their way down, each one getting their own fresh tracks, they all grinned, you could feel their excitement and I couldn’t help but smile as we all cheered for each other. There’s nothing like a little bit of powder to make your day that much better.

What’s the difference between a pro skier and the average skier? Ok, so there are a bunch of differences, but really what it comes down to is what is the difference in the amount the two can love skiing? None. What it comes down to is that it doesn’t matter how good you are, what you do for a living, or how often you ski. If you are passionate about skiing, you know that there is nothing better then an array of seemingly endless face-shots. Skiing is a lifestyle, it’s my lifestyle, and I absolutely love it.

Nothing speaks more to me then the green rubber bracelet that now adorns my wrist. With the words “Live to ski, ski to live” etched into it, a tribute to the late and great Ryan Hawks. A life lost way too soon, yet a daily reminder of the person I can only aspire to be, dedicated to my sport and spreading the passion for skiing and life as if it was contagious.

The fire within burns like never before, I think I’m finally getting the hang of things. I don’t need to ski to impress anyone or be the best, I just want to ski because I love it. Skiing is what defines me and no one can take that away. And whom do I have to thank who reignited that passion I thought I could be losing? Just your average skier, who reminded me just how awesome skiing is…Hey, thanks, and may we ski again.

Marmot Product Reviews

Season Recap

Check out a recap of my season and while you're at it look around the SASS Global travel website...you could be skiing powder this summer.

CLICK HERE

No Winter, Don't Go!!!

Wow, what a winter it’s been. I can’t believe it is already April. I guess what they say is true--time flies when you’re having fun. So much has happened since my last post, so here is a quick overview of the rest of my season.

On March 1, the Freeskiing community lost a very respected and well-loved skier. Sadly Ryan Hawks passed away after a tragic accident at the Kirkwood Freeskiing World Tour competition. Ryan was a fellow Vermonter, as well as member of the Blizzard/Tecnica crew. He was one of those guys that just absolutely loved life and skiing, and always put a smile on your face. He will be greatly missed, but his passion for skiing and life will most definitely live on.

After Ryan’s accident I was a bit shaken up and had to make some decisions. After some hard contemplation, I decided to take the rest of the season off from competing. Instead I shifted my focus towards photography and filming. This season, I landed my first filming stint with Futuristic Films. I spent a few days filming with the crew in Utah and then later filmed in my hometown of Aspen. As I learned, filming isn’t all the glory you see in the movies. You have to work your ass off for those turns and the weather doesn’t always cooperate. We were out in the backcountry for 12-hour days, and boy was I beat. But I think our work will really pay off and I can’t wait to see the final product, which should debut in the fall, entitled, “Our Backyards.”

So now as the season winds down, I have been able to spend some much needed time at home, skiing the four mountains and backcountry in my backyard. And just when you think spring is approaching, the snow gods come through, and send us some much-welcomed storms. Within the last week and a half, I have had three absolutely amazing powder days. In fact I had what might have been the best day of the season at Highlands last week...can you say endless face-shots, and free refills all day? Sooooo much fun.

But wait! Ski season is NOT over!!! Next week I am headed to Chamonix! I am so ecstatic; it should be a great time. I have only skied a few glaciers in Europe in the summer, so to actually ski Cham in winter...I couldn’t ask for a better trip!

Here are a few pics from some recent adventures….

Pillows anyone?






The 3 Marmot girls...Pip, Me, and Darcy

New Boots, Back to Jackson, and on to Crested Butte

The past few weeks it seems like I have been on the go nonstop. First off, right before I left for Jackson, my new boots arrived from Tecnica. I had been waiting on these for a bit, so I was absolutely ecstatic when they arrived. I really only had one day to “break” them in before I left, but I also managed to squeeze in a few runs the morning before I hopped on a plane to Jackson Hole.



I was in Jackson for a Marmot shoot of next year’s gear. Also on the shoot was Marmot athlete Mike Leake, who I just met for the first time. Mike is an astounding skier to say the least, yet such a modest low-key guy. We were shooting with photographer Gabe Rogel. And while we didn’t exactly have powder, Gabe worked his magic and we took advantage of some bluebird skies. Here’s a sneak preview of some of the shots.










After flying back to Aspen in the evening, it was on to Crested Butte in the morning. I was headed to compete in the 20th Annual Subaru Freeskiing Extremes. While Thursday was set as the qualifying day, I didn’t have to compete since I’m a pre-qualified athlete, thanks to my results earlier in the season at Jackson Hole. However, due to high winds and low visibility qualifiers were pushed back to Friday and competition started on Saturday.

Crested Butte, also know as the east coast of Colorado, has some seriously rock littered terrain, and usually doesn’t see exceptional amounts of snowfall. Day one’s venue, held on Staircase, is the epitome of Crested Butte’s standards, and it most definitely was not a forgiving venue. While I feel that I skied the top section solid, when I got in the middle section I launched by first air and was thrown backwards. Unfortunately I was unable to recover and had a good old fall on to my ass. Oh well, if you don’t fall once in awhile you aren’t trying hard enough….right?

So after arriving back home I was greeted with over a foot of powder and have just been having a blast ripping up the home mountain the last few days. Nothing like some powder to make you feel like a million bucks.

Jackson Hole

It's been a great past few days here in Jackson Hole for the Freeskiing World Tour. Never having skied Jackson, I am astounded by the vast amount of terrain the mountain has to offer. Unfortunately there was no powder in the forecast during my stay, but I definitely got some great skiing in. The weather was fairly mild and the sun was strong on Friday and Saturday, perfect conditions for spectators.

Day one's venue, was held in Casper Bowl. Although we had inspection Thursday, I failed to find a line I wanted to ski after getting into some pretty hairy spines. So I went into the first day having somewhat of an idea where I was going to ski, making it up a little as I went along. I felt that I skied well, but my line choice was very mediocre, which was reflected in my line score. I qualified for day two, sitting in 7th place.

Day's two venue was held on Tower 3, I quickly found my line and got in some solid inspections. Feeling more confident with my line choice definitely helped make for a better day. I feel that I skied a solid technical run with a few good airs. It seemed that the judges agreed. I ended up taking 3rd for the day. Overall I grabbed the fourth and final qualifying spot to put my name on the list of pre-qualified athletes for the 2011 Freeskiing World Tour! Now I'm headed back to Aspen after a successful and fun trip to Jackson, but there is no doubt in my mind that it won't be long before I'm back in Jackson, hopefully skiing some pow.

http://www.doglotion.com/essays/results-and-pics-2011-fwt-event-jackson-hole

Life Update

Ok so I need to get better at updating my blog more regularly, but here's a quick run down of what's been going on. Basically life is awesome. I've been skiing everyday and living it up in Aspen. I was also lucky enough to practically have a job at Hamilton Sports in Aspen fall in my lap. The shop is right across the street from the gondola and mandatory ski breaks aren't so bad. Everyone who works there is really great and it's a lot of fun. I've been meeting so many great people in Aspen and have found those local boys who rip, so much fun to ski with.

Update on sponsors. Early in December I officially signed with Marmot. I am so stoked on all their products, and am glad that I am representing such a reputable company. I'll be giving a gear review soon. Also I will now be skiing on Blizzards thanks to Blizzard/Tecnica Freeride Team manager Frank Shine. So far I've been skiing on the Crush and I am absolutely in love.

Ok more to come soon, as life here in Aspen is never dull.