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.
