Skiing and snowboarding have brought me a lot, maybe everything.
That said getting into teaching was an intentional piece of growing up.
Getting into parks was an accident.
I nearly got fired and simultaneously offered a job in the parks early season when I was 17.
Somehow after all these seasons, those simple joys still ring true.
Passion can go both ways, it can motivate you and it can destroy you.
I’ve felt the pull from both ends.
At the same time, it’s the reason I’m still in the game and still learning.
Crystal Mountain, WA spring 2021
There are an endless possibility of routes people can choose in life.
Some maybe better than others, but what is “right” really depends a ton on the person.
The ski industry can be a double edged sword.
Northstar CA, spring 2019
We’re always evolving, we’re growing we’re learning.
At one point we were(or are) the 14 year old’s hucking themselves off anything.
Nothing lasts forever and that change isn’t necessarily bad.
There’s a reason why I’m still here now.
I’ve made it through a lot of shit.
Average wear and tear, mental obstacles, injuries , but I’m still kicking.
Aspen Highlands, CO spring 2017
The mountains were a refuge when I was younger.
I felt the way about my local as do many people.
The vibe that some feel about their local skatepark or dirt trails is the same.
The mountain is where I would go when nothing else made sense and somehow it would always make sense.
That vibe is still there, the candle is still lit.
It’s something it’s possible for you to’t necessarily quantify but we all know it exists.
We are in it for a reason.
Ben Karkoski Oak Mountain, NY spring 2014
There’s a lot of bad shit in this world.
There’s a lot of bad shit in the ski industry.
Don’t let anyone or the bullshit in this world take the feeling that the mountains give to you.
People change and evolve.
It’s okay to move more away from skiing into other things.
If that’s your natural momentum then send it.
But if your heart lies in the mountains don’t let that go.
The world can feel like a strange place, there’s limitless options and trajectories.
Each of them offering varying degrees of positives as well as their own trappings.
Everything is a tradeoff.
Keep that shit in your heart.
Don’t give that up for anything!
Every season will end, but this season is beginning.
That trick you wanted to try all summer?
Now’s your chance.
That cliff you were scared to drop?
Now’s your chance.
Wishing you got more days on the hill last year?
Now’s your chance!
The mountain is waiting for you!
Let’s bring the fucking heat!
