Cover Photo: Owen Dahlberg.
There arent too many ATV skiers these days.
Then again, there arent too many skiers like Hunter Hess full stop.
Hes something of a paradox.
Hunter is clearly motivated by tangible competition success and is certainly very competitive when points are on the line.
He runs with much the same crew year after year producing banger movies.
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Whats up Hunter, been a minute.
Lets open with one about ASH the new Magma movie, you filmed this one in Europe, right?
Can we expect something similar from Magma movies otherwise?
All of Ash was filmed in Europe.
We wanted a new look, not only for the video but for ourselves as well.
The terrain in Europe is next level and we wanted to see what we could do.
It’s definitely the same old thing though.
Jump, cheese wedge, wall-ride, it’s all the same wherever you do it laughs.
How do you balance the demands of a film career with competing on the comp circuit?
It’s a really hectic schedule.
At the end of the day though, it’s skiing and we’re super lucky to do it.
That being said, you gotta be hungry.
It’s a grind but a worthy one!
How much did it mean to you to finally start hitting the podium with regularity?
Yeah, it was definitely the best season Ive had, results-wise.
Finally getting some podium spots was one of the best feelings ever.
I think that doing events year in and year out without any results can take a toll.
Both from a personal and professional perspective.
Having all your hard work finally receive some love is beyond gratifying.
I hope to keep it up for years to come!
It’s too damn fun!
What would you say personally that you find particularly or most rewarding in skiing these days?
I would say contest success has been one of the best feelings.
It’s just where I put most of my time, so the reward is epic.
However, getting any clip has been more and more enjoyable every year.
It is such a free form of expression and the best way to push yourself / your skiing.
Both have their perks.
What’s your favorite aspect of freeski culture?
And the least favorite, aside from these interviews?
I love the filming side of skiing!
The people, events, support, etc.
All are amazing and so fun to be a part of.
My least favorite has to be some of the egos in comp/pipe skiing.
Some contests are grueling to be involved in.
Just a crazy perspective on skiing.
Where do you see your career going in the next couple of years?
Are you trying for the Olympics?
I’m for sure trying for the O show.
It’s such a cool thing to have the opportunity to experience.
Getting one of those medals is my main focus for sure.
Beyond that, I would love to keep competing and pushing my pipe skiing while filming.
I love MAGMA and hanging with Alex and Owen.
I want to push our ability to reach people and introduce them to freestyle skiing.
It’s such a beautiful sport with amazing people!
Everyone should see that special human side of it and feel involved.
Anything I can do to make that happen is my goal.
It’s a little different than any national team situation because its a collaboration of resources.
What can I bring to the table and what can we create together to succeed?
It’s that search and team aspect that means the world to me.
I want to feel involved and get somewhere with the companies I ride for.
I grew up with these companies.
They mean a lot to me.
They supported me when I was a child and helped me fulfill my biggest dreams.
Any company that does that, has my fullest support.
Again, it’s a collaboration.
I hope we both get the most out of the partnership!
At the end of the day, they make things like the Magma movies happen and Im super grateful.
What gear do you actually rock during the season?
For skis, I mostly execute the Revolt 104 or the Revolt 84 (for pipe).
Both are killer skis.
I sometimes use the Revolt 96 too but I kinda like the way the 104 feels in mushier snow.
For bindings, I always rock the Jester 18 Pro.
This has been the binding I have trusted for 10+ years.
For boots, I’ve been jumping around from the Cabrio 120 and the Cabrio 130.
They are pretty much the same boot.
I honestly change it up based on what color I like.
I feel proper professional saying that.
I’ve also execute the IL MORO.
They are all pretty similar in terms of performance and fit.
I can spend all day in them and love them all.
For goggles, I rock the D1 a lot.
That has kinda been my staple goggle.
It’s a great frame and looks good on anyone.
And honestly, its pretty cool to rock a goggle that pretty much anyone can afford too.
Clothes-wise, I tend to rock Magma stuff mostly, and some pants Im stoked on.
I like to keep it simple.
