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Hi Pep, youve been pretty busy recently!
How long have you been planning to leaveK2?
There was never a plan to leaveK2.
K2came out for a marketing shoot in April.
At that time I had some initial conversations with the team manager, about redoing my contract.
He was looking forward to that and I was really looking to build on our relationship.
He wanted some advice and opinion, so I said sure, why not?.
I was interested, I asked him when he wanted to launch, and he told me June!
What is your role atWNDR Alpine?
I just wanted to figure out where I could fit in.
It was actually pretty serendipitous, within the next two weeks he happened to be coming through the office.
I sat down with him and we hit it off.
Yeah, that is a big part ofWNDR.
The technology is there and were developing oils, composites and internal components, to integrate down the line.
I think, overall, we should be more conscious as skiers and people who utilize the mountains.
WNDR Alpine’sskis are made from these new materials, do they perform differently?
The foam core that we have now, has a better strength to weight ratio than competitors structures.
Does that mean that theyre generally lighter?
Yeah, you might get a little bit lighter and still maintain solid strength and rigidity that you need.
Theyre definitely a little bit lighter, but were focusing on the strength and durability.
Photo: Jay Beyer
Is there anything youd like to say about your time with K2?
K2 was definitely my longest-standing partnership/relationship.
They essentially brought me up.
They allowed for so many incredible opportunities.
They helped push me and I helped push their ski design and development.
I have nothing but respect for K2, as a company and a brand.
Historically, its one brand that probably has brought up some of the most notable skiers.
They have always had a passion for the more unconventional bang out of skier.
The Fujative was the first pair of skis I bought with my own money.
I did not havea lot of money, was that the point of the ski?
Thats one of the things I really wanted.
I saw a couple of pairs last year, so people are still skiing them!
Production of skis is changing.
I can see why you like it, but did you realize IDEA would be such a game-changing movie?
We were all just highly motivated to do something a bit different.
Whats your view on the constant stream of footage from social media these days?
People dont get excited for months to come, because now its all instantly at your fingertips.
Then its really hard to sort through and see all the different things that are taking place.
What key in of skiing do you like to watch now?
I really dont like to discriminate, I love all types of skiing.
The levels just gone insane.
And who inspired you before and throughout your career?
I was always inspired my Tanner, Evan, CR some local Mammoth guys.
Well these days, Ive been going to business school.
I was working for my family business for the last nine months.
Im doing operation management, so I can manage their systems.
I have two daughters now, of two and four.
I like to spend as much time as I can with them.
Every weekend I take them skiing and my daughter skied her first black diamond last winter.
That was pretty monumental.
I like to go biking, be outdoors, and just travel.
Peps favourite:
Trip:I would go up to Golden Alpine holidays in BC.
Given optimal conditions anyway!
Trick (or four!
):I always love a switch flat 7 or a Zero Spin is always a fun trick.
There are also not too many better feelings than just doing a flat 3 or a super corked 3.
Track:Id go with… the last thing I listened to wasPaydayby Israel Vibration.
