Cover photo: Jeremy Pancras
Torin Yater-Wallace was born the same year as the inaugural X Games.
Hows the recovery going?
Yeah, the recoverys moving forward.
Its definitely a marathon rather than a sprint, got to take it slow and steady.
The summers been fun though.
Its been low impact and its kept me entertained.
Just recently, I got a mountain bike.
So how do you normally spend your summers?
Then I come back and enjoy home for a bit.
When do you hope to be back on skis?
As I said, the recoverys been quite a marathon and Ive had to take things day by day.
In June I had another surgery.
I just think Im hoping to make some nice turns and just keep it mellow.
Its going to be quite a frustrating process of trial and error.
I just have to know that, in my head, going into it.
I cant expect to just hop into my old boots and feel perfect.
This past season is the first ski season Ive ever missed in my entire life.
Im really taking this year to myself.
Yeah winningX Gamesin Oslo 2016 was definitely one of, if not the, most memorable contest wins.
It was really special, I dont think theres any other way to describe it.
There are very few contest wins that have such an emotional toll on you.
Whether its pressure from people watching, from press or fans, etc.
I dont think Ive ever had any of that make me feel any different going into a contest.
I think you just transition into wanting to go into all avenues of skiing.
Photo: Ethan Stone
Is there any chance youll go back to competing once youve recovered from this injury?
I dont see myself as being completely done with competing.
I can confidently say that I have wrapped up my career in halfpipe skiing.
Nonetheless, Im happy with how its been.
It’s unfortunate that the injury happened at one of the cooler halfpipe events.
Ideally, I would love to stay in the ski industry.
Theres commentary, working with a brand, starting a brand, there are all kinds of different options.
For me, to think that far in the future is always a little difficult.
So, whats your take on the ski industry at the moment?
I think that should be imperative.
Theres an unreal amount of content coming out and people with just great ideas.
What do you enjoy watching?
I have a diverse view of favorite things to watch.
The park skier in me still loves to watch really good park skiing.
Skiing with flow, with ease, but still technical.
Theres just a huge amount of talent right now.
People like Parker White and Sammy Carlson are two of my biggest inspirations.
Credit: Martin Axel
Do you see it getting harder to get paid to ski?
I think thats a no brainer.
Ive heard people refer to them as The funny money days.
Companies would be like: Oh thats impressive.
Lets give you X amount!
Now theres a lot more of a thorough system for what brands decide to pay people.
Theres a pretty aggressive drop off once you come out of that category, thats obviously really unfortunate.
That might be thanks to easier access to content than just one movie coming out every year.
So what are your Interests outside of skiing?
My main interest outside of skiing is skateboarding.
Like I said: this year Ive got into golf.
Im not very good, but its given me something fun to do.
Im just getting into biking right now.
Right now I dont have any footage to edit.
Are there any goals you still need to tick off the list?
I definitely have them, but any ambitions in life, are overshadowed by my ambitions in skiing.
Another silver lining to take from the injury is how much this has sparked me to go skiing.
In a way, its lit another fire under me.
Previously I was just skiing so often at all times, in the summer and everything.
That just overshadows any life ambitions at the moment.
Were working hard to get it back up because a lot of people request to watch it.
Torin called back to tell me about one ambition he still hasnt fulfilled…
So a life goal is to have a fun, fast car to drive, maybe aPorsche 911.
Outside of Aspen, my favorite place to ski, theres a lot of different answers.
Trick:Cork 5 mute.
Its just been a battle to make it look perfect.
Ive done a million of them and Im always trying to make it look even more like TJ Schillers.
Thats a lifelong battle.
