Next Level Skiing (Wagner Skis)

On this episode of Next Level Skiing, I speak with Ted Mahon, one of Colorado’s most respected mountain athletes. He has an impressive 25 years of experience in skiing and mountaineering. During most of that time, he has worked as a ski instructor. He has also skied most of the country’s highest mountains. On top of this, he has helped countless skiers reach their peak level of performance.

Join us for an interesting conversation about preparation, uphill clinics, and Ted’s mountain experience.

Topics:

[02:44] Tips for kicking off your ski vacation on the right foot.

[06:05] Skiing with returning clients.

[07:45] Why it’s important to show up with a basic level of fitness.

[08:35] What separates a great skier from a great bowl skier.

[11:33] Ted’s uphill clinics and who attends them.

[13:46] Weekly social uphills at Buttermilk.

[15:10] The appeal of backcountry skiing.

[18:18] Easing people into backcountry skiing.

[20:35] How boots can affect your footwork and the effort you have to exert.

[23:12] Advanced uphill clinics and what they offer.

[29:41] Picking your peaks.

[32:15] Thinking back on the highlights of his career.

[34:10] Ted’s parting advice to other skiers.

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

Today, on this episode of Next Level Skiing, I had the opportunity to speak with Angel Collinson, a professional Freeskier. Angel explains how she was bred into skiing and originally started out with a different goal for her career. We talk about how visualization, meditation, and deep breathing have improved her performance and lifestyle; Angel explains why these methods of self-care are such an important part of the gig and explains how she benefits from the practices. We also discuss how her “feminine approach to fear” and her not-so-secret-mantra has made her one of the best in the world.

Tune in to hear important insights from Angel and how to take your skiing to the next level.

Topics:

[02:10] Angel was bred into skiing by growing up at Snowbird Ski Resort.

[02:51] Angel had lofty racing aspirations

[05:15] Visualization is a technique that helps Angel manage fear.

[09:52] Angel talks about the importance of self-care and being “resourced enough”.

[15:15] Deep breathing exercises and their benefits.

[18:00] How Angel gets over nervousness prior to a race.

[21:05] Why fear is a tool.

[24:00] Angel explains why it’s not bad to “back off”.

[27:01] The two pieces of advice that have resonated for Angel.

[28:43] If you want more info, head to WagnerSkis.com.

Quotes:

“I’m sort of, like, an all or nothing person.” -Angel Collinson

“If you don’t realize how stressed out you are or tired you are, sometimes you won’t make as good decisions, because you don’t realize where you’re at.” -Angel Collinson

“I’ve never been afraid to [back off].” -Angel Collinson

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

Angel’s Website

Angel on Twitter

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today I’m talking with rock star Mark Morris. He talks about the connection between his music and the mountains. He teaches us how he tries to be a good ambassador for life.

Mark talks about trail running, how he comes up with his songs, and how he improved as a skier and as a musician. There are many ways that music and skiing overlap. Between connecting in a spiritual way to the importance of practice, Mark shares how his passions intersect throughout his life.

Topics:

[01:41] Mark’s introduction

[03:41] How Mark got started on skis

[09:15] Learning how to improve skills with exposure 

[11:44] Getting into music

[16:05] How music and skiing overlap

[31:00] Trail running techniques   

[33:00] On the “runner’s high”

[36:15] How music and skiing have enriched Mark’s life

[40:48] Conclusion

Resources:

Mark Morris’ Website

Wagner Custom Skis

I would argue that no one has taught more people to heliski powder than Robert Koell, aka Roko. The Austrian skier grew up skiing to school and ski racing in his uncle’s ski school at a resort his dad built. He was a coach for the Austrian ski team and arrived at Canadian Mountain Holidays in 1989 with a plan to spend a year learning English before returning to coaching. More than 30 years later, he’s still guiding with CMH, rotating through the operation’s stable of lodges. He’s written training programs for CMH’s powder masters, enabling skiers in their 80s and even 90s to stay on skis. And he’s able to break down the techniques required to rip pow into bite-sized morsels revolving around the notion of up-and-down movement, creating a solid platform in soft snow, focusing on angulation of joints and eliminating bad habits. 

2:45: Skied to school as a 3-year-old in Austria’s Tirol.

3:50: Injury as a ski racer pushed him into coaching. 

4:45: Coaching for the Austrian ski team from 1986 to 1989. 

6:02: Decides to stay with CMH

8:14: Powder is an interesting medium, with all ranges of shapes, weights and feels. 

9:00: Subtle difference between skiing hard pack and skiing powder “Build your own platform.”

10:00: Dispelling the myth that skiing powder is for experts. Experts can ski chopped powder. Untrammeled powder is for everyone. 

12:15: Equally weighted versus weighting each ski. 

14:20: Overcoming intimidation by “seeing obstacles as friends.”

15:30: Give people the feeling they are in control and "the scary things aren’t so scary any more.”

16:40: Balancing the need for speed and control in powder.

20:00: Motion is lotion. Don’t be static on skis. 

20:25: Vertical movement is the heartbeat of skiing. 

21:50: But keep vertical movement in a range. Not too high. Not too low.

22:12: Handling the “fall-line effect.”

24:20: Use small, linked turns to control speed in powder and maintain equal weight on both skis. 

26:50: Use bone structure to weight and unweight skis. 

28:30: Effective up-and-down movement using bone structure and momentum. 

31:00 Building CMH’s “Powder Masters Program” to help veteran clients in their 80s keep skiing into their 90s. 

34:40: Best advice is to think about angulation in shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. 

36:30: Every learning process begins with destruction. 

38:10: Learn the soft hockey stop to butter through sketchy terrain and variable snow. 

Jim Lindsay is a master boot fitter in Aspen. He works at BootTech creating customized boots for skiers. These boots can often make a huge difference in a skiers stance.

Tune in to hear us talk about the importance of a good fit, Jim’s interest in orthotics and biomechanics, and what kind of difference a properly fitted boot can make.

Topics:

[02:04] Jim says that everyone is (or should be) familiar with the idea that you can change a ski’s performance by changing its angle. Whereas most people believe that if a boot fits comfortably, there is nothing else to consider.

[02:33] Jim says it’s about adapting the boot to fit your unique anatomy.

[04:50] Jim grew up skiing in Wisconsin, then went to a ski academy in Vermont for High School.

[05:10] Once he realized what he wanted to do, he went to school in the summer to learn about orthotics, orthopedics, and biomechanics of the lower extremity.

[05:30] Even though he works at the bottom of a major mountain, he doesn’t get to ski every day of the season.

[05:53] Throughout the 80’s he did boot fittings at the Aspen Highlands. Then he did speciality Orthotics in Aspen under the Gondola, as well as a shop at Snowmass.

[06:35] Once Jim fit someone in a boot, it would improve their skiing significantly.

[07:02] The simple thing of changing someone’s stance can greatly improve their abilities.

[07:45] In the 80’s, boot fitting was primarily focused on comfort.

[12:40] Jim explains his method to fitting different types of boots and what you can do to improve your fit, based on your needs.

[16:00] Jim continues to fit Jason into a boot and discusses the consequences of an ill-fitting boot.

[19:00] Jim’s ski philosophy and how it relates to boot fitting.

[19:50] It’s important to talk to your boot fitter and communicate your needs.

Quotes:

“...Adapting the boot to complement your anatomy and making your angles and the boots angles all fit together.” -Jim Lindsay

“Very often, someone’s needs will determine what type of boot they have.” -JIm Lindsay

“If the first thing your boot fitter does is go through and evaluate a whole bunch of things about your anatomy, instead of asking you what type of terrain you like to ski and what size shoe you wear, that’s a bad sign.” -Jim Lindsay

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

BootTech Inc.

On this episode, I speak with certified badass, Jake Hutchinson. He is the son of a Ski Patroller, a Marine, and an avalanche safety and survival course instructor. Jake trains search and rescue teams, as well as members of the Special Forces. On top of all that, he is the lead trainer at Salt Lake City’s Gym Jones.

Tune in to hear us talk about injury-proofing your body, the importance of self-assessment, and how the mountain can separate the wheat from the chaff.

Topics:

[03:20] Injury-proofing your body.

[07:40] 50% of the injuries he has witnessed were a result of people being tired.

[10:38] If you have a weak core, it doesn’t matter what’s going on with the rest of your body.

[12:05] Jake forces himself to trail run several times per week,

[12:25] Jake believes trail running is great training for skiers.

[14:47] He is a huge proponent of cross-training.

[21:55] The importance of exercising your hip flexors.

[24:34] Learn to master kick-turns on easy terrain.

[25:35] How to make sure your weight is distributed properly.

[27:00] The importance of self-awareness and self-assessment when it comes to avoiding injury and learning new skills.

[30:30] Ego and testosterone is a consistent problem on the mountain; it prevents people from being honest with themselves about their abilities.

[33:55] Jake finds that the T-bar helps weed out the strong skiers from the weak.

[34:35] Putting in high-speed lifts has contributed to people overestimating their abilities and leading to weaker skiers putting themselves in danger.

[37:20] Pole plants help point you in the right direction and remain vital to form.

Quotes:

“When people start over-using their quads, because their hamstrings and glutes aren’t balanced, that’s where a lot of knee injuries end up.” -Jake Hutchinson

“Skiing has a reasonable risk factor, even on a corduroy groomer, beginner trail.” -Jake Hutchinson

“You really have to be able to...ruthlessly assess yourself and what state you’re in...so that you don’t get lulled into complacency…” -Jake Hutchinson

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

Gym Jones Website

American Avalanche Institute

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today we are talking with Alex Cohen. Not only is he a sports psychologist for the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams, he also has a lot to share with everyday skiers. In this episode, Alex talks about the importance of having a game plan, getting out of your own way, and the myths about flowstate. He talks about how Olympians get to where they are and how he got to where he is in life. 

Alex has learned a lot over the years and shares some of that knowledge with you today. This is sure to be an episode with so many takeaways, you’ll have to listen to it more than once.

Alex Cohen, the senior sports psychologist for the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams. Alex dives in deep with the team when it comes to mental strategies, mindfulness, and other skills that can transfer over to their daily lives. 

Topics:

[02:25] How Alex got into skiing and started working with Olympians

[03:45] Sports psychology on the ski-lifts 

[12:44] External focus cues in order to execute good technique

[13:50] Getting out of your own way 

[17:13] Training mindsets and flipping that switch 

[19:15] Flowstate   

[23:17] Recovery after injury

[29:18] Alex’s personal skiing habits

[29:49] A piece of advice that resonates through Alex’s life

[33:20] Summary and conclusion

Resources:

Alex Cohen Twitter: @alexcohenphd

“Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation” by Gabriele Oettingen

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to Next Level Skiing, where we pick the brains of the best in the sport. Today, I speak with Erik Lambert, one of the founders of Bluebird Backcountry. He and his partner wanted to test the idea that skiers needed an intro to the fundamentals of backcountry skiing before diving in. As such, they figured out a middle ground and thousands have flocked to learn from the guides at Bluebird. They have since expanded their program and the training grounds. 

Tune in to hear more about this fantastic program and Erik’s experiences as a mountain sport enthusiast.

Topics:

[03:15] Starting from scratch with a new reservation system to help keep numbers small.

[05:45] Finding a middle ground between resort and backcountry skiing.

[10:45] Figuring out how to make the program sustainable.

[13:24] What makes Bluebird different from another mountain’s Backcountry 101.

[14:15] Why people just beginning their backcountry journey are often not ready for Avalanche One.

[21:10] The feedback from Aerie-certified instructors.

[23:05] Formalizing the way people learn and grow.

[24:35] Growing up as a skier in Upstate New York.

[27:00] Who the Bluebird Backcountry clients are and why the demographics surprised Erik.

[33:00] The different skills required for backcountry skiing.

[34:26] Erik’s solid piece of backcountry advice.

Resources:

Bluebird Backcountry

Wagner Custom Skis

On today’s episode, I get the chance to speak with Chris Davenport, one of the world’s most accomplished big mountain skiers. Initially, as the grandchild of a skiing pioneer and child of a ski racer, Chris started out as a racer, himself. Eventually, he transitioned into free skiing and that has since become his passion. 

During our discussion, we talk about his history with skiing, how Chris is a lifelong student of skiing, and why he thinks all skiers should take up the fight against global warming. Tune in to hear a great conversation with someone who knows the language of the mountains. 

Topics: 

[02:02] Chris grew up skiing on a small mountain.

[02:10] His grandfather was a big skier and was involved in the founding of New Hampshire’s Mount Cranmore.

[02:24] HIs father was also a Ski Racer at the University of Denver.

[03:26] Chris was a Racer at the University of Colorado.

[03:56] Ultimately, he enjoyed free skiing more than racing.

[04:50] A certain racing event turned the tide for Chris and he decided he wanted to pursue skiing professionally.

[05:20] A friend of his convinced him to compete in the race in Crested Butte.

[07:13] That summer, he went to Las Leñas, where he learned a lot from Doug Koontz.

[08:33] Chris’ is heading down to Chile to run his eighteenth ski clinic.

[10:15] Clinic attendees often have trepidation, because they are working with professional skiers.

[10:50] Chris discusses staying open to new experiences and continuing to improve his skills as a skier.

[13:10] Each clinic client has their own needs, so the clinic focuses on improving the individual without a set script or schedule.

[13:44] One of Chris’ camp attendees went on to win the Freeride World Tour.

[15:40] Teaching people to grab the bull by the horns comes with its challenges.

[21:17] Factoring in different types of terrain when training people to be better skiers.

[23:15] What is means to pay your dues as a skier.

[23:30] How to master the “language of the mountains”.

[28:32] The importance of combating global warming.

[30:40] Chris’ work with Protect our Winters and why it is important for other skiers to get involved.

[32:40] What people can do to be more “green”.

[34:40] Finding his tribe in Crested Butte at the Extreme Skiing Championships.

[35:34] How POW is focused on the upcoming midterm elections.

[36:53] Chris favorite motivational quote is “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

[37:12] He thinks younger people have goals, but don’t have actual plans of action.

[38:00] He also likes the term, “knees to skis.” It’s a great reminder about form and keeps him aligned on the mountain.

Quotes:

“It’s that passion and love of the sport...it just permeates the whole camp and the whole atmosphere.” -Chris Davenport

“I’ve heard a number of times from clients after the camp, that they went into it...having the pros built up on this pedestal and then in the end they realized we’re just skiers, just like they are.” -Chris Davenport 

“Skiing is all about experience: you have to pay your dues.” -Chris Davenport

Resources: 

Wagner Custom Skis

Protect Our Winters

Chris Davenport’s Website

On today’s episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Joel Gratz, the captain of a team of meteorologists at Open Snow, who love to give winter sports enthusiasts the most accurate weather reports. Joel has helped people chase powder and find the best snow for years. Tune in to hear us talk about Open Snow and how Joel got his start.

Topics:

[02:15] Having moderate expectations is important.

[03:00] He’s a skier, so he knows how to speak the language.

[04:05] You can get excited within 3-5 days of a good snow report.

[04:35] A 3 day forecast can be 95-98% accurate in terms of storm tracking.

[05:00] At 5 days out, you are at 90% accuracy and it continues down from there.

[07:50] There is no one who could consistently predict the weather for all the different regions in the U.S. year in and year out.

[09:48] Joel discovered his love of skiing at Shawnee Mountain in Pennsylvania.

[10:20] Joel has loved skiing and weather since he was four years old.

[12:52] When he started out, Joel didn’t have a strategy or business plan.

[13:05] Basically, he was surprised by the weather and found it frustrating.

[13:30] His method was a lot of trial and error.

[15:15] Joel credits his success to his team at Open Snow.

[15:52] When Open Snow started, they didn’t mean to make it a business; it was mostly for their friends.

[19:00] Skiing is better than not skiing, so you can’t wait for perfect weather.

[19:32] If you are on the fence, always choose to ski. Worse case scenario, the conditions aren’t perfect, but you still get to ski with friends and family.

[21:00] All you can say a week to 10 days out is whether there may be storms in a region. It’s very general.

[25:02] Wind direction is a key factor in figuring out the weather in the west.

[27:50] If you want to look at weather maps, look at them at the 700 Millibar level (around 10,000 feet).

[30:48] Open Snow gets a lot of emails from thrilled users.

[34:40] The snow report that you see on most apps is a 24-hour snow report.

[34:57] That 24 hour period usually covers 5am the previous day to 5am that day.

[35:13] So, you have to figure out when the ski fell.

[35:50] Joel yells at himself to keep his hands forward whenever he is tired and not skiing well.

Quotes:

“Science is always advancing and the only way you advance is by trying, failing, trying again, failing, trying again, failing.”

“We write the way we feel.”

“Beyond about 7-10 days, you’re really grasping at straws.”

Resources:

Open Snow

Wagner Custom Skis

On today’s show, I speak with my good friend, Skylar Holgate of Silverton Mountain Guides out of Durango. Skylar and I have shared a lot of great adventures, however what makes him most interesting is how many days he’s logged on major mountains around the globe. 

Skylar and I talk about his experience as a racer turned big mountain snowboarder and how he passes on his expertise from a lifetime of advanced mountain experience.

Join us for this very special episode.

Topics:

[03:37] Skylar’s transition from skiing to snowboarding.

[04:45] Skylar’s priorities in his twenties.

[06:01] Helping people achieve results and overcome fear.

[10:00] The challenges of adjusting resort style to backcountry/heli-skiing.

[13:50] Why it’s important to familiarize yourself with new gear before skiing.

[16:45] Skylar’s excitement about showing people the ropes and helping them improve.

[21:45] Differences and similarities between resort skiers and professional skiers.

[23:38] How he handles giving advice to professionals.

[25:53] Important turn advice.

[31:54] The best way to communicate with someone who is struggling.

[36:05] The most helpful advice Skylar has received.

[37:50] The main talent of Silverton Mountain Guides.

[38:40] The importance of trying new things.

Resources:

Silverton Mountain Guides

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today, we’ve got a great conversation with a great guest. There aren’t that many high profile skiers out there, who are as thoughtful and introspective as Mark Abma. 

Mark is an inspiring athlete with a unique outlook on how to improve performance, training, and mindset. From keeping things in perspective when he’s on top of a mountain to hydrotherapy, Mark talks about what has shaped him as a skier and as a person.

Mark Abma is a professional freeskier. From Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, he was born for the snow. He has a number of awards under his belt including the Powder Video Award for Best Male Performance in 2007 and 2005. He also won Best Natural Air in 2010, and Best Powder in 2009. He recently started an advocacy group called One Step with the goal of helping both ski resorts and skiers reduce their carbon footprints. 

Topics:

[02:11] How Mark started skiing

[07:00] Mogul skiing helping with the transition

[12:35] What Mark learned from his idols when he was a kid

[16:28] How competing led to films

[22:25] Mark’s mental game when he gets dropped off on a mountain  

[25:45] A piece of advice Mark goes back to 

[27:00] Recovery and hydrotherapy

[33:50] Lactic training  

[36:05] Lessons on the snow, transcending into everyday life

Resources:

Mark Abma on Twitter 

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today’s I’m talking with Chris “Tats” Tatsuno. Chris has an infectious way of making a turn in snow and he certainly shares it with everyone around him. It’s impossible not to have a good time when you’re riding around with Chris. 

Chris has his own style, his own look, and he is a wonderful influence on the youth of the industry through instruction and inspiration.  He doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the snow and on himself. Chris gives us some tips he learned from his dad, as well as a few of the lessons he’s learned from his own journey. From spending time with a crew you love, to his tips on how you can take it easy on your joints so you can ski until you’re 90, Chris shares a lot of great info today.

Topics:

[00:00] Introduction to Season 5

[03:00] Chris’ introduction

[04:00] Chris’ background and how he got into skiing

[05:50] What it was like growing up with a ski instructor

[08:21] Skiing vs snowboarding in the late 80s and early 90s

[14:11] How Chris ended up in Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado

[18:35] The Aspen Ripper Factory and the Aspen ski gangs

[28:45] Spending time with a crew that you enjoy

[30:20] Becoming a ski instructor

[36:26] Chris’ style and look

[42:00] Be the watcher

[44:43] Advice that still resonates with Chris  

[48:18] Conclusion

Resources:

Powder.com’s Adaptive Skiing Article, “The Tao of Tats” 

Chris Tatsuno’s LinkedIn 

Wagner Custom Skis

On today’s episode, we have Evan Reece. Evan co-founded Liftopia, a consumer platform and back-of-house revenue management system for resorts.

Today, the company works with more than 250 resorts worldwide and is the largest ticket sales operation in North America.

Tune in to hear us discuss how Liftopia came about, how it works, and why loyal customers are some of the most resort-disloyal people.

Topics:

[02:44] Before starting Liftopia, Evan had been working for HotWire.

[03:25] Before Liftopia, people hadn’t been buying lift tickets online.

[04:40] People hadn’t been offering this service, because ski resorts didn’t think their customers bought tickets this way.

[05:20] Resorts believed their customers wouldn’t buy tickets this way, because they had never done so before.

[07:32] Evan wanted to create a way to reduce risk for the resorts and increase profitability.

[08:42] Competitors’ models are similar.

[11:30] Multi-resort passes are for adventurers, but they are also the least loyal customers.

[13:20] In the end, everyone just wants to ski more.

[15:08] Icon and Epic passes are reshaping the industry.

[16:02] In terms of passes, Evan doesn’t like to pick sides.

[16:40] People often switch season passes from year to year.

[17:20] The pass you choose depends on if you drive, fly, or are a destination traveler.

[19:33] The most surprising thing found in Liftopia’s consumer survey, is that a lot of season pass holders are using their consumer brand.

[21:12] Skiers love to find new experiences and explore new terrain.

[21:33] Overall, people are seeking value.

[25:50] When regional mountains try to match the prices of larger mountains, they cut out a large community of skiers.

[28:04] Skiers love the passes, because they spend the same amount they used to spend on one mountain for multiple mountains.

[29:14] Evan has skied less since having a family.

[31:30] The industry wants you to buy in advance, as it’s better for everyone involved.

[33:39] Skiing isn’t just about carving down the hill, it’s about the overall experience.

[34:11] If Evan lived on the East Coast, he’d be spending more time in Europe, as the cost of skiing is lower and it provides a great cultural experience.

[35:40] The growth rate has to slow down at some point, because the only way to draw in new skiers is to make the season pass cost less than a day pass.

[36:58] The new Epic Day Pass is a great option that can bring the cost down significantly.

[39:24] Core skiers used to mean something different than it does today.

[41:50] Commit early and be adventurous!

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. On today’s episode, I have the pleasure of talking with powder photographer extraordinaire, Lee Cohen. Lee came to Utah in the 1980s as a ski bum and found his calling. He and his friends traveled from Utah down to California and beyond, chasing the snow and powder and photographing the experience.

Today we’re talking about how Lee got his start in skiing and photography as well as his journey to being one of the most well-known foremost photographers the snow has ever seen. He also talks about how he first pushed back on the transition to digital photography and his thoughts on it now. Lee shares some tips on how to get the best pictures when you’re out on the slopes and tips on skiing which he’d gleaned from the pros.

Topics:

[00:24] Lee Cohen’s introduction to skiing

[08:57] Salt Lake City

[10:00] Lee’s start in photography 

[12:46] Lee’s first cover photo

[13:29] Lee’s ah-ha moment in photography

[14:32] The transition to digital

[17:37] Tips for big snow

[23:40] How to shoot better skiing photos

[32:10] What excites Lee about skiing 

Few skiers have had such a lasting impact on their sport like Mike Douglas. From Olympic-caliber bumper to freeskiing pioneer to ski design innovator to influential filmmaker, Whistler’s.

Douglas has been at the forefront of skiing for more than 25 years. There’s a good reason everyone calls him “the Godfather of Freeskiing.” He pushed his young moguls skiers — like Vincent Dorian, J.P. Auclair, J.F. Cusson and Shane Szocs — into “snowboard parks” in the mid 1990s, where the crew became known as the New Canadian Air Force. Their FIS-dissing trickery chafed against international rules that forbid mogul skiers from getting inverted. 

Douglas and his crew designed their perfect ski, which became the Salomon 1080 and changed skiing. 

Douglas has spent his life exploring skiing from the perspective of athlete, coach, ski designer, instructor and filmmaker. Tune in as the Godfather holds court.

3:57: Moving to Whistler for a quick year before university, Douglas signs up for moguls contests and ends the season ranked third in British Columbia. 

5:00: Making a run for the Lillehammer Games in 1994, Douglas works with the Canadian Freestyle Team.

5:25: Bad habits plagued his early skiing. The worst? The heavy head. “The world slows down the farther you look.”

8:00: Started coaching in Whistler Blackcomb, teaching the next generation of mogul skiers.

9:15: Top athletes were grating under the strictures of FIS mogul skiing. Snowboarding was blowing up. Skiers wondered why they couldn’t do that same tricks as snowboarders.

10:30: Back then, if you wanted to change a trick, it took two years to win FIS approval. “Meanwhile we were watching snowboarders innovating every week.”

11:10: Douglas and top bumpers started poaching the snowboard-only terrain parks after moguls practice.

12:04: The skills from mogul skiing transferred to the park. Balanced at speed. 

13:20: Trial-and-error skill development in the park predated trampolines and airbags.

14:32:: The creation of the Salomon 1080. “We knew we needed a ski that was different.”

19:45: Absorbing the fire he sparked in freeskiing. “Every day I see something ridiculous that melts  my brain.”

22:18: Longevity on skis comes from a drive to keep moving and keep improving. 

27:10: Almost every day on the same skis and boots.

29:44: The technology that enabled the one-ski quiver.

31:35: Lessons from 18 years teaching at Chile’s Superstars Camp.

33:35: Three most basic principles of skiing. Simple is better. “If you can do those three things you can ski well anywhere."

36:16: Seeking the secret to longevity and “The Fountain of Youth” in Japan with Everest skier Yuichiro Miura and his son Gota.  

39:50: Step by step. “You got to have a goal.”

42:28: Notching wins for the climate as a driving force behind Protect Our Winters Canada. Motivating skiers to write 23,000 letters to the government, forcing a coal mine expansion to undergo intensive environmental review. “We may have saved 15 million tons of carbon dioxide from going into the air every year.” 

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today I have to pleasure of sharing my conversation with Krista Crabtree. Krista has spent decades introducing women to skiing via her 'She Skiis' clinics. From the beginning of her career, she has tracked the evolution of women’s ski gear and because of that, she’s an expert on the topic. From design to material to shape, Krista knows exactly how skis will perform on the snow.

In this episode, Krista and I talk about women in skiing and the evolution of women’s ski gear. There have been a lot of gender politics in skiing and Krista shares some of her stories as a woman in the industry. We’re seeing plenty of positive changes in skiing, but there’s still plenty we can do to get more amazing women in the spotlight.

Topics:

[01:31] Krista Crabtree Introduction

[03:23] Krista’s skiing journey

[08:00] The evolution of women’s ski equipment 

[13:30] Ski instruction for men versus women

[16:52] Five tips that resonate with everyone

[27:05] How gear can enable women

[30:00] Upcoming advances in women’s gear

[35:41] Seeing more women on the slopes

[44:10] The importance of having an outlet like skiing

[45:15] Conclusion

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today’s guest is a skiing veteran with amazing stories and lessons to share. I’m sure all of you know the name Chris Anthony. In this episode, Chris shares so many of his experiences and tips including how early he started skiing, hard ski lessons, how to ski with an injury, and stories from movie sets. From Warren Miller to Mt. Mangart, he is no stranger to film or the snow. 

Chris also shares his opinions on how and why skiing has changed over the years. Has it been for the better? How have these technological changes helped injured skiers? Not to mention, we dive into the basics of skiing, because sometimes we need to be reminded that skiing isn’t about being the strongest. A lot of the challenge of skiing happens in your mind… and also on your knees. Is it possible to ski with a knee injury? 

Chris Anthony does it all: award winning skier, ski personality, trainer, guide, and motivational speaker. Chris was also inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame in 2018, is an award-winning documentary producer, director, writer, and editor, and was featured in 28 Warren Miller films. 

Topics:

[00:55] How Chris got into skiing

[05:15] Evolving times for skiing and ski gear

[09:10] Chris’ lessons from his movie career

[12:00] On bad habits and trying to get rid of them 

[14:25] Skiing while injured   

[21:44] Knee replacement and returning to skiing  

[26:09] Tips for skiing with knee pain

[28:47] Ski gear that won’t bother your knees

[31:33] Off the wall racing

[35:05] Lasting advice from early in Chris’ career

[36:11] Mission Mt. Mangart film and the history of skiing

[41:56] Summary and thanks

Resources:

Chris Anthony

Wagner Custom Skis

Today, I had the chance to speak with Olympic skier, Tommy Moe. Tommy joined the US Ski Team at only sixteen years-old. He spent twelve years as a member of the team and won the silver and gold medals at Lillehammer in 1994. Today, he works as a Ski Guide in Jackson Hole and is one of the Heli-Skier guides at the amazing Tordrillo Mountain Lodge in Alaska.

Listen in to hear about Tommy’s journey as an Olympic skier, what he did to improve his technique, and how skiing has changed since his days on the US Ski Team.

Topics:

[01:45] In 2005, Mike Overcast and Tommy opened up a Heli-Skiing business in Alaska.

[02:30] Tommy starting skiing at a young age in Montana, where his father was a member of the ski patrol.

[03:18] He joined the US Ski Team in 1986 at Copper Mountain.

[03:32] When he was 12, he moved to Alaska, where he attended a ski academy. His training there lead to his becoming a member of the US Ski Team.

[05:20] He had the bug from an early age and this lead him to pursue skiing with a fiery determination.

[06:08] Tommy went to summer camp at Mt. Hood, when Phil and Steve Mayer talked to the kids about being on the World Cup team.

[06:36] When Tommy started racing at a young age, he always had the drive to improve and keep up with others.

[07:55] You can improve simply by skiing with your friends.

[08:32] If you want to improve, Tommy suggests hiring a ski instructor or attending a ski clinic.

[08:54] There are great “steep and deep” camps at Jackson Hole.

[10:15] When he was racing on the Ski Team, they would video tape everything, so they could analyze their techniques.

[10:48] When Tommy was a younger skier, he was aggressive, but had a loose style.

[11:18] When he started improving his form, he focused on improving his angulation and form.

[12:45] Improving his angulation was one of the best things Tommy did to improve his technique.

[13:15] The construction of skis is so different now and it allows for amazing turns where you won’t “boot out”.

[15:25] Ski tech has improved so much that you can now stand on both feet and equally weight your skis.

[15:50] In this day and age, you’re doing race turns with 60% of your weight on the outside foot and 40% on the inside.

[16:05] It looks like perfect railroad tracks, which is vastly different from how it was even in the 80’s.

[17:45] Most of the Heli-Skiers are pretty seasoned skiers, but Tommy likes it when he gets people who ask for advice.

[19:00] Tommy works as a Ski Guide in Jackson Hole, as well. If he sees someone having a hard time, he will give them pointers that will help them attack the mountain.

[20:30] Skiing is a lot like dancing, in that everyone has their own technique.

[21:30] Tommy believes that you always want to be on the offensive when skiing.

[22:54] The Art of Skiing is a classic book that still serves as a great resource.

[24:22] Tommy’s dad used to let him skip school to ski on powder days.

[24:30] Now, Tommy is dealing with teaching his young daughters to ski.

[25:04] His kids are just as enthusiastic about skiing as their parents (Tommy’s wife was also an Olympic skier).

[27:30] Tommy and Jason discuss the quick feet of various Olympic skiers and how techniques have changed over the years.

[28:45] Tommy thanks everyone that has a passion for the sport and encourages enthusiasts to get out there and keep working on their skills.

Quotes:

“I always dreamed about being in the Olympics and, luckily enough, I was able to compete in three.” -Tommy Moe

“A lot of times, in skiing, if you want to improve, it’s usually just one thing at a time.” -Tommy Moe

“A lot of times, when you powder ski, it’s about rhythm.” -Tommy Moe

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge

Tommy’s Bio Page on the TML Website

Dan English was making waves in the world of high-tech when he veered into a new career focused on one of the oldest fabrics in the world. Today, the founder, president, and CEO of Colorado-based Voormi has infused the foundational principles of the technology industry into a clothing company that is changing how we think about wool and overhauling stagnant domestic manufacturing.

On this episode of Next Level Skiing, Dan riffs on how the precepts of technological innovation can be applied to textiles and clothing, the best way to layer for an active day on snow, and how Voormi is moving on its mission to change the narrative around our clothing.

Topics:

2:00 - A lifetime in tech in Seattle

7:20 - R&D testing at Wolf Creek ski area

8:50 - Core construction and Voormi’s technology

10:20 - Domestic manufacturing for Voormi doubled in 2023 and will double again in 2024

13:00 - Applying technology rules to textiles and clothing

16:00 - New tech coming from Voormi will reduce the water needed for coloring and dyeing

19:20 - Making clothing adaptive for each user

25:30 - Layering and the right clothing for outdoor adventure in winter

Resources:

Voormi

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. On today’s episode, I have the pleasure of talking with California badass, Michelle Parker. Michelle is an amazing skier with excellent form. If you have the chance to watch her ski, watch how she shreds with her feet; she is amazing. There are few skiers out there who have the speed and footwork of Michelle. 

Michelle shares some great lessons and messages including the importance of visualization and how to develop your inner warrior. She also emphasizes how important it is to be aware of your surroundings, mapping the mountain, and trusting your intuition.

California native Michelle Parker started skiing in her home resort of Squaw Valley Ski Resort. Since then, she’s competed in the US Freeskiing open, X-Games, and the Red Bull Cold Rush. She’s also one of the founders of Skiers Advocating and Fostering Education for Avalanche and Snow Safety (S.A.F.E.A.S.), whose goal is to advocate for snow safety and avalanche awareness. 

Topics:

[02:00] Michelle’s footwork on the snow

[03:00] How Michelle started skiing

[05:25] Michelle’s first experiences with freeskiing

[07:57] Skills that she transferred from racing to freeskiing

[10:45] Moving to the big mountains

[12:15] Avalanche education

[17:40] What Michelle thinks of when she’s up top and waiting her turn

[18:30] How to tap into your inner warrior 

[23:50] The importance of realizing legitimate fears and being confident in your intuition

[27:50] How to develop a strong intuition

[29:50] Advice that still resonates with Michelle

[31:40] Surrounding yourself with incredible athletes (on the screen and in real life)

Resources:

Michelle Parker, Instagram

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. We have quite the treat for you today as our guest is the legendary–the most decorated American, male downhiller ever–Daron Rahlves. Four time Olympian. Twenty-eight world cup podiums. A dozen world cup victories. Seven national titles. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

Daron is already helping out future generations of skiers with his Ski Tips with Daron Rahlves series on YouTube. Today he brings a few of those tips with him as well as some great advice and fantastic stories. There are so many takeaways from today’s episode, from tips on developing confidence, to technical advice about balance, and big lessons he’s learned from his journey to the top. 

Topics:

[01:00] Daron’s accolades and journey

[02:20] From Ski-Tips to Mortal Tips

[06:55] How do we develop confidence 

[09:43] Technical tip about balance: “From the snow up”

[13:00] The importance of knowing the line

[19:55] Find a mentor and follow the good guys

[22:10] How Daron adjusted his ski style for the film, Chasing the LIne

[30:55] How skiing has developed over the years

[35:00] How Red Bull treats the athletes they sponsor

[41:50] The fastest time at Birds of Prey and other records

[45:40] Advice from Daron’s youth which still resonates with him

[47:50] Tips and warm-ups 

[49:20] Summary of the episode

Resources:

Ski Tips with Daron Rahlves

Wagner Custom Skis

On today’s episode, I speak with Lindsay Andersen, a verteran guide at Canadain Mountain Holiday’s Bobbie Burns lodge. Throughout her career, she has led hundreds of clients through the steepest and deepest terrain.

Topics:

[01:52] Lindsay was born and raised in Banff, so she was skiing by the age of two.

[03:07] She took avalanche courses through Lake Louise and the Canadian Avalanche Association.

[05:16] Lindsay hopes she is a mentor to all people coming up in the industry.

[07:05] People are intimidated by powder skiing, but it’s actually easier than skiing on hard pack.

[08:49] It can be hard to get people to relax in powder, so she always tells people to watch her form.

[09:06] You want to be centered on your skis and use a shorter pole.

[11:52] To get people used to speed, Lindsay likes to take them in gladed terrain.

[13:55] Lindsay has seen CMH’s VR video that helps prepare people for the heli-skiing experience and she loves it; she thinks it really encapsulates the actual experience.

[18:54] In order to put or keep people at ease, Lindsay feels that her naturally soft voice and nurturing personality are key.

[19:48] She is an open, honest, people-person.

[20:53] There is always a low-level amount of stress in a guide’s life, because it’s a huge responsibility.

[21:43] She hopes to always convey the fun of skiing.

[23:14] Lindsay tries not to say too much, but makes a point to say what is important.

[24:16] She picks up a lot by skiing with other guides from other locations.

[27:00] A great tip she picked up was, if conditions get a bit tricky, pull your toes up in your boot.

Quotes:

“I always tell people before they come skiing with us to try and be as fit as possible.”

“If people are really nervous...we’ll just manage that with the terrain selection.”

“To get actually emotional watching [the VR video], it was pretty powerful.”

Resources:

CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge

Wagner Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today’s guest is Angela Hawse. Angela is an award-winning guide, an alpinist, a sponsored athlete, a motivational speaker, and a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Mountain Guide Association. Angela is the second woman in history to achieve that award.

She has taken a stand for women in skiing and when speaking about climate change. Angela brings her unique experience as a skier and a climber when she shares her stories about women on the mountains.

Topics:

[02:39] Angela’s introduction to skiing and her journey to being a guide

[12:00] The evolution of women in skiing 

[13:00] Challenges for women in skiing

[20:20] Making adjustments so we can better enjoy ourselves in the snow

[27:00] The advantage of having a coach

[30:15] Tools for safety and fitness   

[36:30] On what it is like receiving a lifetime achievement award  

[39:19] Giving back with “Protect Our Winters”

[44:45] The future in the climbing and skiing industries

[46:05] Conclusion

Resources:

Angela Hawse

Protect Our Winters

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today, I chat with Cody Townsend, a Southern California football superstar turned mountain hero. He has piloted a career on skis unlike any other I’ve seen. He claims his achievements were driven by boredom, of all things.

His current undertaking, The Fifty Project, exposes the glory and work in skiing and mountaineering. 

Join us as we discuss his transition from heliskiing to hiking peaks and the unrelenting mental game involved therein. 

Topics:

[03:52] Cody’s experience growing up in a football family.

[04:22] How his family got him into skiing.

[06:41] Critical skills he developed as a racer.

[11:42] Cody’s experience as a heliskier and the ensuing transition to mountaineering.

[12:07] Boredom and danger were catalysts to his shift.

[15:54] The single most important skill in ski mountaineering.

[19:15] Heading into his Fifty Project knowing he had a lot to learn.

[24:25] Skiing the Sphinx in Alaska.

[26:45] Perceptions of pro skiers vs. the reality.

[29:05] The tendency to pull back when skiing intense steeps.

[32:40] A basic drill that helps change your mindset on the steeps.

[36:25] The experience that made him dream about skiing The Crack.

[37:50] Drawing on past experiences to help you reach the next level.

[39:40] Why skiing partners can affect your experience.

[45:00] An article made Cody tear up.

[46:35] A great piece of advice Cody received.

Resources:

The Fifty Project’

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today I’m talking with Nader Jamal about how to feel empowered while you’re on the powder. Nader’s been through a lot in his life. Today he shares tips on how to be more confident while you’re on the slopes. He also shares some of his story and the lessons he learned while fighting off cancer and teaching the youth of America how to stay upright while on the snow or in the water. 

He also emphasizes the importance of learning how to fall. In real life and while you’re on skis (or on a stand-up paddleboard), sometimes it’s how you take the fall that can teach you the most about confidence and what you’re capable of.

Topics:

[3:00] Growing up with Palestinian parents in New York

[4:40] Taking skills from the terrain park into big mountain

[5:50] Learning how to ski switch

[7:30] Relaxing on rails

[10:00] Similarities in stand-up paddling and skiing

[11:40] The role of confidence and recognizing physical cues that can shift confidence

[15:58] Crossover skills between SUP, skiing and park

[19:35] Being loose, playful and vulnerable

[20:20] Don’t fight the fall

[22:55] Nader’s cancer fight at 21 and his introduction to outdoor adventure

[24:25] A whitewater trip to Montana with First Descents after Stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis

[27:00] Being the connector for others seeking outdoor adventure and experiences

[28:45] It’s OK to fall. Welcome it.

[30:50] The motivation of learning with a group

[34:10] Developing self-expression in skiing through teamwork

[36:30] Conclusion

Resources:

Nader Jamal, First Descents

Nader Jamal, Instagram

Nader Jamal, LinkedIn

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Adrian Ballinger is one of the most knowledgable people out on the mountains today. He is a triple threat: lifelong skier, veteran on technical rock, and a master at high altitude descent. He is one of the world’s top ski mountaineer.

He has many accomplishments under his belt.  He has summited Everest and K2 without supplemental oxygen, was the first to ski descent of Manaslu (8th tallest peak in world) from the summit, founded Alpenglow Expeditions (which now takes 6000+ people a year skiing, climbing and mountaineering), and has had seventeen summits of 8000-meter peaks. In May of 2022, he became the first person to ski from Makalu (in the Mahalangur Himalayas) which is the fifth highest peak in the world.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Adrian about his three attempts on Makalu, his risk tolerance now that he’s a new father, and how to make sure the first turn is perfect.

Topics:

[01:36] Adrian’s introduction

[03:17] How Adrian got started and a snapshot of his career 

[12:50] Skiing Makalu

[20:40] Risk tolerance

[25:10] The mental and physical limitations of being so high up   

[32:15] The idea that it’s okay to back off  

[34:00] Practice everything 

[37:00] Switching mindsets and cherishing the mundane

[42:30] Conclusion    

Resources:

Adrian Ballinger

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today I’m talking with the legendary Steve Casimiro. Steve harkens back to the skiing comeback of the 1990s. His unwavering love of skiing shines bright as we talk about everything from what skiing was like in the late 80s to what it is like now, and our responsibilities when it comes to climate issues. There are many ways to help others including respecting others, spreading positivity, and really thinking about how you are valuing your time.

Topics:

[01:37] Introduction to the resurgence of skiing in the 90s

[04:00] Steve’s intro into skiing

[07:35] Skiing in the late 80s

[13:15] Recognizing the transformation in skiing in the 90s

[16:50] Skiing with skiers with more experience  

[23:24] Skiing changing with the times

[31:00] Adventure skiing

[32:00] From promoting people the respecting people

[37:00] Opportunities to share your enthusiasm and 

[47:30] Acting on big problems, including climate issues

[52:00] Your time has value

[54:00] Conclusion

Resources:

Steve on Adventure Journal

Steve Casimiro on Instagram

Wagner Custom Skis

On today’s episode, I get to chat with Dr. Tom Hackett. Tom started out as a member of the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol before becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon. He took an interest in not just fixing injuries, but trying to understand why injuries happen. This is what lead him to his success as a Doctor and he now serves as the Orthopedic Surgeon for the US Ski Team, among other notable patients.

During our discussion, we get into the meat of why we hurt ourselves and the group of muscles we must strengthen in order to prevent a serious, but common injury. Tune in to hear about Dr. Hackett’s fascinating life and his professional endeavors as an Orthopedic Surgeon.

Topics:

[2:50] Tom loves to operate, but he is more interested in what we can do to prevent injuries.

[03:15] He was on the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol in the late 80’s through the early 90’s.

[05:24] With more extreme tricks, comes greater risk for injury.

[08:20] The Japanese Ski Team has a safety device, which isn’t available to other athletes from different nations

[10:29] Right now, Tom is focusing on the hip.

[10:44] Some of the hip abductors are key to protecting the knee.

[11:05] To protect your knee, you need to strengthen your hip.

[11:20] Beginner snowboarders almost always hurt their wrists, whereas experts always have knee injuries.

[14:54] There is a group of hip muscles for which you can do exercises. Anything that works your hips and glutes is key to protecting your knee from injury.

[17:20] Tom likes to tell young, enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders to slow down and to be conscious of potential risk.

[20:36] Tom sees people whose skis didn’t release and rarely sees injury to people whose skis release easily.

[24:00] Tom discusses the allure and subsequent risk of terrain parks.

[24:38] Tom has found that the severity of injuries is inversely proportional to snowfall.

Quotes:

“These are winter sports, there’s always some time of adverse conditions.” -Dr. Tom Hackett

“You need your quad muscles for performance, and stamina, and driving your ski; but you’ve gotta have the hip strong, as well…” -Dr. Tom Hackett

“If you stay on the ground, you have a much higher chance of staying upright.” -Dr. Tom Hackett

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

Dr. Hackett’s Website

Allen Tran is a high-performance dietitian and chef for the US Ski Team. Today, he will tell us how to convert regular meals into power-boosting food for your next run.

Tune in to hear how Allen does his job and helps athletes perform at their peak.

Topics:

[01:50] Allen got his start by going to culinary school and worked in the culinary industry for years.

[02:09] He then got a Masters in sports nutrition and exercise physiology. 

[03:07] He preps with athletes in the summer to see what their goals are for the upcoming season.

[05:16] You want enough food to fuel your performance, but you don’t want to overdo it on competition day.

[08:12] The whole role of a sports snack is convenience.

[12:22] Listen to your body and figure out if you need more snacks and where to fit in meals.

[15:45] Sherpas in the Himalayas tend to eat higher fat diets, which is great for slower burning energy.

[18:55] Allen likes to take traditional recipes and turn them on their heads.

[23:10] At high altitudes, alcohol is something to avoid.

[23:37] It’s so easy to get dehydrated in high altitudes. 

[24:16] It’s important to strike a nice balance when eating (not too light, not too heavy).

[29:01] A lot of athletes have specific preferences, which means Allen has to travel with a lot of stuff.

[29:23] Going overseas can make meeting preferences tricky.

[30:25] When overseas, Allen always has to make sure the water and meat are safe.

[35:15] When it comes to powdered foods, there’s a time and a place.

Quotes:

“ ‘You train really hard, so the day of competition is easy’ is one of those cliche sayings.”

“Comfort food does have its place.”

“When these fad diets come in and out of vogue...it can all be worked out, as long as you use real food.”

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

Klaus Obermeyer is a living legend. He has had the amazing privilege to see every technological advancement in skiing from the very beginning of the sport. He is 98 years-old and still has a great passion for the sport. If you’re in Aspen, you may even run into him on the Mountain.

Tune in to hear Klaus discuss the early days of skiing, his method for teaching beginners, and his secret to a long and healthy life.

Topics:

[01:55] Klaus made his first pair of skis at two years-old.

[02:08] He used the chestnut boards from some orange crates.

[03:06] He built a small jump out of snow and generally had a great time sliding around on snow.

[03:30] When he was around 4 or 5 years-old, a Norwegian man made him a pair of real skis.

[04:45] A Doctor in Hamburg made the first metal ski edges.

[06:05] People used different types of wood to make skis, but Americans used Hickory. Hickory is tough, but flexible.

[08:58] Klaus made sure that when teaching beginners, he wouldn’t do anything to scare them; scared skiers are stiff skiers.

[10:25] When snowboarding came around, it influenced the shape of skis. The shorter and wider skis are great for skiing in heavy, chunky snow.

[13:00] Klaus worked to create ski clothing that enhanced the skiing experience; they wanted to make warm, comfortable clothing.

[14:25] Klaus still skis, but won’t ski in a storm or when it’s icy.

[14:58] At his age, he finds it easier to ski than it is to walk.

[15:32] Klaus says the key is to not eat more calories than you burn, workout every day, keep your bones under pressure, and make sure your body is always used to working.

[16:15] Never give up working out; Klaus likes swimming.

[17:25] Klaus learned a lot about skiing from a sheep herder, who was the first person who knew how to make parallel turns.

[18:10] The sheep herder skied to school everyday.

[22:00] Norwegians skied for reasons of survival.

[24:55] In terms of keeping skiing popular, Klaus says to “just let it happen” and “enjoy the feeling of sliding on snow”

Quotes:

“It was a pleasure to see how these skis got...a little bit better. And the sport of skiing kept changing…” -Klaus Obermeyer

“...In 1947, there was practically no ski clothing...We developed a lot of it and then got copied by people. The aim was to make ski clothing that makes skiing more enjoyable…” -Klaus Obermeyer

“At this point of my age, at 98 and a half years-old, it’s easier to ski than it is to walk.” -Klaus Obermeyer

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

Klaus’ Biography on Obermeyer’s Website

On this episode, I get to chat with Hilaree Nelson, the world’s greatest ski mountaineer. She and her partner were two of the very first people to climb and ski the fourth highest peak in the entire world. She has pursued a life of mountain exploration.

Tune in to hear us discuss her career and how she prepares for big challenges.

Topics:

[02:21] Hilaree was on the race team, but she never skied a single gate. 

[02:54] Her background isn’t in racing and she’s jealous of people who have it.

[03:39] She saw a huge deficit in her own skiing and did her best to ski with those who were better than her in order to learn more.

[08:06] Ski technology has changed and has changed the way we ski.

[10:26] Her experience climbing the fourth highest peak in the world was unmatched and emotional.

[14:40] It’s important to just try things instead of talking yourself out of great experiences.

[18:05] With age, comes experience and wisdom.

[22:20] To prepare for her biggest challenge, she made sure to prep on difficult terrain.

[28:45] Hilaree has been working with North Face on product development.

[29:00] She is also becoming a climate change activist, because she wants to protect all the beautiful places she has been.

[30:20] She got a great tip to drive her tip, but lift her tails when making turns in tight terrain.

Quotes:

“Chamonix isn’t just about the skiing, it’s so much about how you access the skiing…”

“I just think there is so much value in saying ‘yes’ to things...and the actual act of trying.”

“As a young person, you’re making all these sort of instantaneous decisions...it’s just freedom.”

Resources:

Hilaree's Website

Wagner Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today, I’m chatting with Lorraine Huber, an Australian skier who has made a career off of making skiing look easy. She’s done it all, from big mountain skiing and competitions, to guiding and becoming a mental coach. And she doesn’t just teach the pros; she’s teaching everyone how to find poise and grace out on the slopes amidst all this chaos. 

Lorraine is a professional skier from Lech am Arlberg. She is a freeride world champion and is now giving back to the skiing community by becoming a mental coach. She helps skiers become inspired and fall in love with the process.

Listen in as she shares her insights on the mental games that occur on the snow, and how to turn our focus to the process of learning through visualization and meditation. Lorraine also offers suggestions on how we can find our flow state. 

Topics:

[01:30] How Lorraine got started in skiing

[08:10] The transition process of big mountain skiing to mental coach

[12:25] Strategies for quieting your mind

[18:51] Finding your flow state

[25:35] What to focus on: growing and learning the process

[27:59] How to reprogram your brain

[33:15] Internal versus extrinsic motivation

[34:29] What can come to us when we’re in that flow state

[37:27] Lorraine’s skiing buddies and how they helped her

[40:00] A lesson that still resonates with Lorraine

[42:00] Lorraine’s YouTube channel 

[42:42] Summary of the big lessons from this episode

Resources:

Lorraine Huber

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol Dweck

Lorraine Huber, YouTube

Wagner Custom Skis

On this episode, I speak with Jonathan Ellsworth, Founder of CEO of Crested Butte’s Blister review website. He has made it his mission to test and review the latest gear, in order to pass on knowledge to other skiers.

Tune in to hear us talk about Blister and how Jonathan approaches his reviews.

Topics:

[02:05] Jonathan grew up in the Chicagoland area, not anywhere near a ski area.

[02:50] He thinks his late start in skiing is key to Blister’s success.

[03:00] When an injury ended his football career, he threw himself into his studies in kinesiology.

[04:14] Jonathan went to New Mexico to work on his dissertation, which gave him access to the mountains.

[04:47] He took a year off of school to do everything he could in the mountains and never went back to Chicago.

[07:04] Blister does not accept money from gear manufacturers that they review, which is in contrast to a lot of ski publications.

[08:50] He wants to make sure his revenue streams don’t undermine his work.

[09:30] Integrity and credibility is everything.

[11:15] Blister employs 6 or 7 reviewers to do most of the ski gear reviews, but employs 50-60 freelancers.

[14:10] By coming late into skiing, Jonathan has a greater appreciation for gear that improves performance.

[15:24] Skiing and ski design stole so many good ideas that came from snowboarding.

[18:26] Jonathan has spent a lot of time telling people lightweight skis suck.

[21:50] Making lightweight gear is such a thing now.

[22:00] Manufacturers try to say that you don’t lose performance, but this isn’t 100% true.

[25:08] There are still hundreds of thousands of skiers out there in incorrectly sized boots.

[26:45] If you’re an intermediate skier, get yourself to a boot-fitter.

[27:24] Heat-moldable shells are becoming more common for ski boots.

[27:55] If you have trickier feet, heat-moldable shells are the way to go.

[30:15] Jonathan has to be intentional with his workouts, because his time is limited.

[30:40] You absolutely must stretch your hamstrings.

[39:15] Crested Butte has a lot of steep terrain.

[39:45] Jonathan thinks the more scared you are of the terrain in front of you, the more forward you should be on your skis.

Quotes:

“Institutional trust: right? That’s not just a problem in the world of outdoor sports reviews, that’s a problem at the biggest levels of government…”

“Tip and tail rocker...has really opened up the sport in a super significant way.”

“Do not buy your ski boots online and have them show up in a box...go to an experienced boot-fitter…”

Resources:

Blister

Wagner Skis

Welcome to Next Level Skiing by Wagner Skis. Next Level Skiing is a podcast about skiing. Your skiing. We talk to the sport’s luminaries and behind-the-scenes bosses about strategies and hacks for stepping your skiing up a notch. Sure, the key to getting better at skiing is to go skiing. A lot. If it was only that easy. This podcast will offer some shortcuts to becoming the skier you want to be, without having to quit your job and move to a ski town. You can subscribe where ever you get your podcasts by searching for “Next Level Skiing.” Learn more at wagnerskis.com/nextlevel.

On today’s episode, I get the chance to speak with Wendy Fisher, a former member of the U.S. Ski Team who walked away from skiing, only to get back into big mountain skiing later on. She now works at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, guiding people through the steeps. She also runs an annual camp out of Chile.

Tune in to hear us talk about her career, he life in Crested Butte, and how she learned to overcome fear.

Topics:

[02:19] Every summer, she brings her kids out to her hometown of Tahoe to take advantage of “lake life”.

[03:45] People bag on racing now, because they think it restricts people from having fun and enjoying the sport.

[04:10] Wendy doesn’t agree and thinks it increased her love of the sport.

[04:28] She was heartbroken to leave the team, but knew it was time to go.

[06:15] Before she quit skiing and gave up a college skiing scholarship, she decided to go ski one last winter just for fun.

[07:08] She ended up in Crested Butte during an extreme skiing contest.

[07:20] She was encouraged to enter the contest and it brought her back to life.

[08:04] When watching the men compete, she felt she had better technique than all of them.

[08:45] On her second run, she took a different path over a rocky headwall.

[10:38] She woke up one day and decided to continue to follow the competition circuit. 

[11:45] She free-skied as a kid and her racing coach made the sport fun for her, which is different from how it is today.

[12:10] She enjoyed the structure of Burke Academy.

[12:35] Her amazing technical training contributed to her success as a free-skier.

[18:47] When skiing steeps, people often forget their form and end up on their heels.

[19:11] Wendy will take people out on less challenging terrain to improve their skills before taking them back to the steeps.

[25:21] What helped Wendy learn how to teach was taking up skateboarding.

[27:18] She even looped her son into her skateboard lessons.

[28:48] Often, there is a taboo about taking lessons.

[29:05] Wendy feels that if you want to get better, you have to invest in lessons.

[32:05] Because they live in a mountain town, Wendy was determined to get her kids into skiing.

[34:45] Wendy tried to back off and let her kids learn from instructors, but eventually, she couldn’t help but intervene and improve their fundamentals.

[39:41] How Wendy discovered spontaneity and how it has affected the rest of her life.

[41:20] Skiing with big mountain skiers and heliskiing, she was terrified, but there was gratification in completing big runs.

[41:41] This is how she can relate to her clients and often talks herself through terrifying runs.

Quotes:

“I had so many issues with letting go of skiing and I wasn’t ready to...so to find this avenue, I just ran with it and don’t regret it at all.”

“If you really want to get better and you don’t want to be frustrated, you have to invest the time.”

“You start to doubt yourself, so you have to find these things to keep yourself in the game and to help build up your confidence and I still do that today…”

Resources:

Wendy’s Website

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Thinking through the fear with Julian Carr. One of the great things about skiing is that we can apply the lessons we’ve learned on snow and adapt them to our whole life. Today is no exception. Julian talks about how he gets air, how he got started, and what goes into finding the right conditions. As a natural talent, Julian has a unique and positive perspective on both skiing and life.

We’ve all seen the pictures. X-Games GOLD Medalist Julian Carr is known as one of the skiers who gets the biggest air. It’s almost as if he’s out there to prove that flying and skiing aren’t two different things. 

Julian’s lofty exploits have landed him in Warren Miller films. He’s also received “Photo of the Year” from Powder Magazine, the Sickbird Award on the Freeskiing World Tour, and holds two world records in cliff jumps. He’s an ambassador for Protect Our Winters and Climate Reality Project. He’s also a board member for the Lands Conservation Foundation. He founded Discrete Clothing. He also founded the Cirque Series, which is a mountain running series that’s in its fourth season.

Topics:

[02:00] How Julian got started skiing and getting height

[06:00] Being a natural skier and specific his skill set

[08:10] Baby steps to getting air 

[14:00] What goes into finding the right conditions 

[24:25] Working through the fear

[25:45] Patience and recognizing the gap between desire and ability 

[29:30] How to know when you’re ready

[31:10] Advice that still resonates

[33:20] Summary and conclusion  

Resources:

Julian Carr

Wagner Custom Skis

Dr. Wes Wylie is the guy you want on your heliskiing crew. He’s a heliski guide at Alaska’s Tordillo Mountain Lodge as well as Powderbirds out of Snowbird. He’s been a ski patroller at Deer Valley for more than 20 years. He travels to Chile and New Zealand in the summer to guide clients. Oh, and he’s also a private physician who travels the country practicing medicine. 

1:00: Are you a ski guide who practices medicine or a doctor who skis? 

2:30: Getting into medicine as a way to ski

3:45: The overlap between doctoring and skiing. A typical year on mountains, with a few months in hospitals.

5:50: “The big dinner conversation.” Honing aging bodies for skiing. Clients as patients. How to offset the 1% annual loss of muscle mass in men in their 50s, 60s and 70s. 

7:15: The “easy” prescription to offset that muscle loss and even build muscle past age 50. 

9:00: And even thwart the insidious weight gain of life after 50. 

12:00: Advice for skiers looking to stay on skis deep into their 80s or even 90s: minimize the impacts. 

12:35: People get injured for three reasons. Two of them are the fault of the guides. 

14:20: Progressing “never-ever” Alaska helicopter skiers into steep, deep, sprawling terrain. 

15:20: Second time's the charm. 

18:30: Being “really spherical” when talking as a guide.

20:00: The photographic component of guiding. Tips for creating lifelong keepsakes. 

23:40: Photos as “a great venue for people to review their skills.”

25:50: Building the ultimate guide ski for heavy-pack skiing in variable conditions in Alaska

28:00 The ultimate guide ski looks like this

32:00 The best advice he’s ever received: Movement is good. Stay in the flow. When people stay in the flow state, all the mechanics fall into place.

Doug Stenclik opened his Cripple Creek Backcountry shop in Carbondale in 2012 with a premonition that uphill skiing was about to explode. It did, and how he’s got three shops in Colorado and an online site that ranks among the top sellers of all backcountry and ski touring equipment. 

Doug’s vision began with a distinct belief that skiers should not be making life-and-death decisions while they are learning a new sport. His take is that backcountry skiing done right can be just as safe as skiing a resort. It’s all about making the right decisions early. Liberal uphill policies at a growing number of ski resorts has enabled uphill skiing to thrive. 

And that’s good as we head into the great unknown for the coming season. Doug saw sales at his Cripple Creek shops and website explode after resorts suddenly closed in mid-March. Could that be a clue of what we can expect for the upcoming ski season?

Listen in as Doug riffs on the “out of order” alignment in backcountry skiing and avalanche education, how resorts embracing uphill is fostering the backcountry movement, how resort skiing can help your backcountry turns, the right ski for the right day and what he sees ahead as a ski season unlike any other unfolds. 

4:30 — Avalanche education, it’s talked about out of order. Risk of life should not be your first concern when you are learning how to kickstep. 

6:10 - Resort uphill policies are enabling the transition from touring to backcountry. 

10:30 — “Find the worst snow possible.” Tips for honing backcountry skills while skiing off chairlifts.

13:20 — Is the boom in backcountry ski equipment sales in late March an indication of what’s to come? 

18:00 — Trail running shoes, home gym equipment and bikes are hot commodities in the pandemic summer. Could uphill skis join that list this winter? 

20:30 — Don’t necessarily think of touring as a better way to ski. “Think of it as a better way to hike in the winter and get outside and exercise in the winter.” 

22:50 — Cripple Creek encourages all buyers to sit for a virtual consultation when buying an uphill kit. 

24:10 — Light is right. “Know that you will eventually go lighter … 90% of the time you are going uphill.” 

27:00 — Industry rollercoaster trends push the single-tool quiver but best bet it to have a resort ski and a backcountry ski. 

31:10 — Best advice: Enjoy the whole day, the uphill and downhill as one journey in the mountains. 

On today’s episode, our guest is Kim Reichhelm. Kim is an NCAA All-American Ski Racer, who pioneered big mountain skiing. Considered one of the most influential American skiers, her clinics, camps, and trips have helped other skiers hone their skills. 

Join us as we discuss how she got into skiing, the ways in which skiing has changed, and how she runs her clinics.

Topics: 

[02:00] Kim grew up in a competitive, athletic family.

[03:06] Kim’s father decided the family was going to take up skiing.

[04:01] By age six, Kim knew she wanted to be on a ski team.

[06:38] It’s in her nature to push the envelope.

[10:00] Changes Kim has observed in the industry.

[10:28] Kids doing big mountain skiing now, grew up with it.

[14:00] How Kim runs her clinics and trains skiers.

[20:20] When people can’t see where they’re going, it’s stressful and intimidating.

[22:18] Helping other skiers feel confident.

Quotes:

“I was fortunate enough to start skiing a hundred days a year from the time I was twelve.”

“The envelope has just been pushed so much harder...especially for the women.”

“When I’m guiding and teaching...I really try to take small steps and build confidence.”

Resources:

Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Skiing is about more than just strapping on some equipment and hitting the slopes. Here at Next Level Skiing we want to focus on everything that can affect your ski game. In this episode, sports physiologist Dr. Allen Lim talks to us about how nutrition can affect how you ski. Dr. Lim covers a lot of ground, from fueling your body, to helping your body recover, to staying healthy all year long.

Dr. Allen Lim is a sports physiologist, cycling coach, and a founder of Skratch Labs. Scratch Labs is a manufacturer of performance hydration mixes. He has worked with dozens of top American cyclists to improve their performance and nutrition. Today he is here to help skiers with the same type of information that he gives to cyclists. While cycling and skiing aren’t exactly the same in terms of what it requires of your body, they do have some overlap.

Topics:

[01:48] How Dr. Lim got started in athletic medicine and physiology

[03:45] Unhealthy American food culture: Ethnocentric versus Technocentric

[07:22] How to improve your skiing through nutrition

[13:45] The type of food to eat after skiing

[17:20] The importance of staying hydrated and listening to your thirst 

[20:27] How to prepare your body for altitude changes

[26:00] The nutritional approach to keeping our head in the game while on the snow

[30:00] Hunger and exercise

[34:32] A piece of advice that still resonates with Dr. Lim

[38:14] Beer and skiing

[40:15] Summary and last words

Resources:

Scratch Labs

Wagner Custom Skis