Age: 30 | Vitals: 5’ 10”, 140 lbs. | Years skiing: 26 | Current Residence: Denver, CO
Background:
I grew up in the Denver area, and have been playing in the mountains since about the time I could walk. I got bitten by the skiing bug early, and I’ve been obsessed with skiing for as long as I can remember.
As a kid, I loved skiing bumps and tight trees, exploring the black timber stashes of Summit County and skiing zipper lines bell to bell. In high school, I started skiing terrain park and became equally engrossed with jump lines, afterbang, and urban rails.
I also have an extensive background in apparel production and design from running a technical outerwear brand for 7 years.
In the past 8 or so years, my focus has shifted to backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. I’ve spent several seasons exploring the mountain ranges of Colorado and two seasons in the Alps. I’ve grown to love steep skiing — the steeper the better.
Some of my favorite ski descents have been: the NE face of the Mönch; Avalanche Gulch on Mt. Shasta; Shooting Star couloir on James Peak; the Furher Finger on Mt. Rainer; the Cross Couloir on Mt. of the Holy Cross; and the North Face of North Maroon Peak.
Others tend to describe my skiing style as “active” or “dynamic.” I like to think I ski pretty aggressively. I typically like skis that are on the lighter side and that require the skier (rather than the ski) to absorb and smooth out rough snow and bumped-up terrain, but produce a snappier, quicker ride. And while I may not weigh much, I tend to prefer longer skis.
Some of my favorite inbounds skis: 188 cm Rossignol Soul 7 HD; 184 cm Fischer Ranger 102 FR; 184 cm Atomic Bent Chetler 120; 184 cm Prior CBC; 177 cm Volkl Mantra M5.
Some of my favorite touring skis: 184 cm Salomon MTN Explore 95; 188 cm G3 SENDr 112; 184 cm Atomic Bent Chetler 120.
In the summertime, I love to climb mountains — whether that means granite spires in Rocky Mountain National Park, high peaks of the Alps, or mellow 14ers. When it comes to climbing, I prefer higher and more technical mountaineering objectives.
In rock climbing, I prefer trad climbing over clipping bolts, and I spend most of my time in RMNP or Eldorado Canyon.