Next Level Skiing

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis! A few years ago I got to join Kim Beekman on a ski trip to the San Juans. We skied at and around Telluride and all over Red Mountain Pass. I don’t think she ever wondered why everyone always wanted to ski those backcountry lines before her. It was because we all wanted to get down and watch her ski. Few ski with more grace, ease, and power than Kim. She is a flawless skier. And an incredible writer. As the editor at Skiing and a longtime ski journalist, she has shepherded years of ski reviews, charting the evolution of ski design for decades. She’s raised an amazing daughter who rips and has all sorts of insights into making the most of our time on snow. Tune in and learn from a master. Thanks for listening to Next Level Skiing. Topics: 3:40 Growing up chasing her older brother 2:50 The secret sauce of being a good skier: having a ripping older sibling 3:55 Honing her writing chops at the Jackson Hole Guide in the 1990s 6:36 What makes a good ski story? 7:50 Her new children’s book about Hilaree Nelson 11:10 The emergence of rocker and shape in skis 18:30 Her favorite ski designs 21:50 Raising young rippers. Candy bribery. 26:00 When ski skills spill over into life 30:30 Hands up! Resources: Kimberly Beekman Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. I love watching Aaron Blunck ski the pipe. The Crested Butte native has spent 26 of his 27 years on skis and it shows, with amazing airs and unrivaled style. Earlier this season I got to see Aaron ski in the Copper pipe and he was throwing this ridiculously cool pipe-grinding, snow-spraying slash in the middle of his run, and the crowd loved it. This is a fun chat with the three-time Olympian who grew up dreaming of competing in the X Games, which he won in 2017. He spent his younger years chasing his older brother Nolan around the steeps of Crested Butte Mtn Resort, where he honed his aerial prowess in gnarly cliffs and trees. Listen and learn from one of Colorado’s best as Aaron shares insights into bouncing back from injuries, the relentless pursuit of new challenges in skiing, celebrating every turn, and embracing gratitude on snow. Thanks for listening to Next Level Skiing. Topics: 2:00 - Copper performance 4:49 - Skiing at 18 months 5:24 - Chasing his older brother 7:21 - Unlocking a new wave of younger rippers at Crested Butte 9:10 - Big mountain laps with pipe and terrain park to finish 11:00 - Still living the dream 13:40 - Not just skiing: hockey, baseball, soccer 17:25 - Pay to play: injuries and recovery 22:00 - Mind over matter to bounce back from injuries 24:24 - Overcoming the life-changing injury 26:00 - Why not go skiing? 28:00 - This is my purpose 30:00 - Never stop learning new things 32:00 - Little-kid cruising and embracing gratitude Resources: Aaron Blunck Instagram Wagner Custom Skis

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Reggie Crist keeps turning the page on one skiing’s most illustrious careers. A decade on the U.S. Ski Team. Pioneer in the Olympic spot of Ski Cross. One of the first to helicopter skiers into Alaska’s Chugachs. And now a globe-trotting ski guide whose Stellar Adventure brings skiers to Japan, South America, Alaska and the backcountry of Idaho. Tune in as Reggie tells us where he would take us if we win the lottery and want to spend an entire year crushing powder. Topics: 2:30 - Raised in California and Idaho 3:30 - Earning a PhD in skiing on the U.S. Ski Team 5:10 - Ski Cross and a second ski racing career 6:20 - Ski Cross is more intense than downhill racing Kitzbuhel 7:00 - Stellar Adventure 11:00 - Bringing ski racing technique to the big mountains of Alaska 12:30 - A year in powder 16:49 - Best way to prepare for a month in Alaska 18:30 - Alaska off the couch 22:32 - Catching the Santa Rosa storm in the Andes 26:50 - The rewards of helping people find their best ski day 29:30 - Follow your passion and be a stoke broker Resources: Stella Adventure Travel Wagner Custom Skis

It’s difficult to overstate the role of Scot Schmidt in big-mountain freeskiing. He pretty much invented the niche with his explosive, airborne exploits. His signature tucked-knees hop turn and high-speed hip-check smear on 223 downhill skis defined a style that changed skiing. Scot’s style inspired untold hordes of skiers in the 80s and early 90s, before skis got wide and rockered. His breakout role in Greg Stump’s seminal “Blizzard of Ahhs” ushered in a now 30-year-old era of ski porn. Scot at age 62 is still skiing 100 days a year on big, stiff skis, spending his winters in Montana as an ambassador for the Yellowstone Club. In this episode of Next Level Skiing, the legend himself shares insights into his longevity, his ski style, starring in a movie that captured entire generations of skiers, and “flowing like water” on skis. Topics: 2:00 - Growing up in Montana City, Montana 4:30 - Moving to Squaw Valley, melding with ski racers and speed skiers 9:30 - Idolizing Ingemar Stenmark 11:00 - About that smear turn 14:40 - Put your turns in the sweet spot 19:30 - Still riding a 195 115mm-underfoot Stockli 23:40 - Never been smoother than now 25:30 - The impact of “Blizzard of Ahhs” 28:50 - Keep it smooth and flow like water Resources: Master the Smooth with Scot Schmidt Wagner Custom Skis

There are a lot of great ski movies out there. But only one ranks as the most important. In a year when U.S. suicides reached record highs and many mountain towns are reporting the highest suicide rates in the country, Drew Peterson’s “Ups + Downs” exposes the professional skier’s anguished struggle with suicidal thoughts. Mental health is at a critical crossroads in mountain valleys and Peterson’s willingness to step up and reveal his own battles with overwhelming darkness is one of the most consequential moves in the history of ski movies. Skiing is awesome. It can help people learn how to be mindful and present. It can recharge weary souls. But it cannot heal mental illness. Drew’s turn toward therapy and the hard work required to deflect demons is a guiding light for people who can’t escape the darkness. Drew’s upcoming movie details his turn toward 100-mile ultramarathons as he continues his journey. This is a special Next Level Skiing podcast where Colorado-born Drew shares how skiing is only one tool for rebuilding a life. If you or anyone you know is in need of immediate help, call 988 to reach trained crisis workers at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text HOME to 741741. Topics: 2:00 - The 20-year overnight success story 6:40 - Ski the Wild West 11:00 - Raw expose with “Ups + Downs” 12:30 - The falling rock that “changed the track of my life.” 18:00 - Skiing can’t be the only thing 20:40 - Let skiing just be skiing and find childhood joy 21:40 - The destination fallacy 24:45 - Finding mindfulness and presence on skis 28:05 - Shining the light in a darker corner of mountain culture 33:35 - Ski and enjoy Resources: Ups + Downs If you or anyone you know is in need of immediate help, call 988 to reach trained crisis workers at the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text HOME to 741741. Wagner Custom Skis

Today on the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis, Jason chats with American gold-medal Olympic ski racer Ted Ligety. In 2011, Ted Ligety put the FIS on blast for the governing body’s new mandates for ski lengths, saying the rules would “will eventually ruin this sport.” The following seasons, as he skied longer GS boards, he earned the nickname “Mr. GS,” winning six World Cup races in 2013 and three in 2014 on his way to his second Olympic gold at the Sochi Games. Ligety is a renowned technician on skis with highly angulated hips, knees, and ankles. His seen-everywhere images of his hips skimming smooth snow at ungodly speeds are inspiring. For this chapter of Next Level Skiing, Ligety talks about how he adapted to longer skis, founding Shred Optics, and what he’s learned most recently from the “ski coach in his boots.” Topics: 1:40 - Ted’s background and journey to the slopes 6:31 - Scrapping with FIS over new rules for ski lengths 8:11 - Libertarian ski rules 09:30 - Perfect storm of ski design and technique 11:00 - Summer testing with 70 pairs of new GS skis in New Zealand 13:40 - Weight training leading into the best season ever 14:15 - Starting Shred Optics 20:35 - The Carv footbed coach gamifies skiing 23:20 - Angling edges at the top of the turn and shins parallel 25:30 - A coach in your ski boots 30:00 - Hamstring curls on the inside leg of your ski turn Resources: Ted Ligety Wagner Custom Skis

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. If you’ve ever crowded into the snowy, frigid lift line at the base of Silverton Mountain in the morning as groups are divided by skill level, you’ve likely heard requests for Kim Grant. “Is Kim working?” “Where’s Kim’s group?” The 25-year ski guide who moves between the rowdy San Juans and the Chugachs in Alaska knows how to settle skier jitters like no other. Her relaxed vibe in stout terrain has led countless skiers to their best day ever. She has all kinds of strategies for helping skiers find inner strengths and push themselves into the steepest and deepest. And it all starts with breathing. Topics: 2:43 - College in Georgia, summers in Colorado 5:14 - Telluride ski patrol to Silverton Mountain 6:52 - Facets of the San Juans, the most dangerous snowpack 10:55 - Slow down and take breaths 11:22 - Shed layers 13:32 - One turn at a time 15:52 - Yoga and breathing for focus during the fight-or-flight response 25:45 - The most amazing tool for centering, focusing on fun 29:15 - Big changes for Silverton Mountain 31:30 - Look where you want to go Resources: Moves Silverton Silverton Mountain 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 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

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’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

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. 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. 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

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

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. 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. 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

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