Next Level Skiing

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

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

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

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  

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 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

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

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