Returning to My Roots

After almost three years working in corporate America, I made a decision this fall to return to my roots. This meant quickly finding a job as a race coach and really starting up Chinese Downhill. We had been working on the site for over six months and the more I connect with people, the more I realized how much I missed the ski culture. I decided to use my racing experience and contacts to land a job as a coach at one of the Eastern academies. After a couple weeks of searching, I was contacted by NYSEF and offered an assistant J3 position. It was perfect. I had only raced at Lake Placid once (when I was 13), but still remembered the town and knew it would be the perfect place to spend my winter.

It wasn't just working on Chinese Downhill that brought me back to skiing. Someone asked me recently what I would consider a perfect day. My perfect days have been spent on the mountain. Getting off the lift on a blue bird day, tightening my boots, and heading down the trail. Whether it was groomed, death cookies, or powder, the feeling at the top of the lift always remains the same. Pure happiness to be on the mountain. I wanted that back, and knew that the city could never offer me that same perfect happiness.

So here is the start of something new, in order to get back to the root of what makes me who I am.

Beta Testing, Moving, Oh My

Yup, there has definitely been a lack of posts lately. My bad.

After three years of working in "corporate" America and six years living in Beantown, I have finally made a decision to do more than talk about making a change. There is something undeniably alluring about a ski town. A close knit group of people tied together by a common bond and passion for chasing the fluffy, white powder. In the east, the powder is usually replaced by boiler plate, golf balls, and (occasional groomers) but I think it makes us stronger. For this reason I am moving back, and seeing how it goes. My brother is calling it "the experiment," but pretty excited to start on my adventure.

In addition, a little of 8 months ago three Bostonians met at the Alchemist to talk about starting a ski/snowboard community. With little more than social media and developers skills, we began building out our plans for Chinese Downhill. A week and a half ago we launched into beta, I think there are few times in my life where I have been more nervous. However, things are going GREAT! Our beta testers love the site so far. We hope to open it up to everyone within the next couple of weeks. Can't wait.

So, the long and short of it, I was a slacker, expect much more from me as winter comes and the east turns into a winter oasis of awesomeness.

Want It: 9Five Cult Classics

Received my regular Thrillist newsletter this morning (which, I did not figure out was targeted to men for...at least two months cause I loved everything they featured...hmmm) and was turned on to 9Five. This San Diego optics company develops sophisticated looks inspired by the skateboarding culture. I know, weird for San Diego.

They just recently launched their web shop releasing some new looks and new twists to old looks. My favorite, the 9Five Cult Classics in Glen. These clear framed Wayfarer-esque shades have a thicker, sturdier frame (to handle more hardcore use) and unique turquoise lenses that seperate them from the ones people are picking up at the gas station.

Usually I don't really trust myself with nice sunglasses, mostly due to the fact that throughout the years I have a track record of at least losing 3 pairs annually. However, the other great thing about these guys is that they are pretty cheap. At only $31.00, I can feel ok if they somehow get "missplaced," but unique enough that I would remember that I left them at the bar.

Review: Patagonia Retro-X Fleece

So, I am not quite balling enough yet to be given items for review, my opinions about Patagonia's Retro-X Fleece are only because it is my new favorite piece of outer gear. I picked up the jacket for $85 bucks this past summer during their huge online sale. Patagonia can tend to be a little out of my price range, but they have regular sales and usually the quality of their stuff makes it worth the spend.

To begin with, the structure of the jacket is much more than regular fleece jackets. It is constructed with a moisture-wicking, brushed-mesh lining that increases its stability. When I first took it out of the box, I was surprised by its stiffness, but the nylon panels along the side make it easy to move in without compromising on protective layers of warmth. In addition, a windproof barrier in between the lining and the fleece is perfect for the biting New England winds that seem to whip through around now (and all season...). Also, I have to give props to Patagonia for also thinking green. Their polyester pile is 78% recycled.

When I bought my coat, it only came in the "irregular" color of mushroom. Since I don't tend to trust myself with light colored clothing, I was hesitant at first. However, now I love it! The light brown is a perfect fall color and it pairs well with just about anything. I also haven't worn it as a layer yet and am worried it might be too bulky to put under my Oakley bomber coat (review to come cause I absolutely love it!).

You can check out more stats on Patagonia's Retro-X fleece here.

#SnowKarma Tweeple - A Bigger, Badder #FollowFriday

So, its finally Friday, whoooo! After being sick for most of the week, the weekend is a refreshing relief to do...whatever I want. But Friday, in true twitter tradition, is also a time to send a "holla" out to all your key tweeple (yup I just said it).

Base Camp Communication released a "34 Snow Twinfluencers to Follow on Twitter" yesterday, which I was completely honored to be on. I am on twitter cause I LOVE snow. As people in New England are grumbling about the oncoming winter, I don't think it could come fast enough and I love that there are other people who don't think I'm crazy. So, this Friday, I wanted to give some followers a bigger, badder #FollowFriday. Below are the people that are bringing the #snowkarma this winter.

@AspenSpin: This guy has a passion for Aspen and all its snow craziness. I actually met him last year (hmmm wonder if he remembers...) when I was working for my past company. He writes all the Aspen happenings here.

@Banff_Squirrel: One of the greatest handles for a resort area...who can resist those little paws and endless snow info?

@chrisgeorge4: Self described "New Media Junkie" he definitely keeps the #snowkarma alive.

@eric_hoffman & @krista_parry: Had an AMAZING trip to Park City last year and was lucky to meet both Krista and Eric. They have pulled together an awesome social media marketing program for Park City and are snow junkies.

@Evanw24: Huge thanks for being an early believer and evangelist of Chinese Downhill, we promise not to disappoint. Also has his own thing going on with Leap Gear.

@Loparks: She put the list mentioned above together, but she deserves her own props as a snow maven.

@meatheadfilms: These guys are from New England and make awesome ski flicks of Eastern skiers...I think that says it all.

@RippinSkiers: On top of his snow game and wicked fun to follow.

@SkiingExaminer: (Eric Wagnon) tons of great snow information and links.

@SuzieLin: She may be based out of Washington, DC, but this girl loves snow.

That is my BIG, BAD #followfriday this week, way over the 140 character limit. Let's keep the #snowkarma alive and well this season and hopefully mother nature will not disappoint.

If you think I may have missed you...be patient...your time will surely come.

Film Review: The Edge of Never

I recently received an autographed copy of the new ski flick The Edge of Never. Based off of a book written by the film's director, Bill Kerig, the movie follows the journey of Kye Peterson skiing the run that his father died on. Featuring Glen Plake, Anselme Baud, Eric Pehota, Mike Hattrup, Kasha Rigby, and Meg Oster, the film is more than just tricks and powder shots.

Camaraderie is what comes to mind when I think about the movie. The best friendships I have ever made have been on the hill. You share a bond on the snow that few people who don't live for it can understand. The story of Eric Pehota and Trever Peterson emphasizes the passion that people can share for the sport. Hiking, skiing, and doing it all over again, but there is nothing better than looking over the mountain and then dropping in.

When Bill Kerig called Glen Plake, he told him he wanted to make a movie "about the heart and soul of skiing." He wanted to find it in Alaska, Glen told him it lived in Chamonix, France. However, it is what he says before that I think matters most. He said you could probably find the heart and soul of skiing in the midwest. Not where there are huge hill or hiking, but where people still live for the snow. Passion doesn't have to mean powder, but just a need to feel the snow.

The embodiment of the "heart and soul" of skiing comes in the form of pint sized Kye Peterson. The movie is focused on Kye's right of passage skiing the route that killed his father. I think one of the most powerful parts of the film were with Trever's mom, someone who may have never skied Chamonix, but never the less represents the soul of the sport. When Bill is thinking about taking Kye to France to film the movie, he first asks permission from his grandmother before saying yes. Talking to Kye's family about this adventure is one of the most touching points of the film.

Sometimes when watching ski videos all the time, we forget how dangerous skiing can be. The mountain has a mysticism about it that can't be denied, but if you don't hire a guide in Chamonix "then your an idiot." Enters Stephane "FanFan" Dan. The guy looks so comfortable on skis it makes me feel like a newbie. FanFan guides Kye through the techniques of hiking and skiing Chamonix. From seeing where his father died to overcoming his own challenge of skiing it himself. The thoughtfulness, passion, and companionship portrayed in the film makes me proud to be even a small part of the community.

The rest you are going to find out by watching, cause it is completely worth it. In the meantime, here is the trailer:



The Edge of Never Film Website

JT Homles Talks to 60 Minutes

This past Sunday on 60 minutes, we all got the chance to see JT Homles fly on broadcast television. Seeing people zip around in those squirrel suits always gives me a chill. I've only been sky diving twice and strapped onto someone else, peaking over that cliff and hucking yourself towards the ground is definitely out of my comfort zone.

Although JT started his life in Beantown, his real daredevil ways were cultivated in California. He appeared in his first Matchstick Film production at 17 and has been pushing the limits of the sport ever since.

Check out his chat (I love seeing Steve Kroft's face as he talks about "controlling" the squirrel suit...kids don't try this stuff at home):