I'm a native Utahn that loves to ski pow, and laugh with my friends in the mountains.
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What's your favorite thing about skiing?
The freedom to do what you see, within reason. Snow is amazing, people are amazing, combine the two and you get amazing results. I like being around lots of good skiers, you learn from their vision of the mountains and the lines other people choose. Constant entertainment, then it's your turn...
-Whats the biggest cliff you have successfully jumped off on skis?
210 feet. Front flip. Engelberg Switzerland.
-What do you consider succesfull?
It all depends on what your goal is. For me, my goal is to enjoy myself in the air, if I am able to do that then I consider it successful. If you are asking about whether or not my skis stay on, if I ski away, and all that – I have jumped lots of cliffs well over 100 feet where I’ve skied away fluidly without having to wiggle out of a bomb-hole, I’ve jumped some where I’ve lost one ski, sometimes both. What it comes down to when you are jumping stuff that big – it’s all about safety. It’s a bonus if my skis stay on and I’m able to ski away clean. Safety is the priority.
-What role does jumping off big cliffs play in the ski industry?
It plays the role of anyone being able to associate with it. It’s hard for some people to associate with the insanely talented jib skiers when they are doing switch double corks. Anyone can associate themselves with big cliffs.
-What does it feel like?
It feels like a time warp. I don’t know how to explain it, when I first pop out into the open air and I get that very first visual of how far down the ground is, I have a 15 second internal dialogue going on in my head in a split second. And the sound of the wind is incredible. Essentially my technique with front flipping big airs – I am essentially swan diving off big cliffs – it’s an incredible feeling. I love it.
-Why do you do it?
I like the mental preparation that goes into it. It’s like a friendly chess game with the mountain and the cliff. It is very rewarding both physically and mentally. And it’s just in me – when I was a little kid I had a roof jumping club. I love the feeling of flying through the air.
-Is there a difference between you and the rest of big cliff skiers?
Some of the other big cliff skiers from what I’ve observed, leads me to the conclusion that they are comfortable relying on their balls to get the job done. I need to see and visualize the feat, be at peace with the air, less balls. With my front flip technique, when I land my body momentum is going with the mountain – rather than the other guys that do straight airs and make them land going backwards working against the mountain. Mad respect for every one of them though. And then there's Seth Morrison.... all hail to the King.
-What do you think the human body is capable of?
In regards to cliff height? I don’t think there is a limit. What I think there is a limit on is having the mental ability to calmly think through the process of jumping a 400 footer and being able to be so dialed mentally enabling you to land in a position that will not cause your body injury. That is the real ability.
-Do you think you would do it if you weren’t filming or taking photos, making money?
Always have. Always will. When the cameras are around. When they aren’t. Making some money. Not making any money. I know that if I didn’t ski and there was some guy out there jumping big ass cliffs I’d be stoked to see pictures of it. That is my perspective, I am out there having fun and I want to document it to share it with people. And if I can make a career out of it along the way, then better yet. I love skiing, I like the personalities in the ski industry, I love the mountains and being in them. I love skiing lines, I love skiing powder, I love skiing groomers. You name it, I like to ski it. I love looking at the opportunities the mountains provide. It’s our oversized gymnastics room out there. Transcend the boundaries.
