Sitting Down With Cam FitzPatrick - The Interview

Hailing from the rugged peaks of Jackson, Wyoming, Cam FitzPatrick has carved his name into the snowboarding industry with a style that’s as bold as the Tetons themselves. Known for his fluidity in the backcountry and an unwavering passion for pushing limits, Cam seamlessly blends technical precision with creative perspective while on snow. Growing up in the heart of one of the most iconic snowboarding communities, he developed his craft riding some of the heaviest terrain on the planet. Whether he’s dropping into massive lines or stacking shots for TGR, Cam’s approach to snowboarding embodies authenticity, progression, and pure stoke.

The Roots

Liam: Let’s rewind—what got you hooked on snowboarding, and when did you realize it was more than just a hobby for you?

Cam: I started out skiing at age 2 and started getting interested in the snowboard world at age 7. I was super into skateboarding and thought it related perfectly.

Liam: Growing up in Jackson Hole isn’t exactly mellow terrain. How did riding there shape your style and mentality on a board?

Cam: I grew up under the wing of a Jackson Hole Mountain Resort dad so I was constantly surrounded by that energy. My dad and that community definitely helped shape me into the rider I am today no doubt. These mountains are humbling and learning at an early age how to navigate them was something I never took for granted. I still have so much to learn.

Career and Progression

Liam: You’ve been part of some heavy projects over the years. What’s one standout session or moment that still gives you chills thinking about it?

Cam: While shooting for the Redbull media house project, “The Fourth Phase” we had an insane jump session with Travis Rice, Mark Landvik, Ben Ferguson out in the Wyoming backcountry. We had a double jump line that we shot with a helicopter in the morning and then did an afternoon session on another jump. The days of filming backcountry jumps with helicopters are slim because of drones now but that day was absolutely insane and the crew put some serious heaters down.

Liam: TGR has been stoked to have you in the mix. What’s the energy like on those shoots, and how do you push yourself when you know the cameras are rolling?

Cam: The TGR crew is an awesome crew to work with. Last season while filming for “Beyond the Fantasy”, we pretty much had a full snowboarder film crew which was super rad. The crew was always hyped and seemed like everyday we went out, we made it happen. The crew dynamics are so important to being efficient/ productive and it seemed like that was seamless throughout the season.

Challenges and Breakthroughs

Liam: Every rider hits walls, whether it’s mental blocks, injuries, or dialing in a trick. What’s a challenge that’s stuck with you, and how did you work through it?

Cam: I had a super bad head injury while filming for “The Fourth Phase”. It was the first year of filming a four year project and took a massive slam on a jump at JHMR. I came up short on a double backside rodeo and ended up slamming my face into the knuckle. That head injury was life changing. I was dealing with balance issues and double vision that would not go away. Not to mention the other major symptoms that come with a head injury like that. I did so much treatment years following and had eye surgeries to try to correct the double vision issue. It was definitely one of the hardest injuries I've gone through in my career, all while trying to stay focused and on point while filming for a few more years on one of the biggest opportunities in my career.

Liam: Was there a recent moment when you surprised yourself—whether it was landing something massive or navigating a sketchy line?

Cam: I’ve learned a lot over the years but I feel like last winter was one of my best yet. Having Yuki Kadono and Cooper Branham in our crew helps push me to keep progressing and trying new things. I feel like I really learned to trust my ability last season.

Liam: As a new dad, how do you strike the balance between being on snow and embracing the full plate of responsibilities fatherhood brings?

Cam: Last season was my first winter of being a dad. It had so many ups and downs but the balance of it all was the toughest part. Not being able to go ride at all times and film whenever was a huge adjustment. I was on daddy daycare mode for most of the winter and on the days I was able to film, it seemed like I gave it my all because I didn't have as many days to get things done. It definitely taught me so much about life and enjoying the moment at all times. It was absolutely amazing to be able to spend so much time with my son Jet and I always tried to never take that for granted. Those times are precious.

Style and Approach To The Backcountry

Liam: Backcountry riding is a whole different beast. What’s your approach to picking lines and keeping it creative out there?

Cam: Terrain in the backcountry can be ridden in so many different ways. Even if you have been to the same zone a bunch of times before. Our crew as of late, has been trying hard to find new zones and keep it fresh. We keep it very fun and chill out there while filming, so I feel like that helps the creative juices flow.

Liam: Who or what influences your style these days? Any specific riders or eras you’re channeling?

Cam: As I get older, I definitely pick my battles much more these days haha. I love getting to ride with younger snowboarders like Yuki and Coop because they push me to try different stuff. Those guys are a huge influence on my riding these days. Especially Yuki, he is an absolute beast on a snowboard.

Community and Legacy

Liam: Jackson’s snowboard scene is legendary. How does it feel to be part of that legacy, and what’s your role in stoking out the next gen?

Cam: It's such an honor to be a part of the snowboard scene out here in Jackson. So lucky to have grown up being under the wings of my idols like Travis Rice, Rob Kingwill, Willie McMillon, Bryan Iguchi and the list goes on. Its all about the youth for me right now and keeping the stoke out there. The snowboarding industry has changed a ton but really hoping to keep making our own movies in the future and keeping that side of the sport alive. I mean who doesn't like a snowboard movie premiere?!

Liam: Snowboarding’s constantly evolving—new tricks, new tech. How do you balance progression while staying true to the roots of the sport?

Cam: I’ve always been a fan of keeping it simple especially with the tech side. I'm a huge camber snowboard fan. The tricks these days are insane, especially in the contest scene. It's great to be in the backcountry because there's not as much pressure to do the most insane spin or trick. I have so much respect for the way the tricks are evolving and stoked to see where it goes.

Photo: Keegan Rice

The Little Things

Liam: What’s in your headphones when you’re dropping in for a heavy line? Or do you ride with the sounds of the mountains?

Cam: I only ride with a headphone in while riding at the resort. Usually just on the cruiser days. In the backcountry I like to be able to always hear what is going on around me and especially while filming. We do always bring a speaker though for jump builds, pre and post shooting though. Get the vibes right!

Liam: When you’re not on the board, what keeps you hyped? Anything unexpected that fuels your energy?

Cam: When I'm not on the board, I'm living life through the eyes of my son. This gives me energy to keep living life to the fullest and enjoy the small things.

Looking Ahead

Liam: As we head into the new year, what’s on your radar? Any trips, projects, or dream lines you’re hyped to tackle?

Cam: This season we’re planning on doing another This Is Us In movie project. This will be the 6th one which is crazy to think about. We’re trying to do a road trip up to Canada and ride terrain up there.

Liam: What’s the ultimate bucket-list spot or line you haven’t hit yet but can’t stop thinking about?

Cam: Our projects have always had a ton of Wyoming backcountry in them, so I’d love to see this Canada trip happen. I feel like our crew has always wanted to get up there together and the terrain out there is something that our movies have been missing. Just stoked to keep this dream alive and can't thank the people enough who have supported me on this journey.

Photo: Keegan Rice

Make sure to check out Cam's 2024 Full Part on Teton Gravity Research's YouTube Channel! 

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stash member Liam Van Sickle