Colter Hinchliffe’s Road Trip Tips and Tricks
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Hinchliffe rips the corn at Snowbird. Eric Parker photo.
Colorado-based skier Colter Hinchliffe is a seasoned veteran of countless road trips. A TGR athlete since 2012, he's driven all over the country in search of deep powder and steep terrain. As such, he was one of the first athletes we tapped for the Tough Fun project, in which we're sending three teams on month-long, multisport road trips around the country. Hinchliffe and his friend and fellow skier Tim Durtschi are on an odyssey across the Southwest in search of late-season skiing and early-season rock climbing, with their sights ultimately set on California.
TGR: What's the most memorable road trip you've been on?
CH: A few years ago I went on a trip to Bishop, California— we climbed and went skiing during the day, and camped out at night. It was one of the more memorable road trips I've ever been on. The weather was great and we really settled into the true dirtbag lifestyle.
TGR: Funniest moment from a road trip?
CH: My funniest (and also scariest) moment had to be when Tim's wheel ripped off his truck as we were traveling 60mph.
TGR: What are your favorite road trip snacks?
CH: Perky jerky, sunflower seeds, and chips!
The Ranger is a great platform for sightseeing...and posing. Eric Parker photo.
TGR: What are some items you don't leave home without? / Top 3 Road trip essentials
CH: I've got four for you: Sunglasses, comfy shorts, flip flops, and my climbing shoes (regardless of season).
TGR: Tell us what's on your road trip playlist—any podcast recommendations.
CH: "Dirty John" is one of my favorite podcasts. I have also enjoyed "Up and Vanished". Other than that, I follow a playlist called "Good Tracks" that helps me cruise right along.
TGR: What's special about traveling by car?
CH: I love traveling with my own vehicle because I have everything I need for any adventure. It's a great feeling to be super nimble, and the ability to change plans on a whim and sleep wherever is clever!
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This abandoned mineshaft is the perfect location for a moody photoshoot. Eric Parker photo.
TGR: How do off-season sports influence your skiing?
CH: My main off-season sport is rock climbing. It really influences my skiing by adding skills to my skill set— I've started looking at mountains differently. I now look for climbs that intrigue and challenge me, and which might have previously been beyond my scope.
TGR: What features do you look for in an adventure mobile?
CH: There are a couple main things I look for in an adventure mobile: First and foremost, it needs the ability to access the mountains. Secondly, it needs to have high ground clearance and 4-wheel drive. Lastly, it needs to be able to fit my skis, ropes, boots, camping gear, etc.
Hinchliffe pursues his off-season passion: Rock climbing. Austin Hopkins photo.
TGR: Any tips and tricks to share from your years on the road?
CH: Never hit the road early instead of taking a few more runs on a powder day. Always take the back roads: There are fewer cops, less traffic, better views, and more adventure.
TGR: What are you looking forward to on this trip?
CH: I'm looking forward to skiing, climbing, camping under the stars, seeing new places, experiencing new adventures, and enjoying the wild wild West!
