Next Level Skiing

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

Ted Mahon, a seasoned Colorado mountain athlete and ski instructor with over 25 years of experience, shares invaluable insights on skiing. He emphasizes the importance of fitness and preparation for an enjoyable ski vacation. Discover the appeal of backcountry skiing and how to ease newcomers into it. Ted also dives into his uphill clinics, which blend community and fitness, while stressing the significance of gear, particularly boots, in mastering footwork. Tune in for his advice on choosing peaks and keeping good ski partners for safety and enjoyment.

Erik Lambert, co-founder of Bluebird Backcountry, shares insights from his journey in backcountry skiing. He discusses the innovative training programs at Bluebird that bridge the gap between resort skiing and avalanche courses. Erik explains the importance of a structured curriculum and how they cater to a diverse clientele. He emphasizes essential skills for backcountry travel, the need for a sustainable operation, and offers a vital tip: always check avalanche forecasts. His experiences highlight the evolution of backcountry skiing education.

Cody Townsend, a professional big-mountain skier and the driving force behind The Fifty Project, shares his unique journey from football to skiing. He explores how boredom fueled his transition from heliskiing to mountaineering, emphasizing mindset over gear. Cody discusses the critical importance of timing and the mental challenges in navigating steep terrains. He also highlights the value of learning from past experiences and the influence of trusted partners. Dive into his insights on skiing's gritty realities and the art of gradual progression.

Dr. Wes Wylie is the guy you want on your heliskiing crew. He's a heliski guide at Alaska's Tordillo Mountain Lodge as well as Powderbirds out of Snowbird. He's been a ski patroller at Deer Valley for more than 20 years. He travels to Chile and New Zealand in the summer to guide clients. Oh, and he's also a private physician who travels the country practicing medicine. 1:00: Are you a ski guide who practices medicine or a doctor who skis? 2:30: Getting into medicine as a way to ski 3:45: The overlap between doctoring and skiing. A typical year on mountains, with a few months in hospitals. 5:50: "The big dinner conversation." Honing aging bodies for skiing. Clients as patients. How to offset the 1% annual loss of muscle mass in men in their 50s, 60s and 70s. 7:15: The "easy" prescription to offset that muscle loss and even build muscle past age 50. 9:00: And even thwart the insidious weight gain of life after 50. 12:00: Advice for skiers looking to stay on skis deep into their 80s or even 90s: minimize the impacts. 12:35: People get injured for three reasons. Two of them are the fault of the guides. 14:20: Progressing "never-ever" Alaska helicopter skiers into steep, deep, sprawling terrain. 15:20: Second time's the charm. 18:30: Being "really spherical" when talking as a guide. 20:00: The photographic component of guiding. Tips for creating lifelong keepsakes. 23:40: Photos as "a great venue for people to review their skills." 25:50: Building the ultimate guide ski for heavy-pack skiing in variable conditions in Alaska 28:00 The ultimate guide ski looks like this 32:00 The best advice he's ever received: Movement is good. Stay in the flow. When people stay in the flow state, all the mechanics fall into place.

Doug Stenclik, founder of Cripple Creek Backcountry, shares insights on the booming backcountry skiing scene. He discusses the critical importance of avalanche education and the right mindset for safety. With relaxed uphill policies at ski resorts, skiers can hone their skills before venturing into the backcountry. Doug also highlights the spike in gear sales during the pandemic and his predictions for the upcoming season. He emphasizes enjoying the uphill journey while choosing the right setup for both resort and touring skis.

Robert Koell, known as Roko, is an Austrian heli-ski guide with decades of experience teaching people to master powder skiing. He dispels the myth that powder is only for experts, emphasizing that anyone can ski it with the right techniques. Roko shares insights on building a stable platform in soft snow and overcoming intimidation by viewing obstacles as allies. He also highlights training programs allowing skiers to enjoy the slopes well into their 80s and 90s, unlocking the joy of skiing at any age.

Mike Douglas, the 'Godfather of Freeskiing,' is a pioneer in the sport, known for his role in popularizing freestyle skiing and ski design. He shares tales of coaching mogul skiers in Whistler and the influence of snowboarding on skiing culture. Douglas discusses the creation of the revolutionary Salomon 1080 ski and the challenges posed by regulations. Moreover, he emphasizes the need for climate advocacy in skiing, urging collective efforts to address environmental threats to winter sports.

Joel Gratz, the savvy captain of meteorologists at Open Snow, dives into the art of snow forecasting and the thrill of skiing. With a love for the slopes since childhood, Joel shares tips on setting realistic expectations for snowfall. He discusses the accuracy of his predictions, highlighting the challenge of forecasting for diverse U.S. regions. Listeners will enjoy his journey from passion to profession, and the vital role of teamwork in delivering precise weather reports, ensuring ski enthusiasts are always ready to hit the powder.