Falling down, literally, was a part of the process, but so was getting up and carrying on. There were times I knew the consequences of falling could be serious and even deadly. In those moments I slowed down, I noticed my breath and focused on the task ahead of me - one step at a time, one turn at a time, or on a few occasions, one swing of the axe at a time.
The West Gunsight Couloir is certainly one of the most iconic lines viewed from our side of the Tetons, a geological magnum opus. Doyle has wanted to ski it since he saw it as a kid; I've wanted to ski it since my first year as a liftie in 2011; Joel since he moved here. It's so damn aesthetic. Also, it's pretty far out there. Those two in conjunction make for a mighty fine goal.
When I place my energy into my ski persona or the aesthetic of my Instagram I feel the same emptiness that overwhelms me when I evaluate my worthiness based on my looks or my body. A search for unattainable perfection and approval in the eyes of others is unfulfilling. I see and feel these negative possibilities. There are women in the ski industry pushing for more empowerment and less comparison, more focus on the process of progress rather than perfection. So, I know there is a better path.
After the filming of Mario's hitlist Mario went on to win the Pain McShlonkey classic, became the world's only sponsored snow blader, and won the Freeride World Tour. But where has Mario been the last two years? And what the has he been up to?
Did you know our athlete Isaac Freeland won the Freeride World Tour? Discussions of that and lots more, including a severe allergic reaction below. If you haven't listened to The Powell Movement before this will be a treat. Mike does an excellent job with these.
