Next Level Skiing

On today’s episode, I had the opportunity to speak with Joel Gratz, the captain of a team of meteorologists at Open Snow, who love to give winter sports enthusiasts the most accurate weather reports. Joel has helped people chase powder and find the best snow for years. Tune in to hear us talk about Open Snow and how Joel got his start. Topics: [02:15] Having moderate expectations is important. [03:00] He’s a skier, so he knows how to speak the language. [04:05] You can get excited within 3-5 days of a good snow report. [04:35] A 3 day forecast can be 95-98% accurate in terms of storm tracking. [05:00] At 5 days out, you are at 90% accuracy and it continues down from there. [07:50] There is no one who could consistently predict the weather for all the different regions in the U.S. year in and year out. [09:48] Joel discovered his love of skiing at Shawnee Mountain in Pennsylvania. [10:20] Joel has loved skiing and weather since he was four years old. [12:52] When he started out, Joel didn’t have a strategy or business plan. [13:05] Basically, he was surprised by the weather and found it frustrating. [13:30] His method was a lot of trial and error. [15:15] Joel credits his success to his team at Open Snow. [15:52] When Open Snow started, they didn’t mean to make it a business; it was mostly for their friends. [19:00] Skiing is better than not skiing, so you can’t wait for perfect weather. [19:32] If you are on the fence, always choose to ski. Worse case scenario, the conditions aren’t perfect, but you still get to ski with friends and family. [21:00] All you can say a week to 10 days out is whether there may be storms in a region. It’s very general. [25:02] Wind direction is a key factor in figuring out the weather in the west. [27:50] If you want to look at weather maps, look at them at the 700 Millibar level (around 10,000 feet). [30:48] Open Snow gets a lot of emails from thrilled users. [34:40] The snow report that you see on most apps is a 24-hour snow report. [34:57] That 24 hour period usually covers 5am the previous day to 5am that day. [35:13] So, you have to figure out when the ski fell. [35:50] Joel yells at himself to keep his hands forward whenever he is tired and not skiing well. Quotes: “Science is always advancing and the only way you advance is by trying, failing, trying again, failing, trying again, failing.” “We write the way we feel.” “Beyond about 7-10 days, you’re really grasping at straws.” Resources: Open Snow Wagner Custom Skis

Allen Tran is a high-performance dietitian and chef for the US Ski Team. Today, he will tell us how to convert regular meals into power-boosting food for your next run. Tune in to hear how Allen does his job and helps athletes perform at their peak. Topics: [01:50] Allen got his start by going to culinary school and worked in the culinary industry for years. [02:09] He then got a Masters in sports nutrition and exercise physiology.  [03:07] He preps with athletes in the summer to see what their goals are for the upcoming season. [05:16] You want enough food to fuel your performance, but you don’t want to overdo it on competition day. [08:12] The whole role of a sports snack is convenience. [12:22] Listen to your body and figure out if you need more snacks and where to fit in meals. [15:45] Sherpas in the Himalayas tend to eat higher fat diets, which is great for slower burning energy. [18:55] Allen likes to take traditional recipes and turn them on their heads. [23:10] At high altitudes, alcohol is something to avoid. [23:37] It’s so easy to get dehydrated in high altitudes.  [24:16] It’s important to strike a nice balance when eating (not too light, not too heavy). [29:01] A lot of athletes have specific preferences, which means Allen has to travel with a lot of stuff. [29:23] Going overseas can make meeting preferences tricky. [30:25] When overseas, Allen always has to make sure the water and meat are safe. [35:15] When it comes to powdered foods, there’s a time and a place. Quotes: “ ‘You train really hard, so the day of competition is easy’ is one of those cliche sayings.” “Comfort food does have its place.” “When these fad diets come in and out of vogue...it can all be worked out, as long as you use real food.” Resources: Wagner Custom Skis

Jonathan Ellsworth, Founder and CEO of Blister, shares his unique journey from a late start in skiing to revolutionizing gear reviews with integrity. He discusses the importance of honest feedback, emphasizing how Blister’s model stands apart from traditional ski publications by refusing manufacturer funding. Jonathan reflects on the evolution of ski gear, critiquing lightweight designs and advocating for performance-driven equipment. Listeners gain valuable insights on ski fitting, preparation, and the profound connection between skiing challenges and life lessons.

Hilaree Nelson, a world-renowned ski mountaineer, shares her thrilling journey of conquering significant peaks, including being one of the first to ski Lhotse. She discusses her unconventional path into skiing without a racing background and the valuable lessons learned from challenging experiences. Hilaree emphasizes the joy of saying 'yes' to opportunities and the wisdom that comes with age. Additionally, she dives into her work with North Face and her emerging role as a climate change activist, passionate about protecting the mountains she loves.

Kim Reichhelm, an NCAA All-American Ski Racer and trailblazer in big mountain skiing, shares her remarkable journey from competition to adventure. She discusses the transformation of skiing over the years and the importance of confidence in tackling challenging terrains. Kim emphasizes the value of embracing failure as a pathway to growth and how she fosters skill-building through her supportive clinics. With insights on mental readiness and the fluidity of movement, she inspires skiers to push their limits while having fun.

Wendy Fisher, a former U.S. Ski Team member and big mountain ski guide at Crested Butte, shares her journey from racing to embracing the freedom of big mountain skiing. She discusses how a pivotal contest reignited her passion and the importance of adaptability in the sport. Wendy also reflects on her experiences teaching her kids to ski and skateboard, highlighting the joys and challenges of family trips. Most importantly, she emphasizes the power of spontaneity in skiing and in life, encouraging listeners to break free from routines and embrace adventure.

Evan Reece, co-founder of Liftopia and former HotWire employee, dives into the revolution of ski ticket sales. He explains how Liftopia transformed the industry by introducing online sales when resorts were hesitant. Discover why loyal customers can often be the least loyal, the impact of multi-resort passes, and how consumers' desires for unique skiing experiences are shaping the market. Evan also discusses the rise of Epic and Icon passes and how skiers are adapting to their choices based on travel styles.

Lindsay Andersen, a veteran guide at Canadian Mountain Holiday's Bobbie Burns Lodge, has been skiing since she was two, honing her skills in avalanche safety and mentoring newcomers. She discusses the intimidation many feel about powder skiing, revealing it's often easier than skiing on hard pack. Lindsay highlights strategies for building confidence in beginners, emphasizing the importance of communication and a nurturing approach. Her love for skiing and dedication to guiding shine through as she shares insights on mastering techniques and the joy of the slopes.

Chris Davenport, a legendary big mountain skier and former racer, shares his captivating journey from competitive skiing to free skiing. He discusses the influence of his skiing family, particularly his grandfather's pioneering role in the sport. Chris emphasizes the importance of mentorship in skiing clinics and encourages skiers to push their boundaries. He also highlights the urgent need for action against climate change, drawing parallels between his craft and environmental advocacy, reminding us all about the language of the mountains.

Klaus Obermeyer, a 98-year-old skiing legend and innovator, shares his incredible journey through the evolution of skiing. He recounts childhood memories of crafting his first skis from orange crates and highlights major advancements like metal ski edges. Klaus emphasizes teaching beginners with kindness to foster confidence on the slopes. He also discusses the evolution of ski clothing for comfort and performance. Remarkably, he finds it easier to ski than walk, revealing the secrets to a long, vibrant life filled with passion for skiing.