My views of Freeskiing are pretty simple, keep it clean and never stop what you’re doing. Now I’ve seen my fair share for progression, and I can tell you that I never would have expected to see skiing like it is now. I’m new to the park scene, I can share with you that the tricks and creativity have sky rocketed in the park and on the streets. Urban has always been a dream of mine to master, I see the snowboard edits, I see people on NS ask why aren’t we there yet and I know that we have the potential. Some accessibility is limited, but it’s limited for the boarders too. As for the big mountain scene, it’s my passion, it’s what I do, it’s what I’ve been raised to do and it’s what I know. The lines out there are amazing, so much undiscovered potential and so so many people out there that are bringing the urban/park style to the mountains. Like I said though, keep it clean.
Now since I’ve been on NS for the past 5 years, I’ve seen its fair share of progression. I’ve seen the layouts change, along with it being bought up for the first time. I’ve seen the rise and destruction of NSG. I’ve seen the introduction of karma, along with the abuse and whoring of it. I’ve seen the rise of “trolling” and all that bullshit that we hate. I’ve seen people been burnt, I’ve seen me be burnt, and I’ve seen people given new or second chances on doing the thing they love. Most importantly though, I’ve seen the capacity and generosity that we as a community have towards each other. The ability to help one and another out. Whether it’s with gear, snow knowledge. Events or just any day things. Let us remember that we are here to help each other through the thing we love.
As for me, My name is Mason. I’m sure a good percentage of you didn’t know that. Hell, the past 2000 posts have been in the past 6 months, but that is because I have moved to a city, and cities have high speed, unlike my parents place in the middle of nowhere. I’ll keep it quick with me, since I’m not here to be selfish. Like stated before, my name is Mason, I am 19. Born March 26th, 1991, the day is infamous for the fact that skiing lost its greatest legend on the day of my 17th birthday. RIP Shane. I grew up in the “Gem of the Rockies”, otherwise known as Lake Louise, Alberta. Grew up racing, stopped racing. My first pair of twin tip skis were the 02/03(I think) Line 1260(the blue ones).I then joined a “freeride” program with Chris Rubens as my coach before the guy went pro. At the age of 12, we packed up and moved to our cottage just outside of Golden, BC. Kicking Horse became my home hill. This hill has shaped me into the skier that stands before you now. I fell in love with the terrain. For those who have skied there, you know why. I joined NS, and that’s what fueled me to do more. NS has given me a window into skiing that I wouldn’t have seen anywhere else. It’s been an influence, not just the forums, but the news, reviews and event coverage. So I thank you..
I’d now like to share me in the past 5 years.
05/06. Don’t have a picture. I can tell you this, I had racing pants, and a pair of 03/04 Line Motherships.
06/07 (lolz). The start of my big mountain passion. Line Prophet 90’s, Siver Cartel Suit.
07/08. The Thugs in this picture lasted me 42 days, I snapped them…I was quite upset.
08/09. Last year of High School. Skied quite a bit, more travelling to competitions, along with my first sponsors..
09/10. The year I ski bummed. I had a car, drove down to Nelson and Rossland during the Canadian Open. Mostly just skied for fun and partied. Did some photo shoots here and there for Kicking Horse’s marketing campaigns, pretty good turn out I might add. Bought a pair of Surface One Lifes. The ski changed everything for me. Couldn’t imagine my season without them.
10/11. Here we are now. I hope I didn’t bore you. Like I said, I don’t do this much, so I’m taking my 15 seconds of fame right here, right now. This season, I’m currently attending SAIT in Calgary. Haven’t had much skiing lately, but, you can’t always get what you want. I’ve been published though, going to be the highlight of my season. This is the season where I am taking up park for the first time, while continuing my big mountain “career”.
That’s it. I’d like to thank Line for starting me off, Kicking Horse for giving me the sweet life of 2 free years of season passes and Surface skis for supporting me today. . Also thank you to any and all the riders and skiers out there that have influenced our sport, along with my skiing.
For those out there that I have offended, been mad at, or argued with. I don’t hate you, I love you, I’m sorry if I have offended you.
For those out there that I have helped, met, skied with or over all made their day. Cheers!
Here’s to another 5 years and 4000 posts. Or for those reaching 5 years or 4000 posts, or to those reaching 10 years and eleventy billion posts.
As Red Green would always say, “Remember, I'm pulling for you. We're all in this together.”
