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March, 2024

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Is it impossible to make it as a skier?

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Shredz
Posts: 21 - Karma: 9
So first off my dream is to make it in skiing. Now I know, "Ski for fun and if it's right it will come to you!" seems to be a common remark to these type of threads. But this isn't a sponsor me thread. Skiing will always be fun and it comes to the lucky ones and some have to chase it. I started skiing when I was 3 and since then my love for skiing has grown. With this growth has come many more expenses to be had. I have gone from Local contest levels and am now starting to break into the North American seen.I'm sure like me, many of you have a dream like this too. I am from Canada and it seems to be harder to get noticed here than in the states. Winning multiple events and trying my hardest to get noticed doesn't seem to be cutting it. At the age of 16 now it's hard to see kids who are 12 years old picking up all these sponsors and getting noticed and starting to actually make it somewhere with there career. I plan on moving to a place with a better mountain once I graduate but up until then it seems to be impossible to get anywhere with skiing. Everything costs too much and I don't see how it is done. You see guys like sean jordan and nicky keefer and people like that who are in edits and shred all summer long and what not. How is it possible to afford to ski a glacier all summer? and how do these people afford the rest of the season? Do they work? Do they go to school? How do they make this work! I'm hoping that if we get the right answers this can be a tool for alot of people who have this dream. If you are a somewhat well known skier who does this in the summer please do share your stories.
Feb 1 2011 11:21PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,168
Do you ride on the OPP? because if not that would be a good start.
Feb 1 2011 11:26PM
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PJS.
Posts: 11943 - Karma: 895
pm some pros. if they're not dicks they might be able to help you
Feb 1 2011 11:26PM
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Shredz
Posts: 21 - Karma: 9
No but I came from another team that did all the same events and it's just getting to be soo expensive there is no job in the summer that can cover a 15000 dollar season every year.
Feb 1 2011 11:27PM
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Cthulhu
Posts: 528 - Karma: 21
i didnt realy read it but if your skiing just to be pro your skiing for the wrong reasons, just have fun with it and what hapens, hapens
Feb 1 2011 11:28PM
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array.
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 202
try doing this
Feb 1 2011 11:29PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,168
Well that is how people go pro, they make it work. I know it seems tough but there are always ways. I know that there are a lot of kids on that team that are only sponsored because they are on the team. Start getting to know people, working at a shop this season has helped me meet a lot of reps and people in the industry. Skiing is about connections as well as talent, I am not that good and just because of where I work I have gotten, free skis and a jacket.

Start meeting people and if you really think this is an attainable dream then you will find a way to make it work.
Feb 1 2011 11:31PM
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EvanMeyer
Posts: 3803 - Karma: 3,232
where in the fuck do you live where a season pass is 15 grand im guessing typo here but still..... and its not like you have to have the best shit to be good.....
Feb 1 2011 11:36PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,168
No, to be a part of the Ontario Park and Pipe team, trips in it is around that much.
Feb 1 2011 11:37PM
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Shredz
Posts: 21 - Karma: 9
Thanks! +k Yeah I know what you mean, I am on the same team still, have been on it for 5 years, I have beaten the majority of the people on the OPP and people across Canada. Sponsors only want to give pro deals which is still sick and it's a start. But what I'm most distraught about is trying to find the money to ski in the summer and work to pay for winter haha. I worked at in a trade job last summer and made around 5000 bucks but I only left me with weekends off. Like do all these people have super rich parents?
Feb 1 2011 11:40PM
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EvanMeyer
Posts: 3803 - Karma: 3,232
thats ridiculous
Feb 1 2011 11:40PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,168
Some of them yes. Everyone that I know on that team is really chill and most of them have worked hard for their results and sponsors but being apart of a provincial team like that helps a lot.

BTW what is your name?
Feb 1 2011 11:41PM
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Shredz
Posts: 21 - Karma: 9
See what I am getting at? haha Competing and being on a team paying those bills seems to be about the only way to make it the top here in Canada. Pretty sure WSI and the Triple Challenge are the only events in Canada that gets any exposure.
Feb 1 2011 11:43PM
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Blurst
Posts: 13577 - Karma: 10,168
There are some other big ones but triple is gone. It is now at horseshoe and is called the horseshoe open.
Feb 1 2011 11:44PM
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JackJohnSki
Posts: 949 - Karma: 1,944
damn dude, $15,000?! that's crazy
Feb 1 2011 11:47PM
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Dvacc20
Posts: 344 - Karma: 19
well if your not throwing dub cork 12s with grabs by your 13th birthday, i would give up skiing as a career.
Feb 1 2011 11:56PM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
Fuck, move to jackson hole get a job. Ski 80+ days a year every year. You will be happier with your life in the long run.
Feb 2 2011 12:03AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
you do realize that full blown pros have trouble making ends meet? Alot coach or are a digger during the summer, but also work labor jobs when they arent coaching.

skiing is expensive, and yes alot of pros did grow up in families that have money...as do most young skiers (skiing is an expensive sport, especially for families)

basically you have to nut up, save your money for a few BIG comps in the US- like the Aspen open, or other open qualifiers, and kill it there. or try and hook up with an established amateur film crew.



Lifes a bitch...so stick your dick up in it whenever you can...
Feb 2 2011 12:08AM
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chicken
Posts: 6843 - Karma: 2,122
that's how much I (and my parents) paid to ski on the AB team. It's about the same as a year of university. It is pretty easy to find sponsors though. Like not ski sponsors for gear, that is pretty easy to though, but like lots of companies will sponsor you if you are on a team.

there are also grants and stuff you can get from the government
Feb 2 2011 12:18AM
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bryansbryan
Posts: 645 - Karma: 7
full blown pros as diggers at ski camps? hate to break it to you but that's not a full blown pro. hell i know a lot that aren't close to full blown pros and they still get coaching jobs easy. i also know that some pros even have a little pull in their pay during summer coaching (if the even do) because of their attractiveness to other summer camps. and again, if they're working labor jobs when they're not coaching, then no they're not pro. i don't think you understand what a pro is.

and no, the best way to become pro is to dedicate all your time to skiing. devote the off season to tramps, summer camp (by working a month in the summer full time), and whatever you find beneficial to skiing. in the on season, you have to spend as much time as humanly possible on the hill working on your tricks systematically- somewhat, all the while trying to make it fun. if you can do that, you will get recognized and you will succeed. that is all you can do. comps. and people wanting to film you will come naturally as you get better and more appealing to watch ski.
Feb 2 2011 12:45AM
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Common_Cents
Posts: 455 - Karma: 13
Well i see two options here...

1. Go to ski academy. Train on water ramps, indoor facilities. Attend every session of a summer camp. Fly around the country for comps. Spen 10k plus on equipment every year. Go pro by the age of 18..(Schlopy, Sean J, Torin, Etc)

oooorrrrr

2. Wait till your like 20 and in college near a ski area and then just be as good as tom wallisch.
Feb 2 2011 12:51AM
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Common_Cents
Posts: 455 - Karma: 13
Joke of course...^^^
Feb 2 2011 12:51AM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
charley ager, and many other pros work construction jobs during the summer.

You really think Adam Delorme, or cody townsend get payed more than 15k a year by sponsers? get real. alot of pros struggle
Feb 2 2011 12:55AM
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macfro
Posts: 31 - Karma: 10
If your not known now. Your not gonna be known later. You may get a few sponsers here and there but income will be next to nothing. Not a great life to live, but if you want to ski every single day and live like crap, thats your calling then.
Feb 2 2011 12:58AM
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-Dan
Posts: 7087 - Karma: 50,495
oxymoron
Feb 2 2011 1:06AM
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macfro
Posts: 31 - Karma: 10
Your not on the hill 24/7 dumbass.
Feb 2 2011 1:26AM
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Shredz
Posts: 21 - Karma: 9
I have kangs and plan on doing switch dub soon.
Feb 2 2011 1:37AM
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smooticus
Posts: 1798 - Karma: 27
Dude if you can do doubles well, i would think you could get an easy sponser from a local shop. At least to cover the expense of your comps
Feb 2 2011 1:47AM
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iLLbiLLy
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 2,631
A. Be born into a rich enough family where your parents can be your main sponsor.

B. Bum it out as long as you can and hope to get noticed enough for a company to help pay for your skiing expenses.

C. Play the lottery
Feb 2 2011 1:48AM
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Sallabillz
Posts: 1289 - Karma: 762
work at a ski hill? get discount to ski? ski? go pro?
i have no idea im just going to keep doing and see what happens i have dubs to and im not sponsered and im 16 ive been only skiing for 4 years and live in edmonton and fuck skiing is so expensive
i work in the summer and go to whistler at momentum shit gets you good
move to whistler when your done highschool or colorado

Feb 2 2011 1:52AM
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j.saaaarela
Posts: 1859 - Karma: 856
I would really like to see myself as a pro at some point in the future... the parents aren't too into it, but it's something I really want to accomplish.

I figure if you just work hard enough at it (like anything else), you'll end up getting somewhere. Can't just expect something from nothing though; so conditioning, water ramping, summer camps, coaching, and being on skis every minute possible are going to be necessary (for me at least) to get to that level.

I don't plan on giving up any time soon, but even if I don't make it all the way, skiing will still be a huge part of my life.
Feb 2 2011 2:38AM
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CassiusClay
Posts: 1757 - Karma: 2

Not really advice on how to pay for everything but:

Work your ass off and love doing it.  Every day on the hill is an opportunity to learn something new.  Push yourself and don't worry about anything but your own skiing.  Plug in some headphones and see how many laps you can get in a day in the park from 8 till close and work on new tricks/different styles every day.  Still in high school and can't make it to the hill except on weekends? find ways to improve yourself off the hill: find a good gymnastics place or buy a trampoline to work with during the week.  There are a lot of pros that grew up fucking around in gymnastics places, you will become much much more comfortable with tricks if you take them from the tramp to the springboard floor or practicing switch up combos on balance beams, and your leg strength will improve which is a bonus.  If you have night skiing around you, use it to your advantage.  Basically if you honestly care enough about skiing it can happen.  Friday/Saturday night party? Skip that shit and hit urban or a night park if you have the chance.  Being good at skiing equates to pushing yourself and skiing as much as possible.  The more you ski, the more comfortable you are skiing (sounds pretty obvious) and the easier it becomes to progress.

There's also a huge mental aspect to becoming good at skiing.  You gotta be able to visualize tricks in your head before you try them.  After you've done them millions on times in your head on different jumps/rails, it comes much easier.  Sorry that post went everywhere, hope its not too difficult to read.

Feb 2 2011 3:19AM
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ThaLetterM.
Posts: 8609 - Karma: 1,612
move somewhere where you aren't the best skier.
Feb 2 2011 5:07AM
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ThaLetterM.
Posts: 8609 - Karma: 1,612
also just remember that even if you don't make it as a big time pro, getting a girl to fuck you because you're good at skiing is a pretty big deal. So at least shoot for that.
Feb 2 2011 5:11AM
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PetriDish
Posts: 277 - Karma: 10
Actually, I think you're right on the money.
Feb 2 2011 6:39AM
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belden...
Posts: 2914 - Karma: 1,273
Well i dont know Townsend might work in south america or somewhere in the summer. But Ager definitely does work construction.

I know Colby West dropped outta college his freshman year to ski.
Feb 2 2011 9:02AM
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Karma_Police
Posts: 2655 - Karma: 1,628
Townsend has podiumd at big mountain comps. Those guys make more money than a freestyle guy who doesn't do comps...
Feb 2 2011 10:20AM
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skodeo7
Posts: 14949 - Karma: 9,234
Truth. Not always the glorious lifestyle that you might imagine. A lot of guys have actual jobs in the summer.
Feb 2 2011 10:23AM
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RubberSoul
Posts: 11249 - Karma: 14,642
^
Feb 2 2011 10:36AM
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Emma_Watson
Posts: 4483 - Karma: 6,662
pro skier's don't make shit for cash.. other than jun olson..
Feb 2 2011 10:44AM
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sifa
Posts: 2 - Karma: 10
One thing that isn't really recognized by a lot of NS users is that a vast majority of who we see as ''pros''  are homeless or living with 9 other people.
Feb 2 2011 11:10AM
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Flacko
Posts: 1495 - Karma: 788
good luck
Feb 2 2011 11:11AM
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EmperorKuzco
Posts: 6660 - Karma: 254
your an idiot
Feb 2 2011 11:25AM
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,052
haha, i really hope that was a joke. that's the dumbest shit i've ever heard.

unless "making it in skiing" is getting to go to the x-games, then the fact of the matter is that it's a sad, sad truth.
Feb 2 2011 11:56AM
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D-40
Posts: 6050 - Karma: 100
Dude def not impossible.  just set some goals and work your ass off to accomplish what you want.  Both long term and short term.

Everything in life has a price to be paid.  And I'm not talking about currency.  That is the last thing I'm talking about.  I'm talking taking the spills and putting the time in in the offseason and everything. 

Stay focused and good luck bro
Feb 2 2011 12:01PM
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Dvacc20
Posts: 344 - Karma: 19
logan im honored to have you criticize my post
Feb 2 2011 12:35PM
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bryansbryan
Posts: 645 - Karma: 7
those aren't pros you fucking jackass. being a professional skier means its your job. if you are working a job outside of skiing for support, then you're not pro. how is that hard to understand?
Feb 2 2011 12:41PM
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dozerr
Posts: 4007 - Karma: 403
try getting a legit board sponsor as a skateboarder, and then tell me its hard to go to x games in skiing...
Feb 2 2011 12:54PM
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loganimlach
Posts: 5132 - Karma: 14,052
any time.
Feb 2 2011 12:57PM
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Sallabillz
Posts: 1289 - Karma: 762
word
pros are like candide thovex who makes over a mill a year
but corupt cant pay him anymore cause they lost all there money thats why they let go of colby and tj
Feb 2 2011 12:57PM
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californiagrown
Posts: 9794 - Karma: 2,014
so basically, the only pros are the skiers skiing in the x-games? or skiing in europe?

i define a skiing pro as one who has a full segment in a PBP/level1/MSP/TGR movie. There are very few pros then.

winning a comp on average might net you 5-7k right? thats not much at all especially after the winners bar tab and the cost of living near a ski area...
Feb 2 2011 1:52PM
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