On today’s episode, I get the chance to speak with Chris Davenport, one of the world’s most accomplished big mountain skiers. Initially, as the grandchild of a skiing pioneer and child of a ski racer, Chris started out as a racer, himself. Eventually, he transitioned into free skiing and that has since become his passion. 

During our discussion, we talk about his history with skiing, how Chris is a lifelong student of skiing, and why he thinks all skiers should take up the fight against global warming. Tune in to hear a great conversation with someone who knows the language of the mountains. 

Topics: 

[02:02] Chris grew up skiing on a small mountain.

[02:10] His grandfather was a big skier and was involved in the founding of New Hampshire’s Mount Cranmore.

[02:24] HIs father was also a Ski Racer at the University of Denver.

[03:26] Chris was a Racer at the University of Colorado.

[03:56] Ultimately, he enjoyed free skiing more than racing.

[04:50] A certain racing event turned the tide for Chris and he decided he wanted to pursue skiing professionally.

[05:20] A friend of his convinced him to compete in the race in Crested Butte.

[07:13] That summer, he went to Las Leñas, where he learned a lot from Doug Koontz.

[08:33] Chris’ is heading down to Chile to run his eighteenth ski clinic.

[10:15] Clinic attendees often have trepidation, because they are working with professional skiers.

[10:50] Chris discusses staying open to new experiences and continuing to improve his skills as a skier.

[13:10] Each clinic client has their own needs, so the clinic focuses on improving the individual without a set script or schedule.

[13:44] One of Chris’ camp attendees went on to win the Freeride World Tour.

[15:40] Teaching people to grab the bull by the horns comes with its challenges.

[21:17] Factoring in different types of terrain when training people to be better skiers.

[23:15] What is means to pay your dues as a skier.

[23:30] How to master the “language of the mountains”.

[28:32] The importance of combating global warming.

[30:40] Chris’ work with Protect our Winters and why it is important for other skiers to get involved.

[32:40] What people can do to be more “green”.

[34:40] Finding his tribe in Crested Butte at the Extreme Skiing Championships.

[35:34] How POW is focused on the upcoming midterm elections.

[36:53] Chris favorite motivational quote is “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”

[37:12] He thinks younger people have goals, but don’t have actual plans of action.

[38:00] He also likes the term, “knees to skis.” It’s a great reminder about form and keeps him aligned on the mountain.

Quotes:

“It’s that passion and love of the sport...it just permeates the whole camp and the whole atmosphere.” -Chris Davenport

“I’ve heard a number of times from clients after the camp, that they went into it...having the pros built up on this pedestal and then in the end they realized we’re just skiers, just like they are.” -Chris Davenport 

“Skiing is all about experience: you have to pay your dues.” -Chris Davenport

Resources: 

Wagner Custom Skis

Protect Our Winters

Chris Davenport’s Website