Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today’s I’m talking with Chris “Tats” Tatsuno. Chris has an infectious way of making a turn in snow and he certainly shares it with everyone around him. It’s impossible not to have a good time when you’re riding around with Chris. 

Chris has his own style, his own look, and he is a wonderful influence on the youth of the industry through instruction and inspiration.  He doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the snow and on himself. Chris gives us some tips he learned from his dad, as well as a few of the lessons he’s learned from his own journey. From spending time with a crew you love, to his tips on how you can take it easy on your joints so you can ski until you’re 90, Chris shares a lot of great info today.

Topics:

[00:00] Introduction to Season 5

[03:00] Chris’ introduction

[04:00] Chris’ background and how he got into skiing

[05:50] What it was like growing up with a ski instructor

[08:21] Skiing vs snowboarding in the late 80s and early 90s

[14:11] How Chris ended up in Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado

[18:35] The Aspen Ripper Factory and the Aspen ski gangs

[28:45] Spending time with a crew that you enjoy

[30:20] Becoming a ski instructor

[36:26] Chris’ style and look

[42:00] Be the watcher

[44:43] Advice that still resonates with Chris  

[48:18] Conclusion

Resources:

Powder.com’s Adaptive Skiing Article, “The Tao of Tats” 

Chris Tatsuno’s LinkedIn 

Wagner Custom Skis