Age: 26
Where are you from?
I grew up in a small town in southern Germany with the Alps as my backyard.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Well, I just finished university last year. I'm going to be a physical education and English teacher someday. Other than that, I just love to run and ski as much as I can in a fast and light way. When it comes to racing, I'm more into shorter trail races up to 35km with a lot of elevation gain.
What sports did you practice as a child?
I was a cross-country skier for a while, but mostly for the candy we got from our coach. I finished last in most races and didn't want to train more, so I quit and started rock climbing instead. Rock climbing and ski touring were my main sports for many years until I injured my shoulder. I wasn't able to climb as hard as I wanted, which was my kickoff into trail running. From there it was more trail running, some easy rock climbing in the summer, and ski touring in the winter.
What brought you to the mountains?
I spent a lot of time in the mountains growing up. My parents used to take me out, and with the Alps being only a 2-minute drive away, I've spent a lot of time in the mountains.
My best friend's dad owns a trail running and ski touring shop in my hometown. They took me climbing and later ski touring. Their passion was always to go light and fast in the mountains, which fascinated me more and more.
What "personal touch" do you bring to SkiUphill / RunUphill?
I'm the only German on the team…. Also, I've been skiing on skinny skis my whole life, so I'm trying to represent more of a European ski touring mentality on the coast.
What other sports are you interested in?
I've always been interested in all kinds of ball sports. When I was a kid, I loved playing soccer and handball. In summer I like to play beach volleyball with my friends. To relax my legs from running, I also like to swim and ride my MTB or road bike.
What is your favorite area to run/ski?
I love Squamish, the running trails are amazing. The skiing here is pretty deep. I'd never skied powder that deep before I came here. It's pretty special. Although I'm pretty happy with the running and skiing in the Alps. The snow isn't as good as here (when there is snow, haha), but the access is super easy. And in the Alps, it's more about tagging summits, which I like, because why not?
What are your other hobbies/interests?
I'm pretty bad at finishing a book, so I usually stick to watching a movie instead. Aside from all the sports that I do, I just love to hang out with my family and friends and talk and play games with them.
What's your ideal day in the mountains?
I like to get up early, but not too early. Some clouds would be nice, just makes the photos a little more interesting, but it has to be sunny. A long day of skiing with some technical terrain on the way up and a SUMMIT is a must. I don't care too much about the skiing, but either some nice powder turns or corn snow would be amazing. And I'd love to do my perfect ski touring day on race skis, because why not?
As for running, I prefer some technical terrain like long ridges with lots of scrambling and connecting some peaks.
What's your favorite piece of running gear?
I love my Dynafit DNA shorts. Amazing in a race and just the most comfortable shorts I've ever worn.
Favorite coffee/tea?
Some people say I only drink tea, but an oat milk latte is actually my favorite.
]]>I am from the Ottawa Valley, but have been living in Squamish since 2009.
What are your pronouns?
He/Him/His
Tell us a little about yourself?
I love to explore, whether it’s running, biking, or skiing! I’m a competitive trail runner and love to race anywhere from 10 km to 50 km. I’ve had the honour of representing Canada internationally at the World Mountain Running Championships in 2019. I have some longer distances on my bucket list as well as some FKT’s I'd like to give a run for their money!
What sports did you practice as a child?
I mostly played hockey and soccer. I used to do some running events with my family as well!
What brought you to the mountains?
I came out to the Whistler region to ski as well as watch the 2010 Olympics! But I stayed because of the lifestyle. Whether you run, climb, bike or ski, Squamish is a world class destination. There are so many like-minded people that live in the Sea to Sky Corridor and you only need to look outside to get some mountain inspiration!
What “personal touch” do you bring to SkiUphill / RunUphill?
I bring a lot of trail running shenanigans to SkiUphill / RunUphill. If you aren’t having fun, what’s the point? I also love to help people with their various needs. Whether it’s finding that perfect product in store, sharing beta on new places to explore, or any other questions they might have, I’m happy to help!
What other sports are you interested in?
Anything that makes me go fast! If I’m not running, I’m usually on a gravel bike or skate skiing. I’d also like to do more cyclocross races in the future!What is your favourite area to run/ski?
It’s hard to beat Squamish, but I like to visit the Okanagan in the shoulder season. The hardpack & fast trails are a nice change of scenery compared to the coast.What are your other hobbies/interests?
I’ve taken up Disc Golf recently, which is a nice change of pace from running. That being said, Speed Disc Golf quickly became a thing with our friends!What’s your ideal day out in the mountains?
Traveling fast and light with good company and nice views!
What’s your favourite piece of running gear?
I’ve been liking the Norda 001’s! They look awesome, but they are also highly capable. With a tread pattern inspired by Canadian landscapes, they offer a predictable grip over a variety of surfaces. It’s a great training shoe as the build quality is fantastic. My feet feel comfortable yet secure, and I appreciate the sustainable approach Norda has taken with their construction!Favourite coffee/tea?
Espresso. Usually three to four per day if I’m feeling adventurous!]]>Florentin Guinnefollau
What “personal touch” do you bring to SkiUphill / RunUphill?
My Personal knowledge on gear, a French touch without the moustache, the hat and the “French baguette”.
What other sports are you interested in?
Doing a lot of ice climbing in the winter time and dry tooling/road biking/mountaineering in the summer time. Put me on a lake with a STUP and you will make my life wonderful too.
]]>Where are you from?
France
Tell us a little about yourself?
Grew up in the middle of the French alps. (Close to La Grave for those who would know a little bit this majestic place). I spent most of my time playing outside skiing or climbing. After university, I went straight into the military to work as a mountain warfighter team leader. Teaching and practicing most of the mountain sports. After 5 years of duty, I left and decided to become a sport trainer and went back to school for a year to study anatomy, biomechanics and physiology where I ended up being certified to coach Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit. The following year, I arrived in Calgary, worked as a boot fitter and recently moved in Canmore almost 3 years later.
What sports did you practice as a child?
Alpine ski racing, rock climbing, mountaineering.
What brought you to the mountains?
I was born and raised in the mountains, I would not survive very long anywhere else :)
What “personal touch” do you bring to SkiUphill / RunUphill?
My Personal knowledge on gear, a French touch without the moustache, the hat and the “French baguette”.
What other sports are you interested in?
Doing a lot of ice climbing in the winter time and dry tooling/road biking/mountaineering in the summer time. Put me on a lake with a STUP and you will make my life wonderful too.
What is your favourite area to run/ski?
I actually like the 93 north for ski touring as well as Yoho NP but I am still new in the area and have still a lot to explore. For running, anything around Canmore will do the job.
What are your other hobbies/interests?
Like to read interesting books, listen to some podcasts or just chill out not doing anything…we’ll, not really!
What’s your ideal day out in the mountains?
In my old job, we like to say that when it’s cold, windy and crappy weather, it’s a good time for us to be outside. That’s how you feel closer to the elements right?
What’s your favourite piece of ski gear?
Love my Zero G 95 w/ ATK race binding. Fast and Light is a thing isn’t it?
Favourite coffee/tea?
Double espresso shot please
]]>My name is Liz Halleran, I'm 33. Banff has been my home for the last 7 years and I've been running in the Bow Valley since I got here. I'm an IT Project Manager by day and an amateur mountain athlete by early morning and late night.
Why did you join RunUphill as an ambassador?
RunUphill has done a fantastic job of upping the stoke on mountain running and other uphill sports since they opened in the valley. I don't think there has ever been a shortage of mountain running and skiing enthusiasts in the valley, and while there are several well-established groups within the community, RunUphill has done a great job of bringing those groups together and pushing the envelope on mountain running performance in the community. The local FKT board, the QOM/KOM challenges, the weekly mountain long runs make it hard to decide what to even participate in. I'm super stoked to be able to get the gear and fuel I want from a local store in the valley. The team at the store has gone out of their way to support me and make sure I have everything I need from the get go, I feel lucky to be involved and hope I can inspire some other runners to get in on the fun.
What is your ideal day in the mountains?
I'm definitely a hybrid mountain/trail and road runner, and I have become a fan of long road or gravel bike rides too. It can become a big commitment of a day, but my favourite way to adventure in the mountains is to commute to a trailhead on my bike, run up a peak or a classic trail loop, and commute back to the beer in my fridge via bike.
What’s your weapon of choice for running?
My all-time favorite shoes for trail and mountain running are La Sportiva Bushido, I'm probably on my 8th or 9th pair. They are super sticky and grippy on rock and slabs which is why I love them for mountain runs or scrambles. I also find they drain really well so they are also my go-to for longer ultras up to 100 miles, I never have to worry about getting my feet wet during river crossings, I know they will dry out no problem. Fav’ fuel is by FAR Spring Awesome Sauce, I never thought I would actually look forward to taking a gel but it's like slurping apple pie filling!
Adam, tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Adam Mertens. I grew up in Nova Scotia (Mi’kma’ki) and have called the Canadian Rockies (Treaty 7 Territory) home for the past 5 years.
Why did you join RunUphill as an ambassador?
I have been incredibly inspired by RunUphill's commitment to building and contributing to their community. I think there is a longstanding belief that the outdoors is a space that doesn't discriminate. There is growing recognition however that this is not the case. There is tremendous value in creating multiple points of entry into the sport. RunUphill achieves this by hosting community-led running groups of all abilities and celebrating everyone's successes, whether it is a first-ever 5-K run or a multi-day FKT attempt. They host low-cost and free events that allow us to push our limits and connect with others, and they give back a tremendous amount through the 1% for the Planet initiative.
Add to that the fact that they have the perfect gear to help us to tackle our ludicrous objectives and that they make the best coffee in town, joining as an Ambassador has been an incredible privilege.
What is your ideal day in the mountains?
I am inspired by long ridge traverses with uncertain outcomes, where all the GPS, satellite images, and trip reports in the world still don't answer the question of whether it is possible or not. I love moving through low 5th scrambling where a Rad Line is on hand but might not ever come out of the pack, especially when the rock stays put when you pull on it (appreciated, not required).
What’s your weapon of choice for running?
The Scarpa Ribelle Run is the answer to the question of what if a mountaineering boot and trail running shoe had a baby. They bring the best of both worlds: durable construction that holds up to scree, a toe that edges exceptionally well on technical sections of rock, and a gaiter that prevents small pebbles from getting inside. I will never wear another shoe for scrambling in the Rockies.
Tell us about Howl Experience?
The Howl Experience (or "Howl") is new Canmore-based education non-profit that offers experiential programs for young people ages 17-30, from 5 days in length up to 4 months. We bring together youth from all across the country with the mission of creating holistic relationships between youth, communities, and ecosystems in a way that allows everyone to thrive now and into the future. The organization is inspired by youth who are seeking experiences, community, direction and hope, and is guided by the understanding that it is only through community and experiences that we are able to find our true calling.
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Age: 36
Where are you from? Cranbrook BC
What sports did you practice as a child? Does tobogganing count ;) I joined cross country running in high school and fell in love. I didn’t run competitively for a long time afterwards, but it was something I have carried with me everywhere I go.
What brought you to the mountains? It’s an odd story. At the age 18 I had planned to work the summer abroad, but experienced major visa difficulties. Coming back to Canada dejected, my uncle convinced me to work for him at a local brewery in Canmore; behold I am here today.
What "personal touch" do you bring to SkiUphill/ RunUphill? As an uphill athlete, I understand the nuances and necessities of skimo and uphill running. I have both flailed and excelled in uphill running and skiing- I have experienced the spectrum.
I also come to the team as a massage therapist, thus I’m a muscle master. Through “my personal touch” I optimize your training and recovering.
What other sports are you interested in? I have adhered to the Bow Valley mindset of dabbling in it all. I enjoy a good easy multi pitch climb, an open water swim, a road ride, gravel ride, a powder day, and a skinny ski training day.
What is your favourite area to run/ski? I love running in Lake Louise. The landscape is so epic and the trails endless. Yoho is top of the list for winter lines.
What are your other hobbies/interests? Baking cookies. Expedition planning. Meal planning for trips. Reading. Painting. Watching my cat chase birds.
What's your ideal day in the mountains? I am a sucker for early mornings. Ideally in the summer I’m on the go by 7am and smashing it so I can be on my balcony by mid-afternoon with a bevy and my cat. In the winter standing atop a summit and lapping fun lines.
What's your favourite piece of running gear? Hydration flasks! They are so easy to carry. Prior to hydration flasks I often ran with inadequate water because bottles are so bulky, and hoses are so long. I also LOVE my ciele hat.
Favourite coffee/tea? A strong hot chai in the winter, an iced latte in the summer.
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Where are you from? I grew up down under ‘Down Under’ in Tasmania but I'm pretty at home in Banff these days.
Tell us a little about yourself. I've always been at home outside and not being much of a social butterfly I enjoy the peace and quiet out there. I'm complete polar opposites with activity though. I can happily put in a 12 day on the skis or sprint up a mountain in summer but will smash cookies and chocolates on the couch for hours afterwards ha. Always keen for an off the beaten path adventure.
What sports did you practice as a child? I remember being yelled at by my mum as a kid for always climbing trees and neighbours roofs. I always ran everywhere and when I got my first mountain bike my world became infinite. I remember saving for years to buy my first dual suspension bike, a Norco A-line. Me and my mates would build pirate trails out in the bush behind our houses.
What brought you to the mountains? Funnily enough it was that old Norco A-line that I wanted to reunite with its Canadian roots in Whistler but along the way someone told me to check out Banff. I never did make it Whistler to go mountain biking ha.
What “personal touch” do you bring to SkiUphill? Well, somehow I'm the first Australian to work there which is pretty unique in the Bow Valley haha, but I like to think I bring a little more freeride skiing to crew there. It ain't pretty but it sure is fun!
What other sports are you interested in? My roots in biking are always there, but these days I spend most of my summers out on the rivers rafting for work but when I get any free time nothing beats a quick mountain run or multipitch climb somewhere.
What is your favourite area to ski? If I told you I'd have to... Get you to come along and jump off some stuff! I'm a huge fan of the yoyo terrain off the pulpit knobs on 93N but you can't beat the high alpine objectives on the Icefields
What are your other hobbies/interests? I'm becoming a bit of a boardgame addict these days and no cookie is safe around me. Otherwise I mostly check the weather and looks at ski lines on google earth ha.
What’s your ideal day out in the mountains? It's impossible to do it all in one day but I love a good winter camp under the stars and waking up in the alpine for sunrise. Hopefully followed by some steep bootpacking and alpine climbing to an epic summit and of course skiing off the top is a must. Hmm Forbes anyone...?
What is your ski setup this Winter? No one has been able to get me off my Blizzard Zero G 108’s yet but I've been brought into 2020 with the new Plum Summits and Dynafit Hoji boots. Man, what a setup 👌
Favourite coffee? Love a good Farmers Union. But other than that I stick to Tetley’s and TimTam’S.
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Don't underestimate our newest Dream Team member. Behind her quiet and calm veneer, Becca is a true all-around adventurer always looking for the next challenge. Whether it's on rock, on skis, on ice or on the trails, watch for the silent crusher! You'll often find her tea in hand using her extensive experience to talk skis/running equipment or working on some boots in the back. As a result, we now carry a selection of teas as well as coffee in-store ;)
Where are you from?
I am originally from the UK, but moved to the Rockies in 2015 to ski and climb.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I studied Geography at University, in my final year I joined the Mountaineering society. It turned my life around and I quickly became obsessed with outdoor sports. After finishing my degree I moved to France to ski, which was fantastic but found the crowds difficult, Canada suits me much better!
What sports did you practice as a child?
I grew up with avid hikers for parents, all our family holidays involved going into the countryside and exploring new areas on foot. This set me up with a great love for the outdoors. Otherwise I used to do ice dance and archery as well growing up.
What brought you to the mountains?
I decided to not do another ski season after France as I wanted to stay in the UK and fell race all winter. Pretty quickly into the season I developed compartment syndrome in my shins. This quickly put a stop to my training, but to keep me sane I needed to plan something to look forward to. My friend had just returned from Canada and only had positive things to say, so I decided to plan a trail running adventure to the Canadian Rockies. I quickly fell in love with the area and decided to stay for the winter to backcountry ski. Best decision I have made!
What “personal touch” do you bring to SkiUphill?
I have worked in outdoor retail for 6 years, so bring with me to Skiuphill a large base of knowledge of equipment and apparel. Delicious tea is also now available in the store as a result of my arrival. Love a good cup of tea!
What draws you to trail running?
I was originally drawn to running to try and get fit so I could keep up with my climbing partners on the approaches, but once I got past the initial suffering of starting to run, I fell in love with moving fast and light. I ran alone a lot initially, which was incredible peaceful, but since moving to the Rockies have discovered the fantastic community that we have here and how sociable running can be.
What is your favourite area to ski?
Little Yoho Valley is by far my favourite area to ski. The presidents and terrain around the Stanley Mitchell hut is awesome ! I would love to also spend more time checking out the terrain around the Louise and Richard Guy Hut.
What are your other hobbies/interests?
Climbing is my next passion after skiing and running. Otherwise I love to cook, do yoga and paint.
What’s your ideal day out in the mountains?
My ideal summer day would involve a late start at a cafe for tea and cake, followed by an easy paced long run to a remote area with a bunch of friends. In the winter however I love to start early and be skinning up our objective when the sun comes up with good friends and lots of stoke. A long day on may skis is so rewarding!
What is your ski setup this Winter?
I have a pair of K2 Mindbender 106 C Alliance 159 cm with a SkiTrab Vario.2 binding. It's a super fun and playful ski that doesn't feel like its width in firm conditions. In the spring I am more of a traverse skier than a steep skier. I like to pack my bag with camping gear and go adventuring for a few days to explore more remote parts of the Rockies, so I will be getting some fresh SkiTrabs!
What is your go-to running shoe?
I have just purchased the King MT and Superiors from Altra so I a officially part of the zero drop cult. Plus I just love how great the shoe looks! But I also run in Uragano GTX from La Sportiva in the Winter.
Favourite coffee?
My favourite coffee is a mocha (minus the coffee ;))
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A few of his results include:
- Terawera 100 Winner, New Zealand
- South Downs Way 100 Winner, United Kingdom
]]>A few of his results include:
- Terawera 100 Winner, New Zealand
- South Downs Way 100 Winner, United Kingdom
Name: Adrien Prigent (aka Chamois)
Professional occupation: Production manager at Rocky Mountain Soap Company
How did you start trail running? What was your first race? I used to be a road runner but one day my former manager came into work saying he had signed for a 100k Race. I was like sounds cool I’m gonna do it with you! So the Race to the Stones 100k Race was my first trail race and my first Ultra.
What are your goals this year? I have few races planned this year and I’d like to do really well in all of them...
Age: 39
Where are you from? I was born in Winnipeg and we moved around a bit when I was a kid.
Tell us a little about yourself. Hmmm. I love everything about the mountains. From looking at them and just feeling small to trail runs, ski tours and climbing. When I was younger and we came out to the Rockies for ski trips I remember thinking, “I need to live here” and about 10 years ago I moved to Calgary and then a year and a half ago Canmore (which was my weekend home before that).
What sports did you practice as a child? I skiied (sort of as there are mostly just hill in the Prairies). I also swam and played middle linebacker for a number of years in the amateur football league. I took up trail running in high school and loved it.
What brought you to the mountains? How big and unchanging they are. They are there and just begging for you to run up or ski. I can’t really describe it and it seems like the “because it’s there” is a good starting point for why I do what I do in the mountains. The possibilities are truly endless.
What “personal touch” do you bring to SkiUphill? My background is in business and creating great and thoughtful customer and employee experiences at Starbucks and Apple. I tend to be a bit detailed in these areas. The other part, which I am so passionate about is creating community connections. Events, outings, movie nights and the like that drive the “stoke” around an activity.
What draws you to trail running? It’s incredibly minimalist. It’s just you, a great pair of shoes and the bare essentials. Not much more perfect than that. I have the best ideas when I run, it’s “my” space in a very busy world.
What is your favourite area to ski? Hmmm. There are so many great places. I do love Wapta and all the mountains that you can explore so closely from the ACC huts. There are lots of cool areas to explore up on 93 North. Recently we went into Watermelon Bowl and had some awesome turns.
What are your other hobbies/interests? I’ve started to do some ski mountaineer (Skimo) racing and really enjoy it and am getting faster. Skate skiing is also something that is a great workout. When I’m not doing those things I love cooking and being creative in the kitchen. I usually go to restaurants that have meals that I haven’t made that inspire me to do some fun dishes as well.
What’s your ideal day out in the mountains? That’s a tough one. I am a big extrovert, so whatever the activity it has to involve people, and good friends make it even better. I used to see people with ropes, crampons and axes on their packs and always wished somehow I was them. With Joel, I am “those people” which makes me feel like a hero. I guess on the trails, tall stories, a good run, scramble or climb. People make the days perfect out there.
What is your ski setup this Winter? I’m skiing the Hannibal 176cm, 96 underfoot with Plum Race 170 bindings and the Fischer Travers Carbon boots. The boot is a perfect fit and the first boot that is so comfortable. Plum bindings have been great a there is no fiddling required when I step into the toe piece. I use an extra heel riser for steeper stuff.
What is your go-to running shoe? I switched to Inov8 last Spring, the Roclite 305s. They have an 8mm drop at the back (down from my 12mm drop shoes) and I can get a better sense of the terrain underfoot. Since switching to the lower drop heel I’ve really sped up my downhill running. I’m also a fan of the durable construction and the rock shield underfoot.
Favourite coffee? I’m a black coffee drinker and prefer a minimalist approach to brewing, let the coffee do the speaking. I do pour over with the Phoenix 70 brewing column from Saint Anthony Industries in Salt Lake City. I love Rave Coffee in town and usually lean towards Ethiopian coffees for their fruity yet complex flavours.
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Where are you from? Riviere-Du-Loup, Quebec
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am from a small village 2 hours east of Quebec City along the St-Lawrence River. I discovered mountain sports and backcountry skiing during a semester in Europe back when I was studying at Laval University. I moved to Canmore in 2016 to work as a physiotherapist and to spend more time trail running, climbing and skiing. Little did I know that I'd meet Gavin and that we'd be opening SkiUphill a just over a year later...!
What sports did you practice as a child?
Short track speed skating is a bit of a religion in smaller cities in Quebec, so I did almost 10 years of turning left on really sharp skates! I also dabbled into some cross-country running and track and field back in high school. When I moved to Quebec City for university, I really got into triathlon for a few years as well as road cycling racing, cyclocross, snowshoe running and other endurance sports.
What brought you to the mountains?
I had the amazing opportunity to work as a physiotherapist in Canmore. The scale of the playground in the Rockies is just so impressive, and the access is second-to-none. And people in mountain/outdoors towns are super inspiring. It is so awesome to live in a town where I don’t feel like I’m an alien if I get up at 3 AM to go skiing!
What “personal touch” do you bring to SkiUphill?
I’ve always been a bit of a gear nerd, whether it's bikes, skis, shoes, etc. I am the kind of customer who walks into a store having done a lot of research and I expect the advice to be top-quality. At SkiUphill, we strive to be as knowledgeable as possible about the gear we carry. No bullshit, no marketing lingo, just facts, mileage and experience.
My background as a physiotherapist is also helpful when it comes to injury prevention, advice, boot fitting and shoe fitting.
What draws you to trail running?
Those who know me will admit I am not much of a hiker. But trail running Iets you connect in a very deep way with the environment and the terrain. With a pair of shoes and a bit of equipment any mountain or trail can become this fantastic playground and that's really special. It also happens to be easier on the body than road running and for a fragile guy like me that's also a win.
What is your favourite area to ski?
Hands-down the Icefields Parkway in the Rockies. The dramatic scale of the mountains and the glaciers breaking into seracs next to the highway really communicates the power and the danger of the environment, but it also all feels incredibly fragile. The mountains are right there for you to experience, but you also get to witness first-hand the effects of glacial recession.
What are your other hobbies/interests?
Climbing, mountain biking, baking.
What’s your ideal day out in the mountains?
An early start and a sunrise on the approach, a bootpack up a technical couloir, a couple spicy sections to make you feel alive and a bit of scrambling-climbing. Then a steep descent on perfect spring snow back down and a beer at the car after a long day out.
What is your ski setup this Winter?
Having been involved with SkiUphill for many years now, I've come to realize that there are tons of awesome skis out there. I've started caring a lot more about durability and extending the life of the gear I use as much as I can. At the end of the day skis are those resin sandwiches that can't have a second life or be recycled. Finding something I like and using that equipment for many seasons is what I am after. Right now I use Majesty Havocs and Superwolf Carbon skis. I use SkiTrab and Plum bindings for their reliability, performance and serviceability.
What is your go-to running shoe?
The Norda 001 is all I want to wear every single day. I am more than happy to pay the price difference for a pair of shoes that will last as long as 3 pairs of anything else. Gear should last longer and brands should throw everything they have towards durability and performance, not towards products that are meant to wear out prematurely.
Favourite coffee?
Latte.
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James MacNeil-Mah
Where are you from?
I am originally from Edmonton but moved around Alberta throughout my childhood.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I consider myself an explorer. Whether it is getting to know new areas or the depths of my own personal “suffering”. Learning new things about the world around me and myself has driven me to where I am now.
What sports did you practice as a child?
I grew up skateboarding but that was mostly because of my friend group. I found competition rock climbing when I was 16 years old. This was a pivotal point in my life because it gave me a focus that I had found all on my own. I was lucky enough to be placed on a team where I was immersed with other like minded young adults. Many of my teammates became my nearest and dearest.
What brought you to the mountains?
My family has always made a point to take frequent trips to the mountains. Once I had an opportunity to move to Canmore I jumped. I had just started trail running and was addicted. I would drive ( often alone ) twice a week just to run anything that would get me above tree line. Making the move made sense, use less fuel, run more mountains.
What “personal touch” do you bring to SkiUphill?
I have was raised in retail... sorta. My father has had a career in many aspects of outdoor retail. I have always been interested in the apparel aspect of existing in the mountains. I have fond memories of feeling different tech fabrics with my father and discussing how it works and why we use it. These questions are still at the core of my gear selecting process.
What draws you to trail running?
I always joke that I'm not a trail runner. I am a mountain jogger. Since my background is from climbing I am very used to a heavy pack for most if not all of the day. Once I started my jogging career it was enlightening to ditch the pack for a vest or better yet fanny pack. The feeling of not being bogged down by tons of gear had me hooked real quick. Mountain Jogging (trail running) offers you so much freedom. All you need is a pair of shoes and the world is your playground. I am constantly surprised by how much terrain you can explore with such little relative effort. I think that is what keeps my back on the trails.
What is your favourite area to ski?
Narao Glades has been on the top of my mind since we went there a couple weeks ago. That entire area is so captivating. I plan to spend much more time in the Lake O’hara area this winter.
What are your other hobbies/interests?
Another interest I have once it gets cold is ice and mixed climbing. When I am not pretending to be a mountaineer you can find me in the kitchen kneading dough. Generally while I am playing patisserie chef I watch cooking shows.
What’s your ideal day out in the mountains?
I love long days. That’s about it. I enjoy sharing these long days with people but have had many enriching days being alone for many hours on end. In the winter all I pray for is a safe snowpack. And in the summer all I want is warm temps to break out the split shorts.
What is your ski setup this Winter?
SkiTrab Magico 164cm with the Kreuzspitze GT binding. I am on a full Mohair SkiTrab skin ( oh man they are so fast and grippy ). And the Fischer Travers carbon boots. Not only is my setup crazy light on the uptrack but it has amazing ski performance on the downs. If you haven't heard of SkiTrab look them up! Or come to shop and check them out. Such a neat company out of Italy.
What is your go-to running shoe?
I have just ordered the Inov-8 Trailtalon 290. Super stoked to run in these this summer. I generally run in more cushioned shoes so the Trailtalon should fit the bill.
Favourite coffee?
I am a sucker for any espresso based drink. But a traditional cappuccino is my jam.