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July, 2025

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Who dreams of being a pro for real?

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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,016
So like most of my time skiing I dreamed of only one thing - being a pro.

Hell, I'll admit it now - but I only gave up on that dream in like maybe 2008? It was way after I'd started to pretend to have given up. Way after starting to work at NS. I actually only took the job at NS because I didnt' know what the fuck to do with my life and needed some money.

However, I dreamed day in and day out that I would be a professional skier. I trained, I competed, I tried to film... and frankly it was fucking awesome.

I never really was actually good enough to make it, and that was the hardest thing to admit. Of course, I always look back on it as the single greatest decision I ever made... I decided to follow my passion.

Of course, I ended up with this job - which is a pretty sweet side effect of following the pro dream if you ask me.

But enough of me lamenting and gushing - what about you? Do you want it?

13 years ago
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steezywannabeezy
Posts: 990 - Karma: 690
I suck at skiing.
13 years ago
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doGelyst
Posts: 2494 - Karma: 523
They should make a Senior AFP division. 30+ yrs old or something :D
13 years ago
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LIL_WAT
Posts: 1900 - Karma: 475
This. Surf comps here in NZ will often have several categories for the older competitors such as Masters(30+) and even Legends(50+).
13 years ago
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250r
Posts: 2276 - Karma: 1,013
i as most kids grew up dreaming of it, but as ive gotten older its somewhat hard for me to see the point of it. I mean if you have some desire for fame that could be one reason, but if it just has to do with the amount of skiing you can do and the money, i dont think its the smartest way to go. I may not get to travel around the world constantly, but i bet i get to ski just as much if not more than the pros, and although i may be stuck in whistler the whole time, im not complaining about that. I work in a restaurant, only nights, never days. I get to ski everyday, and my wage which will only go up from here, is already comparable to most pros. im not hating on people that want to go pro by any means, if thats what you want to do then by all means thats go for it. Personally i would rather get to ski all day without having to have to stop and wait for the shot to get set up every run.
13 years ago
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ALaw
Posts: 2616 - Karma: 1,556
Park or urban? Never. The kind of abuse they put their bodies through to just be outshined by some new kid next year would suck. I could see myself trying to go pro in big mountain, but for now I'll stick with having as much fun skiing as I can and not giving a shit
13 years ago
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gnarles.
Posts: 2587 - Karma: 130
yeah i guess when i was younger but i now i hate taking skiing serious all i want is to have fun, shred gnar pow and have a few laughs with my friends
13 years ago
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Boggs
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 208
yes. I'm 20 now though so the dream is pretty much over. Ill still go hard though.
13 years ago
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Boggs
Posts: 1039 - Karma: 208
On top of that, I didnt start skiing until the 9th grade. I really envy the kids starting early. Thats probably one of my biggest regrets. Im progressing now at a rate much faster than I was before but Im already too old almost. The only person whos made that after 20 is turpin. Kinda crazy how our sport has such a small age range to become pro.
13 years ago
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Afterbang.no
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 4,297
I was my first years of skiing active. when i learned dub back, dub front, and dub flat 9, i actually thought i could make it! Norwegian Open next winter i didn't even qual to finals, i mean those guys where sick, both rails and jumps. And the winner that day was Frido/ fridtjof fredricsson, later that year he did a triple at JOI! I gave up, started filming with a crew, got one sponsor, and is pretty satisfied!
I still try to be better, but i won't compete anymore!
13 years ago
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Afterbang.no
Posts: 1105 - Karma: 4,297
Also i think I'm a bit old now (22) haha
13 years ago
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Corin
Posts: 1665 - Karma: 524
Yes. And I'm starting to see it happening in the future. Most big mountain-skiers have their "peak" at like 26 so that gives me 7 or 8 seasons to become as good as I can possibly be.

And as far as becoming a professional in the industry, that is happening right now. I make nowhere close to enough to actually live on, but I'm heading in the right direction.
13 years ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52783 - Karma: 175,254
I hear you on that. When parks really blew up, like really blew up, the money train rolled in and it made a big difference.


At one point it was that thing that your parents told you not to do. But now it's something that's in your face so much, every kid sees it and goes, I WANNA DO THAT. Now parents are pouring dumb amounts of money into their kids for freestyle coaching, summer camps, etc.

It's def frustrated me but I'm over it. I def hear you though. When you're doing your best throwing down trying to learn new tricks and some gaper gets to go to camp for 3 weeks every summer and all the sudden gets good it's kind of frustrating. At the same time fuck it, that's just the way things are these days. At least it keeps the sport progressing.


Also anyone can still make it. There are still a ton of kids that are damn good just because them and their tribe or skiers/riders fucking kill it, and they constantly push each other.

I think the two worlds can meet in the middle and be at peace. It's not like ski racing where you kind of have to be dumb rich to have a chance. That shit is crazy expensive. At least freestyle you can just learn on your own.


A season pass, some skis, boots and bindings, and you can take that all the way to the big times. It' def more serious now, but at the same time it's still so much more mellow than other things.

If I had a foam pit back in the day I would probably still have a working memory at this point. At the same time, I aint dead yet, and it's been fun so fuck it. Just gotta do the best with what you have.

I think that point where skiing/riding goes back to just being a pure outlet of self is important. At least for me. That solo run in the morning before the mountains were open to open up the parks. Those midweek days, not escaping but letting everything out in a constructive way.

As much as they've destroyed my body, skiing and snowboarding are the reason why I'm still alive, one of the things that still keeps me going at this point. At one point I caught so caught up in trying to progress I felt like I was starting to lose that, and it wasn't worth it.

I want to be on that mountain as much as I can for as long as I can. 6 or 7 days a week, powder or digging through 4 feet of ice to set a rail, with friend or solo.

It's that thing. Idk if there's a good word for it. I don't think one word could do it justice. People find it in surfing, hiking, painting, and a million other things. You just have to find those ones that fit, and when you find it, it's just... yeah you fucking know what I'm talking about
13 years ago
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KLovelace
Posts: 2118 - Karma: 289
hah.
13 years ago
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,016
That is a huge part of the industry. There's real careers in snowsports marketing.
13 years ago
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,016
Well... you should also note that in big mountain people actually die.

13 years ago
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OldDirtyPete
Posts: 453 - Karma: 299
I am Old Dirty Pete. I am 26 and I have the best front 2s in the game, hands down. Still looking to go pro. Sponsors, PM me. You will not regret it #Style
13 years ago
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DrZoidberg
Posts: 5676 - Karma: 4,297
Also I can't do future spins, so I guess I won't be getting paid to ski anytime soon.
13 years ago
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jrl
Posts: 1227 - Karma: 1,239
i really just see skiing as something not to be taken overly seriously and I just try to keep to what I see as fun
13 years ago
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bpalmer
Posts: 2408 - Karma: 93
Once again Bishop with a great thread.

I don't know if I ever actually dreamed of being a big "pro" X-games type skier when I was young. I always just looked up to style skiers like Pollard, Brandon Becker, Andy Mahre, Pep. I remember watching War or the Hit List or something where Andy does a fucking HUGE flat 5 safety over this giant kicker in Whistler and he's getting filmed by a heli that's like right alongside him and I thought "god damn I'm going to go do that." So I moved from Tahoe to Colorado, skied hard on the Summit County park scene for a few years, made some awesome friends, some great memories. Blew both my knees and my shoulder AC ligament, got a few concussions, every injury was either filming or competing.

And it's crazy when you're already struggling to keep up with the ridiculous levels of progression in this sport, on that scene, and then you get hurt. It's so hard to come back unless you are just hell-bent on being a pro skier. To put it in perspective, when I left, Andreas had won X-games with no doubles in his run, most guys were just then learning switch doubles for movies and everyone was still jerking it to "afterbang". I was out for a season. When I came back, the guys at Keystone were doing doubles all 4 ways, with grabs. "Afterbang" had turned into that kind of steeze where you can't tell if the guy is awake or not. Oh and some of the "guys" that are doing all this gangster ass shit? They're like 15 and still have braces.

That was like 4-5 years ago. In the time that I'd spent rehabbing my knee, my grades had come up, I took the LSAT, went to law school. I do relatively enjoyable, challenging work for 60+ hours a week, make decent money. My knees still kinda hurt and I'll probably have arthritis or tendonitis or some shit. I skied like 110+ days a year for 5 years. I skied like 8-9 days last year. But man I still watch every top-rated edit on here, I still keep up with my friends out west, I still buy movies. I can still cruise the parks with some steeze, do some corks and rodeos and stuff. Shit, I still post on NS from time to time.

My point is that I'll be a weekend warrior at best, and hopefully my job allows me to afford more shred every year. I will never ever get paid to ski or anything. But you know what? I still dream about being a pro skier and riding every day, filming, competing. That shit doesn't ever get out of your system.
13 years ago
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LC.
Posts: 5952 - Karma: 2,423
I ski when and where I want, work when I want and can afford whatever gear I want. Better than "being pro", in some ways.
13 years ago
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SPUTnik.
Posts: 1487 - Karma: 2,555
yeah it would be pretty dope making money doing what you love to do
13 years ago
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coldcuts69
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 1,889
Not really.
13 years ago
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roddy116
Posts: 10662 - Karma: 7,824
i wish
13 years ago
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freestyler540
Posts: 13239 - Karma: 20,495
Do I dream to be pro?: yes, I want to ski until I die; all day everyday.
But, the hardest part of getting into the industry is getting known. Most guys have relatives, friend contacts, but I am starting from scratch. I hope to begin coaching a freeski and freeride program that focuses on optimisation of terrain. Basically its to have fun in the worst conditions.

But now, you need papers. And to get papers you must cock. Dont get me wrong, I got some awesome instructors, but courses and exams make me feel sick.

And still, skiing still is my passion. I work all summer in terrible conditions, just to scrape by in winter. I rarely miss a day and hope I can start giving back to skiing in my way: showing my love for the sport to others.

13 years ago
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GnarNinja
Posts: 660 - Karma: 884
Never thought I was good enough, when I was younger for sure. Mainly it was always a pro skateboarder. Still always dream of it.
13 years ago
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seanahue.
Posts: 2142 - Karma: 3,374
Great thread Bishop, everytime you post I feel like you somehow tap into the collective conscious of all NSers.

Back when I first started watching ski movies (SkiMovie 1-3, but I think 'Focused' was the first one I ever bought along some other TGR flick from the same year), the level of skiing (park skiing at least) was so much lower than it is now I used to think I could actually make it without having to try that hard.

I think someone mentioned it above, but now the definition of 'making it' has changed so drastically that it is tough for me to give a fuck about it anymore. Unfortunately, paying rent, student loans, insurance, bills, etc. sobered me up pretty quick from the pipedream.

I will admit though, I think somewhere deep down everyone wants that validation: the /claim status, the cred to say you're pro so fuck everyone that doubted you along the way.

Now I'm a college grad, a 25yr old skibum with maybe 5-6 years left in Neverland before I need to grow up for reals and go back to grad school; my only goal now is to ski as much as possible during the years I have the freedom to make it happen.

I want to fulfill my potential, to be the best skier my physical ability will allow me to be, and if that happens to lead to a 'pro' lifestyle then so be it, and if not who fucking cares.

Documenting my experiences via photo/film is actually probably more important to me now than ever though. I don't want to be a grandpa telling stories with the kiddies saying "yea right old man, you're full of shit"... I want to be able to sit them down and say, "here, watch this you little shitheads, this is how we skied back in my day and I fucking killed it"
13 years ago
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WU-sconsin
Posts: 565 - Karma: 1,301
Yes,
to get paid for my passion

13 years ago
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Algebra
Posts: 5215 - Karma: 1,678
Yes. But I would rather be a "pro" like a stept guy or TC guy so I wouldn't have to hit jumps over 50feet. I'm a bitch
13 years ago
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JWeinstock
Posts: 3439 - Karma: 1,352
Yes but no.
13 years ago
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Dr.Dickless
Posts: 2620 - Karma: 1,392
I never really wanted to be a pro, I think what I would really like to do is design skis
 or
be an editor or contributor for powder magazine, you get to ski for free and travel for free, but you don't have to deal with potentially career ending injuries
13 years ago
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22738 - Karma: 77,016
I think that its because really deep down inside, I am the quintessential NSer. I mean I 100% skied park all the time, and had absolutely every intention of being pro. Dropped out of school to live the dream and really go for it.

Working at newschoolers was a complete fluke.

I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with having and following a dream. You always hear people say that, and it seems crazy that it could be true. Hell when I wanted to be a pro, I literally learned my first 360 at 19 years old. I didn't even have twins until 20 about 7 days before my first session of High North Ski Camp. I mean that literally has the opposite of career move written all over it.

I was a smart guy in a decent school in Canada... and I literally walked away halfway through my second year to go and start an adult attempt at being a pro skier. Its almost laughable...

But my passions lead me here. Now I have a great job, a great family and overall a pretty great life.

So people who say following your dreams is stupid are just afraid of what might happen if they really did.
13 years ago
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AT-AT
Posts: 3281 - Karma: 3,258
When i was younger like 12-13 i dreamed avidly about become a pro. Now at the age of 21, this ship has long sailed away. I'm no where near good enough lol
13 years ago
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EvanMeyer
Posts: 3828 - Karma: 3,537
Itd be cool but I just wouldnt want to deal with it as a job even though I love skiing I feel like that initial joy wouldnt be there (at least competing). I was watching Andreas Olofsson's While We Can again the other day and everyone who talks in it just gives more reasons as to why I enjoy skiing so much for myself.
13 years ago
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aj_everly
Posts: 563 - Karma: 213
Get it Ryan!
13 years ago
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johnnyBuz
Posts: 1439 - Karma: 1,270
Not everybody Is meant to be pro. I didn't get into skiing park until I was 24 - I knew I would never be pro. But I do it to have fun and progress. Plus I have other hobbies (motorcycles, skydiving) and will be working 60-80 hours a week.

Freestyle is just another hobby that I love deadly. When some of you teens get a little older you will start to realize you can't have the world. You gotta make sacrifices and pursue what you seem important in life.
13 years ago
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thejackal1177
Posts: 3434 - Karma: 2,724
it teaches you values you can apply to jobs in the future. if you can put time and effort into something like that alot comes out of it.
13 years ago
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Caspaaa
Posts: 4830 - Karma: 1,466
Number 32 on my bucketlist is "earn a ski sponsor"

After discovering pow here in park city the last few days i have lost all desire to become a park skier...id rather ski backcountry
13 years ago
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
i did, i still do haha but i have realized its not going to happen, so instead im getting into filming my brothers and friends who really have a chance, iv realized to me its not worth it to go huck myself off crazy jumps to try and get sponsored and what not, kids are to cray these days
13 years ago
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steezyjibber
Posts: 15967 - Karma: 11,027
About 2 or 2.5 years ago I can distinctly remember one night I was drunk and just thinking about how fucking cool it would be and how I wish I could be a pro skier. I think ever since I really got into freestyle, I thought it would be cool, but at one point it was a dream. Since then, it's worn off. I never really thought I could get good enough (and in the few times I did I was probably fooling myself.) There would be no way in hell I could ever be a pro skier though. I just don't have it in me, I don't progress very fast.
13 years ago
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Dr.Gonzo
Posts: 2552 - Karma: 87
Still looking for the first sponsorship, im getting kinda old and it's not going to happen but it doesn't hurt to still dream! University next year and i hope i'll be able to keep skiing but i don't know how much i'll be able to get out first year.
13 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
there are other ways to go about becoming a pro, rather than through comps. honestly id say it's more who you know. iv gotten to know reps over the past two weeks since our area seems to be attracting every pro pow seeker out there.

i still in line for the chair with jeremy jones, pro callout and all. /snowboardclaim
13 years ago
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3ski6guy0
Posts: 9201 - Karma: 135
I definitely wanted to be pro and pretty much gave up any hope last year. Now I Ski Patrol and get to blow shit up. Not a bad gig.
13 years ago
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AntEater
Posts: 207 - Karma: 45
Definitely dreamed every day of being a pro. But now, being 23, i know I don't have a shot. I knew it a few years back, but like bishop said, you hold on to a dream. And i don't regret it at all. I am very content skiing how I want to ski and having fun. I would love love love to work in the ski industry in some capacity, and that is still kind of my dream. I have a computer science degree which seems the opposite of what you would want if you were looking to get involved in the industry, but i think it has helped me appreciate being out there in the mountains even more. There is nothing better than skiing all weekend after 50 hours at a desk. I think my word of advice to all of those out there with the dream, is pursue it. Sure the odds don't seem great, the pay doesn't seem great, but it is your passion. It is something no one can take from you, and in the pursuit of your dreams you will reach them or you will have one hell of a ride trying. I think in this world we need more people following their true dream. Not what their parents want from them, not what society deems as "making it", but what you deem important. So go for it!
13 years ago
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FuckAllOfYou
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 2,518
Kind of. I would want to be a TC, stept or 4bi9 (not wallisch 4bi9, but like john ware) type pro. I don't really want to learn a million diff dubs, or even maybe triples. My goal as of right now is to get a sponsor. I'm still young, so it's super possible. Just gotta keep progressing.
13 years ago
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howlongcanausern
Posts: 4982 - Karma: 1,737
if i'm on salary, don't clock out for ride breaks, and get to ski damn near every day, am I pro?

yes. and god damn it feels good.
13 years ago
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casual
Posts: 6712 - Karma: 6,753
I'm a rookie patroller at Loveland, working full-time, and my life has never been better or more satisfying. It's also really gratifying to sneak park laps and do front 2's out and get looks from everybody. Technically, I'm paid to ski, so I AM pro, haha. Get on my level, bitch!
13 years ago
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Pow.yuHdig*
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 146
when i move back out west and get back into huckin cliffs and gnarly lines i still have pro dreams

i know im not gunna make it in the park I have the tricks i can do and im happy with them doubles dont entice me

but i havent pushed myself far enough in the backcountry pow part of the game, i had one really progressive season then bailed for school, but ill be back
13 years ago
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Pow.yuHdig*
Posts: 1903 - Karma: 146
and im not talkin chris benchetler or tom wallisch pro

im talkin lots of kids watch my edit
13 years ago
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ColinB
Posts: 1452 - Karma: 2,236
I definitely do, i know i'm not good enough at skiing to be a professional competitor, but my dream is to do something in the film industry. 18 though. times running thin. we'll see what happens in college
13 years ago
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,948
I can confirm this.

I knew I would never be a "pro" but there was a certain amount of progression that I had hoped to make - certain flips, maneuvers, rail grinders, etc; never ended up happening. Now I ski for fun and even 540s are a rare occurrence. I like to shred, go fast, hit jumps and find trannys. I'd rather explore than scare myself. I expect to be doing more backcountry than park in the years to come. We'll see.
13 years ago
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