I don't blame anyone whose oblivious to how little money is in the ski industry, It took me over10 years of being involved in it as a random grom and someone who wanted to be a "Pro Skier" and now someone who works for an established ski company.
Here are some facts that will save you some time. Great edits are made by great skiing, and someone who can frame a decent shot. You don't need to be running an $8k rig to get it done. If you're truly passionate you'll save up the money to get a decent set up, and have your friend film you. and that greatness will show in your edit.
Second I imagine the reason people who knew didn't enter is because they're scared, the excuse"I would not win" while valid is a bigger cover up for I'm not comfortable with people knowing how good or not of a skier I really am. While its easy to get up and say I can't believe kids put up shitty edits. The reality is they had the personal courage to stand up and say Here I am and this is what I love to do. Not everyone is gifted artistically, but the fact that they are trying should be applauded more than it should be shunned. There is a tremendous amount of talented skiers and individuals on this site that don't contribute because of the trolls and the hacks that will badger and harass them. No matter what level you get at, when someone tells you the project you invested yourself into is shit, it hurts even if just a little. The reason the people troll is because they lack control in their life and hurting and insulting others makes them feel powerful.
Third, and this is most important for anyone that wants to be a pro skier $100k is a ton of money, most "Pro" skiers don't make that in a year, if they are lucky they make that in two or three. its economics, the more used skis, or clearance priced gear you buy the more shops close or cut back orders, less product is ordered. less marketing budgets mean less money for athletes. I don't know how much each individual athlete in the industry makes collectively from their sponsors, but I do know film companies don't make what you think they do, and neither do the athletes its not even close. If you think you're going to walk out of a skiing career with a nice house and no debt then you need to readjust your dreams and start thinking about tennis, because its a statistical anomaly when it happens.
That being said, props to the 42 people that didn't make excuses and went out and just got it done, and to those who didn't enter I look forward to watching all of your edits next season whether you can win or not.
Mcnutt- That was an unreal edit, your riding is inspiring. keep up the good work and stay healthy man.
