Cover Photo: Owen Dahlberg. Words by Twig.
There aren’t too many ATV skiers these days. Then again, there aren’t too many skiers like Hunter Hess full stop. He’s something of a paradox. Hunter is clearly motivated by tangible competition success and is certainly very competitive when points are on the line. Yet unlike many competitors where that competitive nature tends to boil over into a singular drive for points, or frankly, an unpleasant attitude, Hunter remains both endlessly likable and loyal to his values. He stays true to his sponsors, having been with Dragon and MDV for a decade. He runs with much the same crew year after year producing banger movies. And he continues to pursue all aspects of this funny little world we call freeskiing with a genuine spark and passion that is surprisingly rare. It’s hard to imagine how he stays hungry and motivated, so we sat down with him to find out what makes him tick.
_
What’s up Hunter, been a minute. Let’s open with one about ASH the new Magma movie, you filmed this one in Europe, right? Can we expect something similar from Magma movies otherwise?
Yeah! All of Ash was filmed in Europe. We wanted a new look, not only for the video but for ourselves as well. The terrain in Europe is next level and we wanted to see what we could do. It's definitely the same old thing though. Jump, cheese wedge, wall-ride, it's all the same wherever you do it *laughs*.
How do you balance the demands of a film career with competing on the comp circuit?
It's a really hectic schedule. Comps from maybe December to March or April and then some filming when we can, mainly over Christmas, and then straight into it when the comps are done. At the end of the day though, it's skiing and we're super lucky to do it. That being said, you gotta be hungry. It's a grind but a worthy one!
Arguable THE trick that made this past season a comp season to remember
_
Speaking of comps, I think it’s fair to say the past season has been your most successful to date. How much did it mean to you to finally start hitting the podium with regularity?
Yeah, it was definitely the best season I’ve had, results-wise. Finally getting some podium spots was one of the best feelings ever. I think that doing events year in and year out without any results can take a toll. Both from a personal and professional perspective. Having all your hard work finally receive some love is beyond gratifying. I hope to keep it up for years to come! It's too damn fun!
What would you say personally that you find particularly or most rewarding in skiing these days?
I would say contest success has been one of the best feelings. It's just where I put most of my time, so the reward is epic. However, getting any clip has been more and more enjoyable every year. It is such a free form of expression and the best way to push yourself / your skiing. Both have their perks.
The clip grind never ends, but Hunter is always on
_
All of us are part of a pretty unique niche in skiing that makes up a tight-knit community. What's your favorite aspect of freeski culture? And the least favorite, aside from these interviews?
I love the filming side of skiing! The people, events, support, etc. All are amazing and so fun to be a part of. My least favorite has to be some of the egos in comp/pipe skiing. Some contests are grueling to be involved in. Just a crazy perspective on skiing. I think everyone has their own reason for it but it's got to be the least enjoyable side of skiing (in recent years).
Where do you see your career going in the next couple of years? Are you trying for the Olympics?
I'm for sure trying for the O show. It's such a cool thing to have the opportunity to experience. Getting one of those medals is my main focus for sure. Beyond that, I would love to keep competing and pushing my pipe skiing while filming. I love MAGMA and hanging with Alex and Owen. I want to push our ability to reach people and introduce them to freestyle skiing. It's such a beautiful sport with amazing people! Everyone should see that special human side of it and feel involved. Anything I can do to make that happen is my goal.
Nines at Nines
_
How does support from sponsors compare with dealing with national federations on the comp side?
The personal side of the relationship with sponsors is sick. It's a little different than any national team situation because it’s a collaboration of resources. What can I bring to the table and what can we create together to succeed? It's that search and team aspect that means the world to me. I want to feel involved and get somewhere with the companies I ride for. All the brands I ride for, Marker, Volkl, Dalbello, and Dragon, I have that great personal connection to.
You tend to stick with your sponsors longer term. How long have you been with your main sponsors and do you think sticking with a brand is important?
I've been with Volkl and Dalbello for 10 years, Dragon for 9 years, and Marker for around 14 or 15 years (shout out to the Marker Squire rookie team). I grew up with these companies. They mean a lot to me. They supported me when I was a child and helped me fulfill my biggest dreams. Any company that does that, has my fullest support. Again, it's a collaboration. I hope we both get the most out of the partnership! At the end of the day, they make things like the Magma movies happen and I’m super grateful.
Hunter's incredible solo project, Soulstar, highlights his versatility and drive
_
This is the question we always get asked to ask. What gear do you actually rock during the season?
For skis, I mostly run the Revolt 104 or the Revolt 84 (for pipe). Both are killer skis. I sometimes use the Revolt 96 too but I kinda like the way the 104 feels in mushier snow. For bindings, I always rock the Jester 18 Pro. This has been the binding I have trusted for 10+ years. I do everything with it and hold the relationship that we've built close to my heart *laughs*. For boots, I've been jumping around from the Cabrio 120 and the Cabrio 130. They are pretty much the same boot. I honestly change it up based on what color I like. I feel proper professional saying that. I've also run the IL MORO. They are all pretty similar in terms of performance and fit. I can spend all day in them and love them all. For goggles, I rock the D1 a lot. That has kinda been my staple goggle. It's a great frame and looks good on anyone. And honestly, it’s pretty cool to rock a goggle that pretty much anyone can afford too. Clothes-wise, I tend to rock Magma stuff mostly, and some pants I’m stoked on. I like to keep it simple.
Awesome, thanks for your time, Hunter. Mark your calendars, everyone, ASH drops on December 5th and Hunter will be crushing pipe comps all winter long.
Comments