9 quick questions with pro-freeskier Shane Carmichael

Shane Carmichael, Faction freeskier, was out skiing with us during our first ever Steep Week this February, we caught up with him between ski runs to ask a few questions...Q1 - So you've just finished experiencing the first ever WASA/TLH Steep Week, can you give me 3 words to describe your experience?

SC - Best time ever.

Q2 - What did you expect going into the trip and was there anything that surprised you?
SC - I didn't really know what to expect, but i was definitely surprised by how much vertical we skied every day.

Q3 - Was this your first time heli-skiing? If so what was the best part about it? If not how did this experience differ from others?

SC - Yeah, first time heli-skiing. Best part was skiing so much powder you can just ski so many runs with a heli to bump you (back) up every time.

Q4 - What kind of terrain do you find the most fun to ski?
SC - I love steep and deep runs off of large peaks.

Q5 - Where do you normally ski and how does the terrain at TLH compare?

SC - I typically ski in Whistler and the surrounding backcountry. The terrain is very similar but with no competition from other skiers, just your heli group and powder.

Q6 - Being an experienced professional freeskier yourself what do you think yourself or others might have gained from the week?

SC - I think everyone learned a bit about terrain selection and skiing hard while staying within our own personal boundaries.

Q7 - How did you get into the world of professional freeskiing? Who are your sponsors?

SC - I competed in big mountain competitions for a few years on the world tour circuit, and i work closely with numerous professional videographers and photographers. I ride for Faction Skis.

Q8 - When you aren't out skiing what are you doing?SC - I play bass and do vocals in a Heavy Metal Band (myspace.com/hoopsnakeriffs ). I am also an owner/operator of a roofing company in Squamish, BC.Q9 - What would you tell your friends or other people who are thinking of taking the next TLH & WASA Steep Week April 8 - 15, 2011?SC - Do it and you will have the best ski experience of your life. The terrain is unbelievable, and the guides/coaches are the best i have ever seen.

Check out the short video from Shane's trip and see what he's talking about!

Tyax Lodge Heli with Shane Carmichael and friends. from shane carmichael on Vimeo.

The New Tyax Lodge

10 minutes with the creator of Steep Week

Jonny Simms is a trained CAA Avalanche professional, ACMG Ski guide and co-founder of the Whistler Alpine Steep Academy (WASA). He's also funny, down to earth and one of the hardest workers out there focusing on his guiding work at TLH Heliskiing and also on growing his own free-ski coaching/guiding business. I recently had the chance to sit down with Jonny to talk about the upcoming TLH & WASA Steep Week and learn a bit more about how it all came together and what we should expect from the week...

Q1 - What can guests expect at the first ever TLH/WASA Steep Week?

JS - Guests can expect to get some professional coaching from Ryan, he will be giving pointers on techniques in different types of technical terrain and showing guests how it's done. I will be providing the best possible challenging terrain given the conditions and snowpack at the time. Guests will challenge their own skill levels while still working within their own comfort levels and having a great time!

Q2 - What gave you the idea to start WASA and how did it all come about?

The idea came from the combination of the guiding industry with the pro skier industry. Bringing the two together, we felt we could create a product that was original and high end. I come from the guiding side and Ryan from the professional skier side.

Q3 - How long have you known Ryan and how did you guys meet?

JS - Ryan and I have known each other for about ten years. We use to ski together in his hometown of Fernie, BC. I moved to Fernie to start my ACMG Guide certification process with the local College of the Rockies. Ryan and his longtime friends were the better skiers in the community. I would bump into Ryan every year or so through out the ski industry. At that time, he was traveling alot internationally as a professional skier.

Q4 - What made you want to become a guide?

JS - I decided to become a guide because of the freedom it offers. Seasonal work and a variety of different working environments. From heli skiing, ski touring, climbing and ice climbing.

Q5 - If you had it your way what would your fave run look like?

JS - My fave run would be from glacier summit to low elevation valley bottom. In the 6-7000 foot range. Runs that take 20-30 minutes to ski. I prefer runs with interesting pillow drops, steeper lines and deep snow.

Q6 - Do you have a favourite run at TLH?

Favourite run at TLH is Apollo.

Jonny is a busy guy and had to run off to take care of some of his guiding duties but not before he showed me the latest edition of WASA TV, filmed at TLH Heliskiing this winter, check it out.