'I have seen many relationships fall apart on the slopes'

Michael Marsee - A great snowboarder from Silverton, Colorado, USA

- How did you become a snowboarder?

I started out as a skier when I was 15 on a class trip to Colorado over Christmas break. Didn't try snowboarding until I was 19. The first time I tried I had some very hard falls and wanted nothing to do with the sport. But later in the spring when the snow was softening up and the sun was warm I gave it a second try. After carving my first big turn I was hooked!

- For how many years have you been riding?

I have been riding 12 years and loving it more and more each year.

- Why do you prefer snowboard to ski?

When I started snowboarding skis were straight and narrow. I love floating on powder and carving big turns on a snowboard.

- Tell me about your most dangerous or extreme snowboarding.

I lived in Vail Colorado for many years skiing the back bowls of Vail and some steep trees. This year I moved to the little town of Silverton Colorado (population 485) surrounded by 4,000 meters mountains averaging over 12 meters of snow each year. Silverton Mountain has one lift, one helicopter, and no cut trails.

When I am not at Silverton Mountain I can skin out my front door into the backcountry on a split board (Venture Snowbards are made here in Silverton), or jump on a snowcat trip with Silverton Powdercats, or go snowkiting.

- Tell me about the one you will never forget?

She was hot! She could totally keep up in the trees and loved deep powder as much as me… … I was young and the winter eventually had to come to an end. ☺

- Where did you ride? Tell me about the most interesting or exotic places.

I do most of my riding in Colorado. Dry snow and 300 days of sunshine.

- Have you ever heard about some of the Bulgarian winter resorts?

Nope.

- Would you like to try snowboarding in Bulgaria?

I am always up for a new adventure.

- How do you protect yourself while you are riding?

I always wear a helmet! It saved my life when I was at Copper Mountain. I hiked to the peak on a powder day and was heading down to a powder field in a tucked position and the next thing I knew I was looking into the blue sky. My snowboard was ripped apart and my helmet in compressed and torn. There was a boulder field covered by the fresh powder and I went full speed into it.

- Do have any requirements to the equipment?

Boots that fit great! If your boots don't fit you have no control and life on the slopes will suck. Also dress in layers… and stay dry.

- What would you advise the beginners in snowboarding?

Normally it isn't a good idea to have your boyfriend/ girlfriend teach you! I have seen many relationships fall apart on the slopes. Go with a friend or get a lesson… when you get tired take a break or call it a day. Consider wearing wrist guards and try to relax. After 3 consecutive days you should really see good improvement. Its not un-normal to have the feeling snowboarding is impossible on your first day… it just takes time for it to all come together.

- What does snowboarding mean to you?

Snowboarding is a great sport. I don't have anything to prove to anyone… I snowboard for my own enjoyment and love sharing the experience with others.

- Do you believe in love at firstslope? (Like a firstsight. It is a joke:))))

Absolutely! Its when you get off the beaten path you discover the best run. :-) I guess we are are always looking for that great moment that stretches into a lifetime. ... a passion that never fades away.