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SCOTT Freeride athlete, Dane Tudor, knows a little something about shredding big lines. What gear does he like to use when out on the mountain? We recently caught up with Dane to ask him just that, and more.
“Finding the right line, riding deep powder, dropping huge cliffs and going fast is what SCOTT`s world-class Freeride team lives for.”
#1 How did you get into skiing and what lead to it becoming more than a recreational hobby?
My mum introduced me to skiing when I was 2 years old and I’ve been skiing ever since. I grew up in a small mountain town deeply rooted in skiing and was homeschooled from 4th grade, this gave me the opportunity to ski everyday. I spent my days ski race training, skiing the mountain and competing in big mountain contests. I was and still am very competitive which enabled me to do well. I won the majority of big mountain events I entered and won the K2 provincial championships in Canada.
I was inspired by ski movies made during the time and wanted to be pictured in ski movies like my favorite skiers, so I pursued the path of becoming a film skier. People said there’s no money in skiing, which didn’t bother me because I just loved filming, and seeing the finished product. I managed to score a spot filming with Jeff Thomas at Theory-3 Media when I was 18 and began my career as a film skier. I’m now on my 10th year of film skiing and operating a successful career within the industry. I’ve never worried about money, just pursued my dreams and it’s worked out really well.
I’ve never worried about money, just pursued my dreams and it’s worked out really well.
#2 When/ where was the first time you skied huge terrain?
Mike Douglas invited me on a Salomon Freeski TV heli ski trip to Alaska when I was 19. It was the first time I’d been heli-skiing and my first time riding Alaska terrain.
#3 Current ski gear setup?
I ride head to toe SCOTT SPORTS gear.
My setup is: Skis – SCRAPPER 115’s, Goggles – LCG, Outerwear – Vertic Tour, Helmet – Symbol 2, Boots – G2 120, Back pack – Mountain 35
#4 Gear you can’t live without?
All of my ski equipment.
#5 What impacts your decision most on what skis to ride on any given day?
I rotate 2 pairs of SCOTT skis depending on snow conditions. I ride the SCRAPPER 115’s for backcountry and deep powder days and the Punisher 105’s on the ski hill. I choose the narrower ski for the ski hill because of the variable conditions.
#6 Other gear in the arsenal you like to use?
I really like the VERTIC TOUR outwear kit because it’s a blend of 3-layer Gore-Tex and gore-c knit; this makes the outerwear lighter and more packable.
#7 What’s the ultimate thrill ride for you?
I’ve lived an action sports lifestyle since I was a kid; this enables me to transition to different action sports with ease. I enjoy anything that’s high intensity and requires a hyper-focused mind.
#8 What’s the scare factor on this type of terrain and how do you overcome it (or make it work for you)?
The more you’re exposed to intense terrain, the more used to it you get. I feel pretty comfortable riding pillow and big mountain terrain. I’ve recently been getting into some mountaineering and that can certainly make me feel uncomfortable because of the exposure, something I will get used to over time. I manage my nerves during intense moments in gnarly environments with breathing and looking out to the mountains, soaking in the moment and calming the mind and telling myself “you’ve got this”.
I manage my nerves during intense moments in gnarly environments with breathing and looking out to the mountains, soaking in the moment and calming the mind and telling myself “you’ve got this”.
#9 Tell us about a recent powder day?
This year has been all time, we’ve gotten a ton of snow and my local ski hill has been great. I rode back to back 2 days straight, bell to bell – logging 15 runs a day for a total of 30 runs in two days.
#10 Best skiing on earth?
Social media is exposing secret locations so quickly these days, so I’ll have to let you find out for yourself! 🙂
Big thank you to Dane for sharing his experience and photos with SnowBrains.
To find out more or to follow Dane on social media:
Website: DaneTudor.com
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DaneTudorShreds
Instagram: https://instagram.com/DaneTudor
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/danetudor
