The Garrett Russell Experience. G-Funk. Garrett. Even if we all call him by different names, we can all rejoice in the fact that Garrett Russell is BACK. After sitting out last season rehabbing a torn ACL, chopping carrots, and drinking whiskey in Telluride, Garrett is back on his feet with a clean bill of health.
While Garrett got his ski legs back under him in Argentina this summer when he wasn’t throwing his GoPro snake at me, he was mostly ferrying around 15 year olds from Long Island and soul shredding. Now with the first video evidence of Garrett’s park ninjaship on the internet, I figured it was time to check in.
Brobomb: How’s your knee feeling these days?
Garrett: The knee is feeling great! It’s this damn collarbone that doesn’t feel so well. Just broke it last week at Northstar. I would tell you how, but can’t remember… guess it might be time to wear a helmet now. Concussions are a headache.
Best thing about being back on skis?
I would have to say the best thing about being on skis is anticipating the good days when and if it will ever snow. Nothing beats a deep storm day with a couple of friends or solo in the mountains.
Best meal you’ve cooked on a camp stove?
All the ones I’ve made while floating down the Grand Canyon… I wouldn’t be able to remember just one or any of them I just know those taste the best after long days on the river.
What motivated you to move to Tahoe for this winter?
A combination of things. One, is no longer having the Alta Lakes Observatory in the family to take care of and maintain… good thing is that it’s in great hands and when I’m ready will be back to help with whatever. Second, is the Mountain of Telluride was lacking appreciation of its homegrown talent and felt separated from the community. We used to have an insane park. Plus the person who is running the show I have no respect for, Dave Riley. Third, I supposedly will be coaching at Sierra Nevada College for students who are interested in an experience that makes them understand skiing safely and creatively. That starts January 20th.
Best thing about Tahoe so far?
Dinner Parties, plus the many new and old faces. Also having access to four different mountains with sick parks and terrain for only around $800. And getting involved with Search and Rescue.
Toughest thing you’ve had to do to keep skiing?
I think the toughest thing I’ve had to do keep skiing was not ski for a year after fucking up my ACL and having surgery. I’ve gained a lot of respect for the many who have endured this and came back to slaughter it!
Who do you look up to the most in skiing?
I look up to the people you’ve probably never heard of… just people to whom shredding is their life, they love and appreciate it, doing whatever it takes to be in the mountains. Most of them are guides and some are writers who share amazing stories or photographers who BBQ atop mountains waiting and hiking up whatever in anticipation of getting the shot. My friends.
Favorite moment from this summer in Argentina?
I would say my favorite moment this summer was the day before I left Bariloche. I survived the season. Being responsible for fulfilling people’s expectations, friends vacations, and guiding in a foreign country can be quite heavy. Not even a volcano stopped the family of SGT. My dad had made it down to visit after not leaving the country since Vietnam and made it safely from Bariloche to Panama, which was my next destination.
I was chilling on the beach with my brother, friend Mauri Cambilla and his girlfriend Steph when it all hit me. What a fucking insane experience the previous three months have been. Fuck, the past seven years of endless winter intertwined with how many people I’ve been able to share the dream of living life freely as a skier.
What’s your attitude on drinking, drugs, and skiing?
I once asked an old friend and owner of a ski shop Bob how he’s done it. Years of being involved in the scene from back in the 70′s to now and still be able to party hard and ski hard. He responded the ski world is a party you just need to go with it and know your place in it… something like that.
Skiing is surrounded by partying like it’s its own culture. The people in the industry like it, the gapers who travel to ski love it, and most athletes imitate rock starts. Just do your best to keep yourself heathy, stay away from hard drugs, don’t drink and drive (not being allowed into Canada fucking blows) and use your head!
Best thing in skiing these days?
The best thing in skiing these days is the gear… Its changed the sport a lot. How long you can ski without using too much energy, keeping warm, touring farther, staying alive longer if shit hits the fan. This also means more gapers lurking all over the place, which is not a good thing.
Dumbest thing in skiing these days?
The lack of healthcare in the sport. That might change for up and comers with the Olympics and all, but who knows. I feel very fortunate with all my sponsors continuing to support me. I just wish I could come up with a contract to give them so they could help me out with insurance. That shit’s expensive!
