Jeremy Benson

After graduating from Saint Michael's College in Vermont I did like any ski addicted east coaster and transplanted myself out west. I moved to Tahoe City in the fall of 2001 to spend a winter skiing before I got a "real job". A decade later and I'm still here and even more hopelessly addicted to skiing than ever. I'm a big mountain skier based out of Alpine Meadows ski resort and these days I spend about half my days hiking around in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada. I prefer to ski smooth snow whenever possible and that is one of many factors that has me constantly searching for fresh snow anywhere I can find it. My favorite thing about skiing is the feeling that it gives you, there's nothing else like it in the world.

Nickname:
Benson
Date of Birth:
May 31, 1979
Nationality:
US
Hometown:
Tahoe City, CA
Hobbies:
Skiing, Backcountry skiing, Mountain biking, hiking, writing

Life motto:
I don't really have one...
Sponsors:
Volkl, Marker, Dalbello, Columbia Sportswear, GIRO, Leki, PortersTahoe.com, Alpine Meadows, Shred Alert hats, Powerbar
Website:
jeremywbenson.blogspot.com
Home mountain:
Alpine Meadows, and anywhere in CA backcountry
Height:
6'0"
Most important contest results or achievements in your ski career:
I am living my dream.
What is your favorite ski in 2011/2012 Collection?
The 190cm Katana
Short statement about why you like this ski:
This is the best performing most versatile ski I have ever used. From arcing turns on hardpack to skiing powder in the backcountry this ski handles it all in smooth, confident, Volkl style.
What conditions do you use this ski for?
All. This is my go to ski in the backcountry and is ideal for pretty much every condition every day. I do opt for my Shiro's on big days at the resort or when skiing off a cat or heli...
What other skis in the 2011/2012 collection do you ride?
The 193 Shrio, the ultimate powder ski. Talk about landing gear, one of the most confidence inspiring big mountain skis I've ever used.
What about bindings? What bindings do you use? And where do you mount them?
I ski the new Jester Pro on my resort skis, and generally I mount them about 1 cm forward of the more traditional boot center line. On my BC skis I use the Duke because I love to feel confident in my ski setup after I've hiked a long way to ski something gnarly.
What DIN do you have your bindings on?
14-16 depending on where I'm skiing and what I'm planning on doing
Ski hero growing up:
Shane McConkey
Ideal day in the mountains:
A couple friends, Sunny skies, a couple feet of new California powder, and a mountain to ourselves in the Cali backcountry.
How would you describe your style:
I do my best to have a calm, smooth style. No matter how difficult the terrain I like to make it look like I'm not even trying. I also hate falling, so I do my best to know that I can do whatever it is that I am attempting.
Your biggest breakthrough in your skiing career.
Meeting and shooting photos with the master, Will Wissman.
Favorite place to ride:
Resort: Alpine Meadows ski area, otherwise anywhere in the Sierra Nevada backcountry, the most beautiful mountain range in the U.S..
Best snow trip:
In January of 2011 I went on a magazine article trip to Icefall Lodge in BC. It snowed over 7 feet that week and we skied private overhead backcountry powder for the entire time.
What age did you start to ski:
6 years old, I learned to ski off rope tows at Woodbury Ski and Racquet in Woodbury, CT.
What cant you live without:
Sushi, ski areas less than 5 miles from where I live, and mountain biking out my door...
Favorite phone App.
I don't own a smart phone
Goals and plans:
Ski today, ski tomorrow. Continuing to live the dream is just as important as living it. As much as I want to be the raddest guy out there I also want to enjoy a long and healthy life as skier. Living doing what I love is the ultimate goal...