TPM Episode 259: Mark Abma, Pro Skier

Mark Abma isn’t your typical pro skier.  If you break him down, he’s part elite athlete, part farm boy, part hippy, part businessman and part dreamer with a work ethic that puts most people to shame.  On part one of his podcast, we talk about the journey from his dad’s welding shop, to the Hemlock Valley Freestyle Team, to the BC Freestyle Team, to the X -Games, to the big mountains, to the big screen and beyond.  Abma is a legend, and his story will surprise you.

Mark Abma Show Notes:

3:30:  Being the young guy on the Yearbook and Focused shoots, mentoring the young guys today, and other guys who teach him about the backcountry

11:00:  Sid sized life, work ethic, what else did he do, skiing at 10, and inspirations

16:30:  Freestyle team at Hemlock Valley, getting into the side country, and not being a great skier form the get go

22:00:  Stanley:  Get 30% off site wide with the code drinkfast

Peter Glenn Ski and Sports:  Over 60 years of getting you out there

10 Barrel Brewery:  Buy their beers, they support action sports more than anyone

24:30:  Traveling for moguls, how is he doing, almost freezing to death, and getting on the BC Freestyle Team

30:00:  Rex Thomas and other bodybuilding skiers, are the Olympics the dream, seeing the new school of skiing for the first time, and getting into the competitive circuit.

33:00:  What sucks about moguls, declining spot on the Canadian National Team, seeing the path in the park and pipe, and doubters

35:00:  Sid sized goals, struggling with odd jobs, local contests, ski cross, Fisher skis and early Japan trips with Pollard and Mike Nick

41:30:  Alpine Vans:  Upgrade your adventure, Upgrade your life

Elan Skis:  Over 75 years of innovation that makes you better

43:30:  What Anthony Borownowski did for his career:  Superpark, shooting with TGR, shooting with MSP, meeting K2 and paying his rent

47:00:  His joke of a Frankensled, high speed crashed on his sled, longlining his sled out of the BC, and not being comfortable with self-promotion

53:00:  Smith, Sessions, the US Open, X Games, being star struck, and finally being accepted by the cool kids

58:30:  Inappropriate Questions with Chris Turpin