Meet Bruce Ruff | Pro Skier

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bruce Ruff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bruce, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I say go for it! You never know what you can accomplish if you’re not willing to take a risk.

When I was 21 years old, I had the dream of moving from New York to Colorado to become a pro-skier. Forty four years later I am still a professional skier, living out my dream. I left New York with very little money and not knowing where I was going to live or work, I managed to figure it all out and never returned to New York. Skiing everyday and working at night were the catalysts for me to compete on the pro mogul tour for 14 years. I had the opportunity to travel to new places and meet new people.

After competing, my skiing led me to being featured in photos and videos for multiple different Colorado ski areas, as well as their magazines and billboards. I still shoot with a pool of photographers / videographers today. I took a risk on an ad and ended up in the movie Dumb and Dumber. I vividly remember eating dinner with Jim Carrey in Breckenridge after shooting my scenes for the day.

My risk taking also allowed me to be invited to compete in the first ever ESPN X games by reaching 72 mph on in-line skates.

Yes, I believe in taking risks!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been a fully sponsored professional skier for 44 years. I currently ski for 7 different companies. I am fortunate to be supported by Icelantic skis, Helly Hansen clothes, Leki ski poles , Roxa ski boots, Bern helmets, Loveland ski area and Bolle’ eye wear. What I have learned over the course of 44 years is that in order to represent a company and retain their support, you must put that company fist, and give them a reason to continue to support you. This means continuous communication on what you are doing for that company. In my case it is exposure that the companies I ski for are expecting and I work hard to get each one of them in as many videos and photos as possible. Each time it snows, it takes planning and commitment to get out early and get quality photos and videos . This means working and not skiing with friends.

Being an athlete is not easy. I train year round to stay fit and fend off injury.

Unfortunately injuries occur and I have had to bounce back many times from serious injuries.

I am proud to be entering my 45th year of skiing professionally at the age of 65!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them on a brewery tour at Coors brewery for the coldest, freshest beer you have ever tasted. I would take them tubing down clear creek in Golden and then end up at the Golden Mill food court.

Mountain biking on North Table mountain would also be a priority.

Paddle boarding on Stanley lake would have to be fit in on a calm morning.

I always show off Red Rocks Amphitheatre to out of town guests.

A trip up Mt Evans auto road is always a highlight.

I would definitely cap off the week with a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife Cindi is my biggest supporter. She has been by my side through so many surgeries, injuries and rehabs that come with being an athlete. Most recently she has been my rock through my cancer diagnosis.

Instagram: @skierbruceruff

Image Credits
First photo Jack Afflack First of 4 Dustin Schaefer Second and third of 4 Casey Day forth photo Dustin Schaefer