Meet Colter Hinchliffe | Professional skier

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

Hi Colter, what role has risk played in your life or career?
As a professional skier taking risks is a huge part of my career and my life. Managing those risks is what has provided longevity and success in my career, and again my life! A huge part of my career revolves around being in ski movies which is where we gain exposure as athletes which his what is valuable to brands who support us. There is a saying in the ski movie industry “If you’re aren’t scared it’s not going to make the movie” which has some truth to it! The reason most of us go to our position as Pro Skiers is because we love skiing and have given our lives to the sport. Pushing our skiing is important to us, and in turn pushing the sport of skiing to new levels. Pushing our skiing means skiing lines that are scary and falls could mean tumbling down a mountain and possibly getting hurt or worse. It means trying tricks where you might not land on your feet! The type of skiing I do is mostly done in the backcountry which is not controlled for avalanches. This factor carries its own risk, and its own reward.

Managing these risks comes with years and years of experience and learning from mentors and also other peoples mistakes. It means being hyper aware of your surroundings in the mountains. It means paying attention to all cues all day long, all season long including weather, environment, human factors, gear conditions, snow conditions, avalanche conditions and so on. Above all it means making sound decisions that do not get clouded by desire to get the shot, which can happen all too easily. It also means getting lucky sometimes. The old mantra “No risk, no reward” rings true, but that risk must be understood, and managed in a professional way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Skiing for cameras is like being apart of a community art project where everyones vision and creation comes together for one collective masterpiece annually. Each day we are in the field filming we see the most beautiful things and find ways to ski amongst the epicness. We are often chasing light which moves quicker than we can get to it, so thinking ahead and moving at a pace keeps things productive. We are also telling a story at the same time. The whole process is fragile and I certainly consider it my art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love bringing people to the mountains and showing them a bit of the magic. We have great access off the top of the gondola here in Aspen and its such as easy way to get up into the mtns. It is a great way to show someone a slice of the world and of course we have a world class mountain town at the bottom of the hill with apres and wine and dine to keep your wallet empty.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Teton Gravity Research is a film company from Jackson Hole who did a lot for my career by believing in me and working with me. Volkl Skis is a long standing sponsor of mine who has done a ton for me in my career with support and more. My parents let me follow my dreams with full support. I have learned from veterans of the sport like Sage, Ian, Todd, Tim and many more. Certain cinematographers have both taught me things early in my career, and/or worked their asses off to film amazing segments over the years. Matty Moo, Jill, Aharone, Pat, B Dann, J Fann, Joey, Brad Holmes, and so on.. Shout out to all you legends!

Instagram: colterjh

Image Credits
Matt Power