Diary Of A Pro Skier: Garrett Russell

SOUL FUNK

I recently spoke with my friend, pro skier Garrett Russell. He had just returned to Squaw after spending June through November in Argentina skiing, guiding, fishing, riding horses to find printers and chocolate milk, and anything else his creative mind conjured. He was as he typically is–affable, joyous, giggly, spirited. There was, however, a bit of lamentation in his voice. He was apprehensive about the state of skiing as a sport, as a lifestyle, and his place within them.

Garrett is a passionate man, talented skier, and devoted artist. He wants to stay true to his passion and creative impulse. For him, skiing is more than a sport, deeper than a hobby. Garrett is skiing’s version of a soul surfer. Skiing is Garrett’s art, the mountain his canvas, his planks the brush, his connection to the world his muse. His issue is omnipresent in the life of a dedicated artist: How can he, the artist, stay true to his passion and have integrity while also having the ability to make a living? Garrett is a professional skier and ski guide. He is also a professional bartender, bar back, server, busser, handyman, painter, day laborer, and whatever else need be so that he can pay rent, eat, and have a little scratch on the side…maybe.

The lament was brief and, typical of our conversations, the subject shifted quickly back toward the positive. No conclusions were drawn, nor grand scheme hatched to solve the spiritual and financial trajectory of skiing. Instead, our conversation turned back to the fun of the sport, how it makes us feel, the soul enrichment in the initiation of the turn. We spoke about skiing heavy technical lines, whooping and hollering in the run out while headed toward the high-fives and hugs of our friends. We talked about the philosophy of skiing and where it lives within us.

The call ended how it began, in laughter. After hanging up, I leaned back in the chair at my desk. I inventoried the tasked sticky notes adorning the walls of my cubicle and the silent colorful contrast of the neighboring ski posters that share the grey real-estate. I looked up, smiled and nodded, chuckled. The interconnectedness was there. The fire was stoked. The next morning I grabbed my skis.

By: Paddy O’Connell

JOURNAL ENTRY #1

-The Divine Entity- (Demigod)

“Um…didn’t know this phrase actually existed. -A deified man /n. a male being often the offspring of a god and a mortal.

– To be what I would like to be, or how now I live my life would be somewhat a Divine Entity. Without knowing the meaning, the words come into my mind– as a skier, person, lover, and observer, my life revolves around absorbing the moments at hand.

Hard to say what my purpose is, I feel compelled to be. I love the being…all beings and existences. But who I am, is what seperates my being.

Thus- A feeling, more or less, a lifestyle.        I AM – We Are – they are or will be – Someday…the part of god that makes this world spin-“