Mountain Minded - Chris Shalbot

Mountain Minded is a series profiling the AI family and friends, exploring the wide array of characters who make the mosaic of Alpine Initiatives. In continuing to develop as an organization, we talk to the people who make it go round, and dedicate their time to the principles of giving back that AI was founded upon. This series dives into the lives and stories of people, and how JP influenced them to reciprocate the good will extended to them in life & skiing.

A Q&A with evo’s Chris Shalbot as discussed and reiterated by Jen Johnson

Skiing is captivating for its innate freedom, creativity, tangible progression and endless horizons. It allows one to feel like an individual while being part of a community. We can all be who and what we want to be within skiing - whether it be a pro skier, supporter, coach, writer, filmer, dad, editor, organizer, owner, student or bird. Our favorite skiers are rarely 2D; they have a depth of experience and knowledge that is invaluable to the community. I got to know evo’s Chris Shalbot at the JP Memorial in Whistler a few years back and I have continued to respect him on and off the mountain. Everyone knows Chris, but he’s not in the public’s eye; exactly who we want to feature in Mountain-Minded.

Tell me of you; what brought you here? Your place, your occupation, your current state of mind?

Right into it, huh?

Of course; tell me?

I grew up in Seattle, didn’t start skiing until my teens. I think it was one of the first things that really let me feel freedom and be creative. And my parents saw my love for it. At some point I was flipping through Freeze Magazine and saw an ad for High North Ski Camp in Whistler. I convinced my parents that’s what I wanted to spend my savings on. That summer fully opened my eyes to what was possible and the rate of progression only fueled my desire to ski more. I did school in Bellingham staggering my classes.

Talk to me about Freeze Magazine and High North; it was a sort of a ‘Youth of a Nation’ or ‘Lords of Dogtown’ movement or moment in my mind. Why?

It was targeted to my generation. It was evolving as skiing was evolving. Freeze had fully committed their energy to capturing that side of skiing. It was gritty and raw; slightly immature and it poked fun at the seriousness of skiing at the same time. There isn’t really anything like it today. We all had subscriptions. We’d talk about an article, like we’d talk about a ski movie or new line we skied. There was nostalgia around it. It had close ties to anybody in the industry at the time. Micah Abrams was the editor and pulled people in. And it was in Whistler; everyone met at camp the summer of ‘98. It was the place to be. Such a small tight knit community. It was the nucleus of what was happening. And Freeze helped bring others into the mix like Shane McConkey and Seth Morrison who were pushing the boundaries in other ways..

The summer of 98’ on the glacier was it; the catalyst?

Skiing was the first place I could feel like an individual but there was community around it; an exposure to a world that operates in a free, creative way. It was captivating, especially at that time. The glacier that summer saw so much progression - it was motivating for everyone. After that, I didn’t know what or where to go - skiing was part of my life and I wanted to find a way to make it a part of my life. I never had aspirations to be a pro skier, but I still wanted to be involved. I find it more rewarding to work with others and highlight what they do.

Why evo?

I skied a bunch with Bryce Phllips and he wanted like-minded individuals with similar values that were looking for a place to grow as well. I’ve been at evo for 13 years. It’s the opportunity to build community and bring people together - a platform to inspire and educate. evo has grown up a bit from the early days with 1000-person ski and snowboard premieres fueled by beer that went late into the night - but the art exhibits, educational workshops and fundraiser events, are still a pillar of the brand. We strive to be inviting and inclusive. Everyone should have the opportunity to access the outdoors and feel welcome. As we’ve grown we’ve put more of a stake in the ground when it comes to that.

I’ve always liked that about you - your ability to check the ego, invite others in and work behind the scenes. Who or what do you look to for inspiration? What keeps you motivated?

I don’t consider myself to be very creative but I can see content that draws you in. I seek out introspective and analytical storytelling and an understanding of the means and motivation for ideas and projects. I have an adventurous spirit within me and professionally I want to make a difference by being a connector and diplomat for the community.

I’m not sure that’s a true statement. You have a clear vision. What’s on the horizon; what’s next?

It’s shifting now. We’ve always relied on our brand partners and now evo is moving more into the creating content - video, photo, etc. We want to tell our story, their story, your story and not simply just market products. We also want to expand evo’s Cause initiative. Like AI, we want to give access to the outdoors for those kids who would not otherwise have it.

Talk to me more about evo Cause. It’s good and smart business - developing and investing in future customers.

We’re investing in a future in which all young people have the opportunity to build their skills, ignite their passions, and achieve their full potential. Our products stand by our mission. evo donates 2% of evo-branded product sales to youth-serving organizations in our community.

Thank you for the support of AI’s Canary Club and our goal to connect people to the mountains. For kids or adults getting into snowsports what advice do you have?

There is a learning curve...but the freedom, the escape or the ability to live in the moment...it allows you to be super present. The action of going skiing - when you strip away the marketing and hype to it, it still is still sliding on snow with your friends. It is a level of simplicity that is really hard to find elsewhere in life.

What do you think people need from AI or are looking for in AI?

To bring people together around skiing. To show people what they can be a part of; that skiing can be welcoming, accessible. There is a real need for community and events that bring like-minded people together.

How did you first hear about Alpine Initiatives?

In its first year, we did a Poor Boyz Productions premier at the store. AI was a cause rooted in skiing that we were happy to support. We made 100 t-shirts from an Eric Pollard design; we had no idea what we were doing, but we did it.

I remember those shirts, they were good; I have one somewhere. It benefited AI’s first project KACH, so thank you. To end, what is your favorite mountain range?

All of it, basically northwest from Pemberton to Seattle. The snow quality is heavier, but sticks to everything. The snowpack is more stable and predictable in a way and there is terrain access from both resorts and roads.

You can follow Chris’ work and life @evo @cshalbot