10 MINUTES: With Jessica Sobolowski
Jessica Sobolowski’s season ended abruptly last January when she blew out her knee while filming in Utah. But it’s not like Jessica to sit around and mope. She spent the rest of the winter in Cordova working at Points North Heli Adventures and researching knee injuries, specifically why women are more prone to them (read her story in the women’s issue of Powder this fall). The injury has made Jessica stronger—she’s putting some serious hours into rehab and training and is looking forward to a full-throttle winter. She’ll be filming all over the world when the snow hits, but for now she’s enjoying the summer in Squaw Valley. –Jenny Hyne
CLICK HERE TO WATCH A CLIP OF JES
How’s the rehab coming?
I’m doing much better now. My surgeon just cleared me to start mountain biking again.
What has the injury taught you?
I have definitely learned more about my body and the anatomy of it from my injury. I’ve been injured before—a fractured sternum and dislocated thumb—but never a season ending injury. It allowed me to focus on body parts that I was neglecting. I have always been an exercise junkie because that's what makes me tick, but that doesn’t mean your always hitting on crucial exercises for the sports you do. You just have to go in with an open, positive mind. Your body doesn’t do well when your mind is bummed out, so it's so important to stay positive and focused on the bigger picture.
What do you do in your free time?
Running, working out at the gym, and relaxing with friends. I’m really active, but in my down time I hang out with my two Akitas, AJ and Taz. I also love to cook.
Why do you make Squaw your home?
KT-22. Every run off it is awesome. I like The Fingers when there isn’t a huge crowd watching you. It’s like a mini Alaska.
Best powder day?
Two years ago at Squaw it snowed for days. My buddies and I were skiing every day because we just kept getting powder day after powder day. We were psyched to have those kinds of conditions so early in the season. It was like a dream come true.
What are your plans for this winter?
I want film as much as possible. This year I’ll be in Alaska and Europe. When I first started as a pro I was worried when I didn’t have concrete plans for the winter. But around November and December things just fall into place. I also just signed a three year contract with Volkl, Tecnica and Marker.
Who do you enjoy skiing with?
That’s a hard one because there are just so many people. I enjoy skiing with anyone that challenges me. We have such a good crew here at Squaw so there is always someone to ski with. I really like skiing with my boyfriend [Kevin Quinn] too.
Which direction do you see women’s skiing headed?
It’s been progressing big time in the past couple years. It’s been an uphill battle for women to be recognized but they’re really stepping up to the plate. It’s definitely on an upward climb. It’s an exciting time for women’s skiing.
What was it like working at Points North?
The vibe up there is unbelievable. You’re basically witnessing people experience the best days of their lives. They have the best crew imaginable.
Anything you do to relax before you drop a line?
I don’t know if there is a good way to relax. I guess I just try to take deep breaths and visualize my line. I’m constantly going over where my safe zones are in the back of my head.
What’s your most memorable ski trip?
Last year I spent three weeks filming in Alaska. Trips are most memorable when you’re with people you have great energy with. We had a good crew and I got to ski something I’d never done before.
Where do you hope to ski one day?
Probably Norway. I’ve heard it’s amazing. You don’t always have the best with the weather, but I’d like to take the gamble.