Skiing Is - Chris Benchetler and Daron Rahlves Weigh In on Atomic Film
SKIING IS...A WAY OF LIFE:
Chris Benchetler and Daron Rahlves Weigh In on Atomic Film
By Alison Levy
“We all do something different in the world of skiing, but it’s all driven from passion,” recalls Daron Rahlves as he tries to describe the mission of Atomic’s newest team film, Skiing Is__. The movie is the creation of legendary ski filmmaker Kris Ostness and features high profile skiers from every discipline of the sport. Skiing Is__ follows Daron Rahlves, Chris Benchetler, Jossi Wells, and a bunch of Atomic skiers as they push the sport to new levels and cross the line between disciplines. Unlike most ski films that separate freestylers from racers and big mountain riders, Ostness brings all the athletes together to feed off each other and shred all types of terrain from Alaska to Aspen. For Chris Benchetler, skiing is life and if you want to find out what skiing means to Daron Rahlves and the other Atomic athletes, then you’ll just have to read on and watch Skiing Is__.
POWDER: Why did you stop racing and start exploring other areas of the ski world? DARON RAHLVES: I’m a skier and want to know more than just alpine racing.
POWDER: Do you ever think about going back to the World Cup tour? DR: I’ve thought about it for a race or two, but realistically there’s no way. I worked so hard to put myself at that level; I couldn’t just get in the DH gate without full commitment. I’m happy to experience a new life in the ski world. Freeskiing and skiercross are giving me that opportunity.
POWDER: How are big mountain skiing and filming different from World Cup racing? DR: The biggest difference is the intensity. When I get in the gate I know the exact line I want to ski and what the snow’s like at every turn. I’m willing to take all the risks. Filming in Alaska is so intense that I have trouble being aggressive. It freaks me out, especially the first few turns when I can’t see because of the roll over. Is it stable, sluffing, going to rip into a big slide, wind blown, crusty or beautiful blower pow? You must be able to adjust to the situation, but stick to a plan as well. I don’t have the experience to feel comfortable enough to let it all hang out. I’m scared all the time in AK. It’s tough for me ‘cause I don’t get down from a run and feel like I put everything into it. This new challenge is a huge high and I want to learn so I can unleash on those big mountains.
POWDER: Have you had the opportunity to ski with guys outside the race circuit before this movie? DR: I’ve skied with big mountain guys before, but this was my first time around a hotshot park/backcountry kid like Benchetler. I had a lot of fun with him. We skied the most together and recently took an Atomic trip to Portillo, Chile, to shoot the ’09-10 skis. That kid and his ski bring a fresh vibe to our team. We have a line up of new boards that will change the face of Atomic.
POWDER: What was it like skiing with Atomic athletes from other disciplines? Any surprises along the way? DR: It’s fun being around a diverse group of guys to share experiences. The best was seeing Erik Guay get a taste of AK. Man, it’s serious shit up there even for a Downhiller. He had the pucker factor going like Benchetler and me. The Falquet bros were so relaxed. Guess that’s experience for ya!
POWDER: Did you guys find you had a lot in common? DR: We all ride Atomic! We all started skiing because we love the mountains and the feeling of sliding down a snow covered run. We do it differently, but the high we get from it touches us all. Skiing is…different for each one of us, but the respect and enjoyment is the same. That’s what we tried to deliver in this film.
POWDER: How did you like skiing with racers and skiers from other areas of the sport like Daron Rahlves and Jossi Wells? CHRIS BENCHETLER: I think in any sport it’s important to ride with athletes that have a different vision. It allows me to take bits and pieces, apply new knowledge to my skiing, and learn something that has the potential to progress my riding. Wisdom and experience (I feel) is a big factor in becoming a successful athlete.
POWDER: What kind of advice did you get from the other athletes? CB: Daron was a book of wisdom. He taught me how to stay focused on the task at hand and study my line for as long as needed.
POWDER: How were the conditions while filming in Alaska? CB: Unfortunately we didn’t have ideal conditions, but that’s almost a given when dealing with AK. You just have to be prepared to sit, eat a lot, and be at the mercy of Mother Nature.
POWDER: What did you like about filming Skiing Is__? How was it different from other projects you’ve worked on like Hunting Yeti? CB: Most of my season I generally ride with the Hunting Yeti crew, but this was very team focused and included athletes from all aspects of the sport. Working with Kris Ostness was great. He has a vision, and a very unique outlook on skiing. And [he] seems to always get the shot.
POWDER: What is skiing to you? DR: Watch Skiing Is__ and you’ll find out. CB: My Life.