SCOUTED: searching for talent across the country and featuring stand out skiers one at a time. In this edition of Scout, we catch up with Ben Bethune.
Bio: Hello, my name is Ben Bethune and I enjoy moonlit walks on the beach, face shots, and licking rocks. I learned to ski on Vancouver’s north shore mountains and ended up pursuing a FIS racing career at the Whistler Mountain ski club. After an early retirement, I attended University for Geology. Ensuring the completion of my degree, I committed my life to skiing as much as humanly possible. Now, I work at various bush camps throughout Canada to support my ski addiction. During the winter I compete in Freeride World Qualifiers, volunteer on Blackcomb ski patrol, tail guide at Pemberton Snow Cats and chase snow.
FAST FACTS
Age: 25
Hometown: West Vancouver, BC
Team: Team Ninja
Sponsors: Blizzard Skis, Shred Optics, North Shore Ski and Board.
Best Trick: Backflip.
Claim to Fame: “Sick Bird” Award at Wrangle the Chute FWQ 2* 2019
Years Skiing: 23
INTERVIEW WITH BEN BETHUNE
SBC: How would you describe your signature style?
BB: On the big mountain side of things for sure! Fast, fluid and powerful.
SBC: Goals for this season?
BB: (1) Getting upside down regularly and checking off classics at Whistler Blackcomb. (2) A FWQ 2* podium and a FWQ 4* top 10 would be unreal. (3) Start filming consistently with my fellow Blackcomb shredders and getting shots with local photographers!
SBC: What progression have you seen in yourself?
BB: Transferring the mental game from racing into freeride competitions has been key for me. Resulting in the confidence needed to step up to a line, commit and see what happens.vStill perfecting my line choice, tricks and keeping fluid. Especially under pressure.
SBC: What do you think is trending in ski culture that shouldn’t be?BB: Hmmmm, that’s a hard one. I love everything skiing, so nothing.
SBC: What are you crushing on your playlist?
BB: Whatever Spotify recommends me for the most part. Been enjoying Bubba Sparxxx. Heard him the first time this summer, he is all time! Ghetto Boys, Rufus and Rick Wade are always on there as well.
SBC: Any thoughts for the next generation of skiers out there?
BB: Enjoy the journey.
SBC: How are you cross-training these days?
BB: I am learning to Kitesurf when I am not working in the bush. It’s a full-on workout sometimes because I still suck. In the gym, I have been focusing on flexibility and core strength. It took me long enough to discover yoga, it’s great. You probably knew that already…
SBC: Any shout outs?
BB: Shout out to my shredder family, friends, and coaches.
So you wanna be scouted eh?! Tag us on Instagram @sbcskier and we’ll pay attention to you See other SCOUTED interviews here.
