UPDATE: Although bad weather forced the crew to cancel the event, Sammy Carlson wasn't going to pass up a chance to hit the perfect jumps they worked so hard to build. The pristine, 110-footer was the perfect stage to document his attempt at the triple flip. Watch below to see if he nails it.
Last week, we caught up with Sammy Carlson, the 21-year-old pro skier who’s hosting the “Sammy C. Invitational” Big Air Contest this Thursday, July 1, at Windell’s Summer Camp, Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Oregon. He hopes the contest will be a fun experience for everyone involved, skiers onlookers, and judges included. Last year, Carlson medaled at six out of eight competitions he skied in, including bronze at the X Games. This year he hopes to beat that record. “I want that gold, baby.” he said. We asked him about the competition, his career, and what he’s got going on the rest of the summer.
Why did you decide to hold the Sammy C. Invitational?
I’ve always wanted to have a contest at Mt. Hood. I have a different view of skiing than the whole ski industry: I think it’s all about having fun. It’ll be summer time so the snow will be super soft, and there will just be a good energy on the hill. It’s not just about the competition—it’s about skiing in general.
How is the competition going to be set up?
I was planning on having an open, but due to the size of the jump it’s not going to be. Right now there will be 23 skiers. Judges include Nick Martini and Seth Warner. I’m super stoked about that because there’s always so much controversy on the judging, and I’m stoked on having those people and getting their opinions on it. The contest is definitely going to happen again next year, and it’s going to be bigger and better, we’ll have an open session next year for sure.
Are you competing?
I can’t decide if I should compete or not. I’ll be up there riding regardless, but we’ll see.
Who’s your biggest inspiration?
Honestly, probably my mom. I used to look up to a lot of people, but the older I get the more I realize it’s kind of an image, and most people aren’t real.
If you won a ski trip to anywhere in the world, and could only bring one person with you, who would it be?
I’d probably bring my brother, just because I get to ski a lot of cool places and I wish he could too.
How are you training this summer?
Trampoline and skateboarding for my balance, but I’m skiing a lot too. They say the best way to train for skiing is to ski.
Where’s your favorite place to ski?
Definitely up in British Columbia for backcountry, the terrain is just crazy, but Jackson’s the best for powder, and Mammoth for park skiing.
Sammy is also doing a charity bike ride on July 8 from Hood River, Oregon, to Ogden, Utah. The proceeds are going towards TACA, Talk About Curing Autism, to help them build an education facility in Portland, Oregon. If you want to learn more about the bike ride visit tacah20.com.
