Skiing Magazine Q&A with Rachael Burks

Utah-based skier Rachael Burks gives her thoughts on heli-skiing, pre-shredding food, and ping pong.

by Sally Francklyn, Contributor, Skiing Magazine

SKIING: What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever learned?

Rachael: Ping pong.

SKIING: Where’s the best place you’ve skied?

Rachael: Mica Creek, BC, or Bald Face Lodge, BC.

SKIING: What's your favorite place to travel?

Rachael: France.

SKIING: What do you eat or drink before you go skiing?

Rachael: Coffee... sometimes a doughnut.

SKIING: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Rachael: "Better let it out and deal with the shame than hold it in and deal with the pain."

SKIING: Nachos, wings or pizza, and why?

Rachael: Pizza. No, wings. No pizza. Pizza, final answer. Why? Because pizza is like Christmas.

SKIING: Obama or McCain, and why?

Rachael: Obama. Why? Because he's like Christmas too.

SKIING: Heli-skiing or skinning, and why?

Rachael: Heli. Is there anything better than the flap flap?... And the smell? Goodness, it's better than Christmas.

SKIING: Skiing with guys or girls, and why?

Rachael: To quote a fabulous local Utah brew slogan: "Why have just one?" Skiing with people is rad. I like to ski with anyone. I love to ski with my family... my dad and brother rip.

Check out Rachael's tips for surviving a nasty traverse here.