Q & A with Travis Rice

Q & A with Travis Rice

Q: What do you think of the skiing in Southern California?

A: One of the first places I lived when I basically ran away from home when I was 18 was Mammoth for a season. I've spent a lot of time riding around in SoCal, in Big Bear and Tahoe. [California's] got great mountains.

Q: What would you say to a college student who wants to try snowboarding?

A: The cool thing about learning how to snowboard is that the learning curve is so sharp. If you're able to put a couple days into it, and once you're able to figure out the edge-to-edge, it comes really fast.

Q: What makes you passionate about snow sports?

A: Just breaking away and the joy of going out with a couple friends to the backcountry or even just to the ski area. It puts you into the moment because you're just doing what is directly in front of you. Half the time it's being out there in the mountains. Even when you're not riding, that's beautiful.

Q: What's the worst injury you've received from snowboarding?

A: When I was 17, I ruptured my spleen snowboarding, but that's the only injury I've gotten from snowboarding.

Q: What are some of the risks you take when you go out on the mountain?

A: It depends on conditions and where you are, but: when we're out, where we operate, avalanche, storms, mechanical breakdowns. We're exposed to the elements and that's why you're really only as good as the team and people you're with.

Q: Any words to college students?

A: There are so many reasons why people start snowboarding. Do it for yourself. For people that stick with it in the long run, it ends up having a pretty awesome effect on their life. You learn a lot about yourself, putting yourself in uncomfortable situations.

Q: Are you planning on riding at Mammoth this winter?

A: Yeah, I think so. I make it out to Mammoth every year, so no doubt I'll probably be out there. Find me in the woods.