MOUNTAIN LIFE - Coast Mountains | Fall Winter 2018

26 MLCM FALL/WINTER 2018 Yet even with his skiing, McIntosh says he feels like he is making smarter decisions and evolving his role. “I made a name for myself by skiing high- consequence lines but also by skiing fall lines really fast. In my twenties I was all ‘live fast, ride hard and I don’t give a shit!’ As I mature I realize how stupid that mentality is.And now somewhere along the way I became the old guy that my younger teammates are looking up to. And that is a cool opportunity, having knowledge to share but also getting inspired by their youthful energy and stoke and their unique perspective in the mountains.” But the Captain is still inspiring experienced skiers too. “I also skied by hiking 100 per cent of my lines last year,” says Sage Cattabriga-Alosa. “Ian and I went to Alaska and that was my first time skiing Alaska on foot. He’s inspiring others because it’s quality over quantity. In the heli we bang out 20-30 runs a trip and three make the movie. Now Ian just hikes those three, and they make the movie.” “You definitely want to be good at winter camping,” McIntosh offers to anyone thinking of upping their foot-powered ski regime this season. “Sage and I are lucky. We have resources to get the comforts of home out there. If you can stay comfortable and warm and weather a storm, that’s what allows you to get out and ski and have fun.” McIntosh says the key to success in anything, skiing or otherwise, is doing it for the right reasons. “Let go of the ego and just go for it whatever it is that calls you. Because doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will and if you are not afraid to try things you will develop skills that you’ll have for the rest of your life and have adventures and stories to tell one day, a life with no regret. And most important of all—bring lots of gloves and socks and lots of goose feathers.” Pin it to win it. ADAM CLARK “He’s the guy you want on your team. He is never lazy in the mountains and he motivates the others, not with his words but with his actions. He has the ‘C’ on his chest, the Captain.”