WINTER2017
MLBLUE
83
MOUNTAIN
LIFER
words & photo :: Colin Field
When rumours circulated that Glen Plake was coming to Blue Mountain,
we had to be part of it. We knew Plake was coming to show the new line
of Elan skis to retailers, so who better to help us find Plake than über-
Elan athlete Greg Morton? Hounding Morton eventually led us to Plake
and what a rare privilege it was. Coming fromMont Blanc, Quebec, with
a quick stop at Blue before going toMammoth, California, Plake proved
to be exactly what he is: skiing’s ultimate ambassador. The chairlift was
full of eager ears hanging on every word that came from Plake’s mouth;
he’s spent the better part of four decades at the forefront of the sport,
meaning he’s got a story not-fit-for-print about everyone and everything in
the industry.
Now, if you’re not sure who Glen Plake is, then we may have to question
your self-declaration, “I’m a skier.” Because Glen Plake may be the most
famous skier of all time (sorry, Mr. Brooker). Originally infamous for his
part in the classic '80s ski film
MalteseFlamingo
, Plake is arguably one of
the original action sports stars. In fact, he was one of the first athletes
tomake a career filming video parts rather than competing in racing or
freestyle events.
Yes, he still has the hair: an 18-inch-tall mohawk. While it wasn’t standing
upright on the day, it was still there, flopped over under his toque. And
the small diamond in his left incisor is a perfect indicator of this guy’s
stardom. But his skiing was the real clue; when he dropped in, people
stopped and watched. After a few '80s-inspired freestyle moves up top, he
started doing stuff few could, like crossing his legs andmaking turns that
were better thanmost people make normally.
We’re all guilty of getting sucked into our own little worlds when it comes
to skiing; whether we’re chasing powder, smacking gates, slapping rails
or selling skis, sometimes we need to be reminded why we ski. Plake
may have technically been working that day, but you certainly couldn’t
tell. He was laughing and smiling and skiing with as much enthusiasm as
that kid that changed our lives all those years ago in
Maltese Flamingo
.
He showed us that skiing doesn’t have to be, and shouldn’t be taken too
seriously. He reminded us the true reason we ski: because it’s really, really,
really fun. And for that, we should all strive to ski a little more like Glen
Plake every single time we click in.
THE
PLAKE
EFFECT
ADAYONTHEHILLWITHPERENNIALFREESTYLERGLENPLAKEREMINDSUSWHYWESKI
GlenPlakedoingwhat hedoes best: having funon skis. COLIN FIELD
Plakewasoneof the first athletes tomake
a career filmingvideoparts rather than
competing in racingor freestyleevents.
