Athlete Profile

When John Wells came out west, he didn't look back. Setting up home base near Mt Baker, the snowiest resort on earth, we don't blame him for staying. A bonified slackcountry slayer, John likes his skis fat, his cliffs big, the snow deep, and visibility optional.

Q&A

• Favourite G3 gear: The Empire 193. It is the most solid ski in powder and I have never not stomped a landing in them... seriously 100 % success rate, and it has the coolest topsheet it feels like my skis are part of the snow... trippy.
• Favourite Peak: Table Mountain, Mt. Baker Backcountry. It has a face called Little AK and the name speaks for itself, one side is North facing gnar spines littered with rocks and big money lines, and the other aspects are chutes and huge couloirs.
• How'd You Get Started Backcountry Skiing: I took a course an Adventure Tourism Course from the College of the Rockies in Golden, B.C. in 2004. Phile Hein taught my Avi 1 course, and I was able to follow a bunch of guides in Rogers Pass soaking up the knowledge.  Meanwhile, ripping my first lines in the Kicking Horse sidecountry gave me some good practice and huge cohones, as you need to know your stuff to step into some of those zones.
• Favourite Backcountry Accomplishment(s): Really it all comes down to having fun with your buds but Pete Durr and I skied a first descent off of Mt. Shuksan on Feb. 8, 2008. It was pretty cool being the first to connect the Upper and Lower Curtis Glacier, it was kinda hairy at times knowing the giant seracs could let loose any second, but truly amazing area.
• Best Backcountry Advice: Be patient, give space, and over communicate.
• Skiing Bucket List: Alaska, Chamonix, and getting a ton of the white stuff to hit me in the face!
• I Choose G3 Because: They have the best powder ski on the market, and still light enough for touring. I feel like I am waterskiing on the G3 boards which gives me a freedom that I crave. Only G3 has been able to take my ideas and make them a reality! Right on G3! Stoked!