They’re Playing Checkers, He’s Playing Chess - The Transcending Ski Style of Ben Evely

Ben Evely is the antithesis of today’s teenage freeskier. The huge stoke in junior contests, with up-and-comers scrambling for the top, has created a cast of loud, attention-seeking kids trying to turn heads and get sponsored. Ben is anything but that. The quiet 17 year-old speaks with his skis, which have told judges he’s worthy of podiums at Lake Louise and Fernie’s Junior Freeskiing contests. The Banff local’s results earned him a spot in this years Wrangle the Chute Freeskiing Invitational, where he placed 10^th amongst a field of grown men.

From these results you would say the kid is hungry, but he’s really just a little peckish. While others may forget why they started skiing and focus on their goals of going pro, Ben is in it for the long run.
“I want to have a good time and be able to ski for the rest of my life,” says the overqualified Dollair Store employee. This is loudly broadcasting in his style. His runs tell judges and onlookers he knows how to ski, not that he’s willing to risk his life to win.

Ben’s ability to ski smart at such a young age presumably comes from his father’s years of competing in World Cup events. John Evely, ex-racer and coach, has since picked up a camera, and when not shooting high-profile events like Red Bull Formula 1 or NHL games, he captures images of his favorite competitor. “What sets Ben apart in his skiing, is you can tell how much fun he’s always having,” says a proud Dad.

Skiing, like music has had many forgettable overnight sensations, like Flock of Seagulls and Twisted Sister. Meet freeskiing’s next Rolling Stones. Ben Evely isn’t going anywhere but up and is planning to be there, having fun, skiing smart, and making his dad proud, for a very long time.

Ben’s skiing (not his mouth) got the attention of sponsors, Rossignol, The North Face Banff, SkiBig3.com, and Soul Ski and Bike.

“Do whatever makes you happy in life. For me that’s skiing so that’s what I’ll be doing for as long as I can.” - Ben Evely