Posted March 31, 2006 by Holly Walker

Originally from Sun Valley, Idaho, this freeskier turned photographer turned actor is possibly one of the industry's most dynamic members. With Drew's busy schedule, it was difficult to pin him down for an interview at his own home in Salt Lake City, Utah. But we did it...

This past winter I lived at the mouth of Little Cotton Wood Canyon, at 'La Casa de la Shred Gnar,' a short drive from Snowbird and Alta. There were many many visitors (probably why the house is also referred to as 'The Hostel for Laggard Skiers') and several regulars, including freeskiers Billy Poole, Lindsey McIntyre, Brady Smedsrud, Cody Barnhill, Joey Smallwood, Rachel Burkes, Justin Modroo and none other than Drew Stoecklein.

Of my roommates, Drew Stoecklein was the scarcest; the first to leave in the morning and the last to come home at night. Between working, road tripping, killing it at freeskiing comps, shooting enormous road gaps, editing photos, keeping sponsors happy, acting for a Hollywood film and hanging out with the crew, Drew has had one busy winter. I finally got him to sit still for a couple minutes at 'La Casa de la Shred Gnar' to discover more about this young, dedicated and hardworking freeskier/photographer.

DREW STOECKLEIN INTERVIEW

Name: Drew Stoecklein

Sponsors: Alta Ski-Area, Columbia Sportswear, Platinum Performance-Energy bar, the Royal Shaft-Ski Poles, Smith Sport Optics, Spacecraft Hats, Swany-Gloves

Living: In SL,UT

Grew up skiing: Sun Valley Ski Team

Binoculars or magnifying glass? Magnifying Glass

Snowbird or Alta? Alta

Starlets or Cowgirls? Cowgirls

Q1: So Drew, you are both a big mountain ripper and aspiring photographer...do you spend more time in front or behind the lens?

A1: I have been trying to keep an equal balance between skiing and taking photos this year.

Q2. What influenced you in becoming a photographer?

A2: My dad influenced me to become a photographer 6 years ago when I shattered my tibia and fibula skiing.

Q3. Sounds like you've been making trips with buddies around Utah, Colorado and Idaho, what have you got up your sleeve?

A3: Well as it stands plan B would be to giv'er.

Q4. What's this "Levitation Project" thing you've been working on?

A4: The Levitation Project is a two year film project/movement (film, still pictures & a clothing company that includes freehealers, Snowboarders, and skiers). The movie comes out in fall of '07. On April 1st the three still photographers for the Levitation Project (Bob Plum, Will Wissman, and I) are having a slideshow at the Depo downtown Salt Lake City. We will be displaying our best shots that we have taken this year. At the end we are going to have a raffle and hand out a bunch of ski/snowboard gear.

Q5. Rumor has it you killed it and came 4th in Snowbird at the U.S. Freeskiing Championships, tell us what happened? How long have you been competing?

A5: At Snowbird this year I decided to ski a ripping line with airs that I knew that I could stomp in between my turns, it worked out pretty well for me. I started competing three years ago.

Q6. You're currently ranked 7th on the IFSA World Tour, are you planning to compete more this season? Kirkwood?

A6: Right now I can't make it to the last competitions because of 'Deep Winter' a Ski and Snowboard film that I'm working for. I'm working on it to make money to go to Alaska.

Q7. Stunt double! How did you land that gig?

A7: My friend Nico the Team manager of the Levitation Project got a phone call when we where on top of a peak in the Utah backcountry. I happened to meet the criteria to be a stunt double for the movie.

Q8. Name three differences between Hollywood stars and ski bums.

A8: Gaper Gaps, Girls, and Goggle Tans

Q9. Any other plans this season? You mentioned Alaska?

A9: I plan on going to Alaska for two weeks in April.

Q10: Any shout outs? Homies in the 801?

I would like to give a shout out to The Casa de la Shred Gnar and the LCCC (Little Cottonwood Canyon Crew).

Q11: Word.

Author Holly Walker is sponsored by Dynastar/Look/Lange, Icebreaker, Smith, Giro, Gordini, www.SouthAmericaSki.com. She enjoys working on her goggle tan on the Snowbird tram deck while dreaming of exotic destinations.