Posted Oct 13, 2004

Kicking off our new section is skier/film maker Heather Roberts from Whistler, BC. Odds are that she still skis better than you, but that's not the only reason we're interviewing her. Check out Heather's interview and keep an eye out for more ski personality profiles this coming fall and winter...

Name: Heather Roberts

Age: 28

Grew up skiing: Snow Valley, Barrie, Ont.

Currently reside: Whistler

Blackcomb or Whistler: Depends on the day

Sponsors: Volkl, Scott, Comor

On the mic: horror movie music

Rednecks or City slickers: Rednecks oh rednecks, how hot you are.

BMX or Xterra: BMX, oldschool Redline, so much fun to ride around on.

Q: I hear you used to be a big-time snowboarder from Ontario? How did you become a Whistler ripper chick?

A: It's true, I had an affair. I don't know about those words "big time" but I was sponsored for snowboarding way before I even knew what freeskiing was. It definitely helped that I lived at the bottom of my hill and at the time we had the best half pipe in the area. I skied back then too, but all my podium time was for snowboarding halfpipe. When I got to Whistler I spent my first day on the hill wearing a snowboard. I couldn't help but notice the skiers we were with were killing it in the alpine which seemed like way more fun than riding a halfpipe all day. The next day I wore my skis and I haven't worn a snowboard since. Every season I say I should go snowboarding, every season it doesn't happen.

Q: There was a premiere at the Boot for 'Filthy Lines' ski film this last spring. You were the only girl with a segment but nowhere to be found that night. Anti-the-Boot or too-cool-for-school?

A: Neither. Well, too cool for school sometimes but not that night. I thought I had somewhere more important to be that night. In retrospect, the Boot was the place to be. I'm sorry I missed it.

Q: Supposedly you've been taking a lot of trips down to Vancouver this last year... illicit city affair?

A: I'm working on it.

Q: Rumor has it you have been busy of late with your digi-cam, anything we should be looking forward to soon?

A: The Girls Movie. A movie made by chicks about chicks havin' a good time. Don't miss the movie premier at Moe Joes November 25. Also, I'm finishing up a horror movie for the Heavy Hitting B-Grade Horror Fest that shows Oct 30. You can get your tickets at the MY Place building starting Oct 16, they sell out really fast so don't be lazy.

Q: So Ms. Roberts, any reason why there might be two mountains named after you, one in Alaska and one in Wyoming?

A: I'm just trying to get my name out there.

Q: Any trips or special projects lined up for next season?

A: Making another ski movie.

Q: No one has seen you at ski comps in years... what's the beef?

A: Bottom line.... Why pay money to ski crappy conditions? And even if you're on the podium a lot the prize money for girls doesn't really pay for your trip.

Q: Heather, you're a veteran on the Whistler ski scene -- any insight into the oddities of the male population?

A: Obviously you have no idea what you're talking about. The ski scene boys are the hottest and coolest guys out there. Haven't they told you?

Q: Any advice to up-and-coming female rippers trying to get into the industry?

A: The most successful skier on the hill is the one having the most fun.

Q: Day dreaming about skiing: where would you be and with who?

A: Bella Coola. 100 of my closest ski friends. A helicopter with endless gas. Plenty of good food, beer and wine. And nowhere to be any time soon.

Q: Any shout outs/thanks?

A: Boompa Productions. Awesome tunes. Check out their website (www.boompa.ca).