The Life Unbound is a web series based around the experiences that have brought Weston and I together and which perpetuate our desire to continue reaching for our dreams.

Each 3-5 min Webisode will be jammed packed with imagery, action, and adventures that evoke a sense of what it takes to live the Big Mountain life style. From skiing epic big mountain lines, to down days, and night jobs we go beyond the glossy cover shot or film segment to the stories of hardship, joy, humor and success.

With a new Canon 7D, a few GoPros and a some help from our buddy/ photographer/ Mtn Ranks Owner Ross Downard we hope to capture images and stories that will captivate and inspire our viewers.
HUGE THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTING SPONSORS FOR MAKING OUR DREAM A REALITY!!!

TREW         TWENTYTWO DESIGNS      BACKCOUNTRY ACCESS  

BLACK DIAMOND             SCARPA           4FRNT

BACKCOUNTRY.COM       HESTRA         SMITH OPTICS      CW-X

Here are a couple images I am super stoked on that are a part of the issue. Check em out! Then go get your own copy so you can experience the best Issue yet!!!

Thanks To Telemark Skier Magazine for publishing this image in a format that does it justice!

Thanks To IceFall Lodge, BC for giving us the opportunity to be there!

Thanks to Paige Braidy, Candy Froerer, Martha Burly, and of Course Photographer and Great Friend Re Wikstrom For Capturing the Biggest Cliff I have ever hit.

The next Image was the only day I went out to shoot photos last season before tearing my ACL. The first sizable cliff of the season. The first run of the day.  And the first shoot and first shot that I have ever done with Grant Gunderson.

I’d say it turned out pretty well!!!

The Photo Annual is just dropping! With more great content written by fellow athletes and advocates, it marks the culmination of a lot of hard work by last years TSM Crew.

It was a wonderful team to be a part of and I think we all crushed it last season! Looking forward to seeing what the new Crew creates.

Western Lights... LA style

The onset of fall is a time when I become antsy. It’s a time when my summer obsession with biking begins to battle my mind and heart’s attention and tries to hold on while my winter passion for skiing rapidly takes over. The only cure I have found for this seasonal and obsessive shift… hit the road!

There is something about being on the road that some how makes these two opposing sports at peace. Maybe it is because they both feel attended to while I ‘m behind the wheel. That, at any turn, I may hit a snowy peak or a slick rock trail and pull my bike or my skis out of my truck and begin to play. On the road anything can happen, all adventures are fair game, and my skis and my bike live harmoniously.

The past few weeks I have traveled to Moab, back to Park City, then to Golden and Boulder, CO., Then back through Park City, and then to LA.

You might have picked up on the fact that this wasn’t the most direct or logical itinerary, but then again, when you are hitting the road for the sake of adventure there is no need for rationality.

Overlooking Moab's slick rock fins to the La Sals

At any rate, My first adventure was impromptu. I was looking for something to do, I was in PC, essentially unemployed, and bored. When I expressed my antsy feelings to my good friend and rad photographer Re Wikstrom she invited me to tag along with her to Moab for her friend, Liz’s birthday weekend. Thrilled to have an excuse and a crew to travel, I jumped on the opportunity.

Bikes, Bikes, Bikes

We hit the road in Liz’s Element, which was loaded beyond with all of our bikes and camping gear and headed off to meet up with the rest of the crew who had already set up camp. We got there and instantly threw tents into place, switched out clothes, and hit the practice loop for a couple quick laps before we lost the sun to the horizon.

Shuttle

The view from Porcupine

The next morning we grabbed the 8:30am shuttle up to Hazard County and began our 20 something mile decent hitting all the infamous Moab trails. UPS, LPS, and Porcupine to name a few. It was my virgin Porcupine experience, and lucky for me Connie Misket, a long time DH pro, ever so kindly slowed her roll so that I could follow her line. Thank you Connie for spoon feeding me the best 4hrs. of my life!

The gang before the final decent

The following day we packed up camp headed over to Amasaback and started the hot (probably too late 10:45am) climb. It was a particularly painful experience for me, as I decided the night before, that when sitting around a campfire it is essential to pass around a bottle of Whiskey, unfortunately for me I was one of the two that had partaken in my declared ritual. Thus, the hour climb up the exposed slick rock left me feeling quite beaten, however no longer hungover.

The view from the top

The decent was fun; However, I got served a serious piece of humble pie while trying to hit this double drop. Note to self: when you tell your friend that you are suffering from line choice A.D.D. and you keep finding yourself in “no mans land” that is not the time to try an exceptionally technical line.

Live and learn.

Fortunately, we made it back in one piece (maybe a bit more colorful with bruises and blood, but in one piece none the less.)

I was back in PC for a few days, doing laundry, packing up my truck, and getting some life organized before I was off to Golden, CO for the premier of the Freeheel Life 2: Hippies Punx & Misfits.

The Freeheel Life 2: Hippies Punx & Misfits\” Official Trailer

The trip started early, as I was intent on getting a quick bike ride in before hitting up the premier and the Bent Gate’s Winter Welcome party at 6pm. I pulled into Golden around 3pm and thumbed threw my Mountain Biking Colorado Guide and found a great ride in the White Ranch Open Space.

I only scratched the surface of the what the trail system had to offer, but after sitting in my truck for 8hrs and downing copious amounts of Red Bull and caffeine, my cardiovascular conditioning was less than ideal. None the less the ride was great and allowed me to get a good stretch and sweat in before the nights festivities began.

I rolled into the Winter Welcome party around 5:30pm. Immediately, I transitioned into my skier self. There was Andy from BCA , Chris from Scarpa, Jax from Hestra, and Josh Madsen from Telemark Skier Magazine among many other reps from all the major players in the backcountry ski world.

The energy was a buzz and so were most of the people in attendance. Within the first hour the ski expo and the film were sold out, leaving a few late comers vying for entry. Alas, the place was packed, reps. were swarmed and the anticipation for the film was growing. After an hour of drooling of the newest gear and an epic raffle of skis, packs, and bindings it was time for the film.

Packed house!

Gimme tha Schwag!!

The film was well received and left us feeling the need to continue the party. After a late night and a delicious breakfast it was off to Boulder.

Josh, Charlotte, and I went off to one of my favorite places, Chautauqua open space. We hiked to the top of the third Flatiron where the beautiful scenery and fall colors put on an incredible display.

After the beautiful hike, Josh and Charlotte went on there way and I headed over to one of my best friend’s house for the rest of the weekend.

As to be expected, when reuniting with a long time friend, we partied hard and celebrated our reunion in style.

By the time Monday morning rolled around the lack of clean clothes, the endless social endeavors, and the general feeling of exhaustion made Park City my next destination.

Home felt good, but not good enough to keep my anxious soul from hitting the road once more. With my dog and a swim suit in tow, I headed out once more to the Pacific coast. It took 12 hours, but I made it to LA to meet up with my family. This was the therapeutic terminus of a few weeks of partying hard and playing even harder.

Merl loving the Pacific

Three days of California bliss rejuvenated my soul. The weather was perfect, my dog had his first ocean experience, and I experienced my first acupuncture needle and Qi Gong class. That coupled with the warmth that only a family can bring sent me back home soaring.

Now, back in Park City, I am at peace. My biker self has found resolve in the fact that the snow is coming and it is time to let the skier emerge.

Snow capped peaks!!

Let them get you stoked on riding the endless white wave that winter brings!!

Behind The Scenes Of HP&M: Shaun Raskin from Telemark Skier Magazine on Vimeo.

Make sure to get your stoke on by hitting one of these tour dates from Telemark skier Mag.

• WORLD PREMIERE  9/30/Thurs – Golden, CO @ American Mountaineering Center – Showtime TBD – ALL AGES
• 10/5/Tue – Ft. Collins, CO @ Lyrics Cinema Cafe – Showtime 7pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/6/Wed – Ft. Collins, CO @ Lyrics Cinema Cafe – Showtime 7pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/7/Thurs – Boulder, CO @ The Dark Horse – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/9/Sat – Edwards, CO @ Kirby Cosmos – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door
• 10/13/Wed – Logan, UT @ USU Outdoor Recreation Center – Showtime 7pm – $8/$4 Students @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/14/Thurs – Salt Lake City, UT @ Brewvies – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – 21+
• 10/15/Fri – Park City, UT @ Star Bar – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – 21+
• 10/16/Sat – Brian Head, UT @ The Lift Bar – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/19/Tues – Boise, ID @ Idaho Mtn Touring – Doors @ TBA – Showtime @ TBA – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/20/Wed – Sun Valley, ID @ Whiskey Jacques – Showtime 8:00pm – $10 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/21/Thurs – Jackson Hole, WY @ The Mangy Moose – Showtime 8:30pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/22/Fri –Bozeman, MT @ The Eagles – Showtime 7:30 – $8 @ Door
• 10/23/Sat – Helena, MT @ The Base Camp – Doors @ 6:30pm – Showtime @ 7pm - $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/26/Tue – Whitefish, MT @ The Great Northern – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/27/Wed – Missoula, MT @ The Roxy Theatre – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 10/28/Thur – Sandpoint, ID @ The Panida Theater(small)- Showtime 7:30pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/3/Wed – Seattle, WA @ EVOs – Showtime 9:00pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/4/Thurs – Portland, OR @ Mountain Shop – Doors @ 7:30 Showtime @ 8pm – $8 @ Door – All Ages
• 11/5/Fri – Hood River, OR @ Dog River Coffee – Showtime 8:00pm – $6 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/6/Sat – Bend, OR @ Pine Mtn Sports – Showtime 8:00pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/9/Tue – Eugene, OR @ Oakshire Brewery – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door
• 11/11/Thurs – San Francisco @ Sports Basement – Free Beer From 6-7 – Showtime @ 7pm – $5 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/12/Fri – South Lake Tahoe @ Mo’s Place – Doors @ 7pm – Showtime @ 8pm – $8 @ Door
• 11/13/Sat – Tahoe City, CA @ Sawtooth Ridge Cafe – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 11/30/Tue – Breckenridge, CO @ 320 South Main – Doors @ TBD – Showtime @ TBD – $8 @ Door – 21+
• 12/1/Wed – Steamboat Springs, CO @ Howelsen Hill – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 12/3/Fri – Crested Butte, CO @ The Majestic Theater – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 12/4/Sat Denver, CO @ Wilderness Exchange Unlimited – Showtime TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 12/9/Thurs Ellicottville, NY @ The Ellicottville Depot - Doors @ TBD – Showtime @ TBD – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 12/18/Sat Waitsfield, VT @ The Big Picture – Showtime 8pm – $8 @ Door – ALL AGES
• 2/23/Wed Girdwood, AK @ Sitzmark Bar & Grill/Alyeska Resort - Doors @ 6pm – Showtime @ 7pm – $5 @ Door

A couple weeks ago I went down to Brian Head to do a few days of shuttle laps with the Huck n’ roll team of photographers. The trip was incredible! We had an all time caste including Jenn Berg, Re Wikstrom, Tommy Chandler, Grant Gunderson. We arrived around 2pm and quickly set up camp just out side of the Cedar Breaks National Monument. Within the hour we were all loaded with our bikes into our two vehicles ready to set up the first shuttle of the trip, to hit Dark Hollow.

We hit the trail and immediately I knew this was going to be an epic few days!! The trail was flowy and fast with some techy parts mixed in as well. After shooting tons of photographs and hiking bikes back up sections multiple times, before we knew it we had been out there for about 4 and a half hours just on the one trail and our hopes of squeezing a second lap in was a bit ambitious so we did what any good freeride team does, we started drinking beers as we headed back up to camp to make a fire and prep for a tasty dinner of shrimp fajitas. Yummy!!!

That night we kicked it around the campfire discussing the game plan for the next day. We would hit Bunker Creek and then hit up BlowHard. With great anticipation I crawled into my tent. Around 6:30am my eyes popped open as the realization of where I was cut through my dreamy mind. I jumped out of my tent and was welcomed into the day by watching the peach sky gently waking up The Cedar Break formation as well as the rays of the sun silhouetting the Peak at Brian Head. It was an invigorating way to start the day.

As the rest of the crew rolled out of their tents the scent of backcountry coffee and breakfast simmered out of camp. With full tummies and amped bodies we hit Bunker Creek. It was a fun trail with a few pedally sections, but we got some great shots. As we reached the shuttle truck the clouds started moving in and with further discussion we decided that Blow hard was a ride best left for tomorrow and that Pizzono’s, the local pizzeria, was our most intended destination. We ate more pizza then our exhausted bodies could or should probably be tolerant and then it was off to bed.

The next morning we woke, had some oatmeal, and then it was off to Blowhard. It’s a magnificent trail with the first few miles riding along the Breaks. Stunning views and a few exposed areas to really let you know you were riding in southern Utah. Again, hiking back up and taking multiple shots made for an extra long decent and by the tme we reached the shuttle Jen and Tommy had to start their journey back to Sal Lake City. Re, Grant and myself were more opened and decided to hit Dark Hollow again, without cameras. Despite an interesting flat tire, we made it down in relatively good time.

My goal for hitting Dark Hollow again was to hit this area of red rock spires and shale that I had scoped on our first day. I had decided on the trip that i wanted to start getting into Big Mountain Freeriding and this spot looked like the perfect way to kick it off. It was a little under 500ft. of vertical. So I rode ahead and started the long hike-a bike ascent. If you have never hiked a big DH bike up a lose scree field, I strongly suggest it. Nothing is more character building then trying to keep your footing while maneuvering a 45+ pound bike up a sharp rocky field. At any rate it took about an hour and a half and a few sketch falls to make it to the top. As I put on my knee-shin guards, my elbow pads and my full face my heart rate began to spike. “What was I doing up on this scree field?” With no trails and just a crazy lose descent in front of me. “What was I thinking?” Then I began to look at it through my skier eyes, suddenly it did not look so steep and my line became clear. I yelled down to Re, who was shooting from the bottom “Dropping” Next thing I knew I was surfing the shale, feeling confident, while at the same time realizing that my previous concern of cutting myself up on the shale if I skidded out was the least of my worries. Now my focus turned to the fact that I was mocking down this slope and if anything went wrong I would be tomahawking at skier speed down a rock field. Yeah… a spine and neck guard will be my next Huck ‘n Roll purchase! At any rate, miraculously, I made it down. With more adrenaline then I have ever felt before in my life, I threw down my bike and started jumping around in complete elated disbelief. I did it! My first Freeride line. Success!!!

With that accomplishment under my belt we cruised down to the truck, had celebratory beers and made the journey home.

I can not thank the crew at Huck n’ roll enough for inviting me on this adventure!!

Home Sweet Home

The last week has flown. I spent three amazing days in Silverton, got to watch the Hourse drawn Ski Jouring competition down one of Silverton’s main streets, helped

Ski Jouring

Colter getting it done

build a sick acid drop off a hotel for Colter Hinchliffe, Tour up into the East San Jaun’s, Stay in the Treasure Mountain hut which sat at 12,000 ft.  

and accesses some of the gnarliest terrain on the continent, kicked it with good people, great laughs and sick pow.

In the words of my Trew teammate, Pat Sewell, “I LOVE MY LIFE!!!”.

]]> http://www.shaunraskin.com/2010/02/11/silverton-treasure-mountain-hut-wrap-up/feed/ 3 http://www.shaunraskin.com/2009/12/22/women-making-a-difference/ http://www.shaunraskin.com/2009/12/22/women-making-a-difference/#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:36:15 +0000 sfraskin http://shaunraskin.com/?p=375 Check these girls out!!!!

They are some of our industry’s most influential athletes and they are pushing hard to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer.

Last night cars full of excited girls and guys were making the push up the Little Cottonwood road to see the first all women’s ski film, “Catch Me if You Can“.

Claire Smallwood Doing the honors

The film was put on by SheJumps, who’s vission is “to create a community of ambitious and compassionate women that are willing to take a “jump” to reach their potential and help others reach their own.”

Whitney, Me, Vinny, Jamie standing room only

VP doing the Pogo cross up

The night kicked off with several slide shows including that of Re Wikstoms. The images were strong, showing women throwing back flips, hitting huge cliffs, skiing big lines, and women just being women.

Lindsay Van and Vanessa Pierce Representing at the Peruvian

As the last raffle tickets were shouted out By Claire Smallwood, the lights dimmed and the film started to roll. Imediately you could tell that this was going to be a ground breaking film. The music choice, the editing style, it all apealed to that kick ass female ethos. It was the first time I actually felt like women were being represented accurately in a film.

Vanessas all around!!!!

The film was short, but it hit hard, filled with phenomenal skiing and representing what being a woman in the ski industry is really about, pushing hard, succeeding at times, wrecking at others, getting back on your feet, and inspiring others.

After the film and a little Pogo demonstration by Vanessa Pierce we all headed over to the Peruvian to keep the party going. It was truly an incredible night for all, but especially for women in the ski industry.

As I looked around the room I noticed that the Peruvian was filled with some of the most talented women in the industry and instead of doing the stereotypical female competitive thing, they were all talking with one another, sharing ideas, getting excited for each other, and generally wanting to help build this community of women who are trying to push the envelope and change the way women are seen in sports.

Cheers!!

There was something really profound that went down last night, I felt as though we really were starting to take the reigns of a revolution, a time when women are going to start pushing, inspiring, and supporting each other and I am so stoked to be a part of it! Thank you to SheJumps for leading this much needed revolution!!!

So I went right to bed and before I knew it I was turning the alarm clock off and getting all my gear together. The plan was to meet at the top of Little Cottonwood at 4am. That would give us enough time to get to the top of the ridge and set up the shot before it got too light.

It was a beautiful night, with snow falling ever so lightly and still winds. I remember the skin up being so calm and beautiful and the whole time just being in awe that my life choices had lead me to such an incredible place and that I was hiking up a mountain at 4am to go ski and shoot with athletes and a photographer I had looked up to for years.

I guess it is when you feel the most ballanced and your spirit is in such a possitive place, that magic truely happens.

We set up the shot with remote flashes, but with the cold temps and the dead tree in the way the flashers weren’t working right, making only about 1/4 of the shots actually happen.

It just so happened that on my turn the flashers went as planned and my body was in the right position. The minuit Lloyd took the shot he said it was a winner! I knew that if Steve was saying it was it good it must have been.

Since that evening there have been different percentages that Steve has given me for the probability that the shot would make it into Powder, but I never counted on it being a sure thing…. Well, until I got the Powder Photo Annual on Monday and saw it for myself.

Photo: Steve Lloyd