Dana Flahr just put his head down and did what he does best. And in three days of filming in Jackson Hole, Wyo., last season, the 24-year-old skier from Kamloops, British Columbia, rocketed from ski bum to superstar. His brazen skiing and fluid lines in Teton Gravity Research’s film “Tangerine Dream” earned him Powder Magazine’s breakthrough performer of the year.
When you were lining up shots last season, were you thinking “This is it. This is my shot?”
It feels absolutely amazing to have worked so hard at one thing and to realize everything I wanted to happen totally come true. When I was a teenager all I would ever do is daydream about what kind of new skill I wanted to learn about skiing. When I was with TGR, I knew from the very start that this was my chance I had been waiting for, so everyday out there I would give 120 percent of what I had in me. After a good snowfall in Jackson, some lines I had been staring at for over a month just seemed to line up. No heli’s or snowmobiles, just grinding up 45-degree slopes in thigh- deep fluff.
Do you have any training technique to keep strong in winter and offseason?
Just basically stay active all year round. I coach on the Blackcomb Glacier all summer for High North Ski Camp, and all summer and fall I try to bike up as many mountains I can around Whistler with my best buddies. Then I hit the gym hard.
What’s your worst injury?
The one I am coping with now, a torn ACL and meniscus tear in my knee.
Most frightening moment?
Last October when I realized I did something really wrong to my knee but I wasn’t sure what.
Sickest thing you’ve ever seen?
(Whistler skier) Mike Stevenson doing a 100-foot backflip at Kirkwood two years ago in the North American IFSA (International Free Skiers Association) Tour Finals. I looked at his takeoff from the top and it literally looked like the end of the world.
How did you overcome the first- time-on-film jitters?
The biggest thing was being satisfied with what I already had accomplished. When I had two shots, I was like, “Awesome. Two shots with TGR. Sick.” And I kept trying, and the shots kept coming in. After a few days of shooting, I focused a lot of my attention on hoping the other athletes on location were going to get the shots they needed. It was kind of a feeling of generosity that powered some of the best skiing I have ever done.
Who do you admire most?
(Canadian) Eric Hjorleifson for his ridiculous talent and passion for skiing. This kid will go down in history, guaranteed. Also (Seattle’s) Ingrid Backstrom for her refreshing attitude and complete modesty despite her super powers.
Best advice you’ve received?
Stay true to your beliefs. If I had followed my friends who were always skiing the park, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Realize your vision and stick with it – no matter what.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
That being in a rush will never help anything. Good things come to those who wait.
