CHRIS RUBENS: „IN MY EARLY LIFE I WAS UTTERLY OBSESSED WITH SKIING”

As a celebrated freeride star, Canadian Chris Rubens traveled around the globe. During an expedition, he decided to completely change his life. He gradually reduced his carbon footprint and now runs an organic vegetable farm. But he still loves skiing just as much, says the father of a young son.

You went from freeride hero to organic farmer. How did the idea for this movie materialize?

Chris Rubens: We have been talking about making this movie for a few years, but as with most good things, it takes a little while for them actually to happen. The main sponsor, Picture, was the first to sign on and make the concept real. I knew who I wanted to make the movie so once we got started it was easier. That being said we had a really challenging winter for filming last year, so we had to work hard and have luck on our side.

How was the experience to work together with award winning director Anthony Bonello?

Anthony and I have been working together for over a decade. From crazy trips to Svalbard (Spitzbergen in Norway), to see an Eclipse to trying to climb first descents in Tibet. I knew he was the guy that would be crucial to bring this story to life. Not only was the storytelling an integral part of the movie. The skiing in the film is all done with long walks in the mountains carrying heavy gear; only a few people can do that. The amount of energy the filmmakers put in behind the scenes can’t be understated.

What are the rewards of your “new” way of living? And what are the challenges?

II have always been one to follow my heart with what inspires me. So, while my lifestyle has changed, I’m still living true to myself, which is the best way to live. This new lifestyle is by far the most fulfilled I have ever been. This is mainly because the challenges are rather significant. Running a small business is one of the most challenging and fulfilling things you can do. You feel the lows and soar with the highs.

Farming, in particular, has many lows and highs, but the success far outweighs the lows. It is gratifying to bring our veggies to market every Saturday during the summer to people who appreciate the hard work. Hiking to ski a line is very much the same.

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Do you miss something of your “old” life?

Hahaha… I can’t say that I do. My life hasn’t changed a ton, just tweaks here and there to make it more sustainable. But the end goal of moving through the mountains and skiing down them remains the same. As far as a kid goes, it is nothing but excellent. That being said, I could use a little more sleep, and he would not get me sick so much.

How important are skiing, big mountains and powder still in your life?

In my early twenties and thirties, skiing was the number one thing. Everything I did was for skiing, and I was utterly obsessed. The older you get, the more things take time, taking you away from skiing. That said, as soon as the leaves start turning yellow and the snow starts falling, the obsession creeps back in. Skiing and the mountains are how I have learned most things in life. I’m so grateful for the opportunities and possibilities it has brought me. I can’t wait for the ski season, and I’m also incredibly excited to start sharing this with my son.