On this episode, I speak with certified badass, Jake Hutchinson. He is the son of a Ski Patroller, a Marine, and an avalanche safety and survival course instructor. Jake trains search and rescue teams, as well as members of the Special Forces. On top of all that, he is the lead trainer at Salt Lake City’s Gym Jones. Tune in to hear us talk about injury-proofing your body, the importance of self-assessment, and how the mountain can separate the wheat from the chaff. Topics: [03:20] Injury-proofing your body. [07:40] 50% of the injuries he has witnessed were a result of people being tired. [10:38] If you have a weak core, it doesn’t matter what’s going on with the rest of your body. [12:05] Jake forces himself to trail run several times per week, [12:25] Jake believes trail running is great training for skiers. [14:47] He is a huge proponent of cross-training. [21:55] The importance of exercising your hip flexors. [24:34] Learn to master kick-turns on easy terrain. [25:35] How to make sure your weight is distributed properly. [27:00] The importance of self-awareness and self-assessment when it comes to avoiding injury and learning new skills. [30:30] Ego and testosterone is a consistent problem on the mountain; it prevents people from being honest with themselves about their abilities. [33:55] Jake finds that the T-bar helps weed out the strong skiers from the weak. [34:35] Putting in high-speed lifts has contributed to people overestimating their abilities and leading to weaker skiers putting themselves in danger. [37:20] Pole plants help point you in the right direction and remain vital to form. Quotes: “When people start over-using their quads, because their hamstrings and glutes aren’t balanced, that’s where a lot of knee injuries end up.” -Jake Hutchinson “Skiing has a reasonable risk factor, even on a corduroy groomer, beginner trail.” -Jake Hutchinson “You really have to be able to...ruthlessly assess yourself and what state you’re in...so that you don’t get lulled into complacency…” -Jake Hutchinson Resources: Wagner Custom Skis Gym Jones Website American Avalanche Institute