By Doug Hare EBS STAFF
BIG
SKY – Jack Lovely’s earliest
memories of skiing are lapping the Derringer lift in Moonlight Basin with his
parents and siblings. Now, at just 17, he has moved on to more difficult
terrain and picked up some sponsors along the way, including Giro, The North
Face and Faction Skis.
Born
and raised in McLeod, Montana, Lovely is currently pursuing his High School
Equivalency Degree and a private pilot’s license. EBS recently sat down with
the precocious athlete to discuss his aspirations in the world of winter
sports, his love of flying on the slopes and in the sky, and how to stomp
landings on the steep stuff.
EBS: You have had some success in
freeride tournaments in the past few seasons. But tell me about your
progression as a winter athlete. Did you grow up racing? Did you train with the
Big Sky Ski Education Foundation’s freeride team as a youngster?
J.L.: As soon as my family moved to Big Sky, my sister and I were
sent straight into the Buddy Werner race program. I raced for two seasons and
then transferred to the freeride team for a season. After that, my father took
over and started to coach my sister and me.
EBS: You are currently an ambassador for
Big Sky Resort. How did that opportunity arise?
J.L.: I pretty much owe the
opportunity to my sister, Maria. She started shooting with local photographers
and videographers including Ryan Turner, Colton Stiffler and Chris Kamman. She
brought me along on some of her shoots and it took off from there.
EBS: Who have been the most influential
people in your life with regards to developing a passion for winter sports and
being in the mountains?
J.L.: By far the most
influential person for developing a love of the mountains has been my father.
EBS: Can you tell me a little bit more
about your dad?
J.L.: My father and I are into most of the same things, and if we
aren’t then usually we get the other interested. He is one of the most talented
and athletic people I know. He taught me how to ski, ride bicycles and so much
more. When I was seven he taught my sister and I to [spin a] 360. In seventh
grade, he picked me up after basketball and he swished a three after not
touching a ball since sixth grade practices. He used to lead me down the most
technical bike trails, up steep climbs on dirt bikes, through tight trees on
snowmobiles and so many other adventures. Possibly the most important thing he
taught me was to work on and fix all of my outdoor toys because we are very
good at breaking things. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without him
in my life.
EBS: What are your goals for this winter
season as a winter athlete?
J.L.: As far as winter goals
go, I am submitting an entry in a Quiksilver competition and hoping to place.
I’m also working to reach more people through vlogging so that people can
follow my Youtube channel to keep up to date with my winter adventures.
EBS: What’s the best piece of advice that
you’ve received about improving your skiing ability or technique?
J.L.: Arguably the most
important piece of advice I’ve been given was from Cooper Raasch. He told me to
land using four-point landings. At the time I had been hitting cliffs and
landing straight up and down
using just my legs. The four-point landing technique is to land with your poles
making contact as you come back to the snow, keeping your body further forward
on the tongues of your boots.
EBS: How did you decide to pursue your
pilot’s license?
J.L.: Before my family moved to Big Sky we were based a half hour
south of Big Timber in McLeod, Montana. My father had started an outfitting
business and bought a plane and learned to fly to spot game—elk, deer, etc. I
was very young when he took me up in his tiny two-seater experimental and when
he pulled back I won’t ever forget the feeling. It was unparalleled to anything
I’d ever felt before. Between skis, bicycles and everything else that I’ve
jumped or been airborne in, flying an airplane is the best rush of them
all.
EBS: How do you keep in shape during the
warmer months?
J.L.: I spend most of my time
during the warmer months on the clock. Throughout the summer I build bike
trails and all the way until mid-December put in barbed wire fences. Both jobs
are rigorous and physically demanding; I am heading into the winter feeling
strong.
EBS: Do you intend on going to college?
If not, what are your plans?
J.L.: Within
the next few years I’d like to give professional skiing the best attempt I
can. However, I also understand that
skiing doesn’t last forever. So after skiing I would like to further my
piloting and get a job flying air tankers to wildfires. Another one of my
interests is in real estate. Investing in land and housing in markets that are
on the rise is such an interesting way to make a living.
