Elias Lawson
Howdy!
I've been an avid skier for most of my life, and enjoy talking gear with just about anyone who'll listen. It's why I love my job as an expert! From fat powder planks to precise carvers, ultralight backcountry setups to park skis, and from your dusty old rentals to the latest all mountain quiver killers - I've experienced it all and can't wait to guide you to your next pair of skis!
These days, I spend most of my time in the Central Oregon backcountry seeking out untouched lines, perfect snow, and gorgeous scenery. We have countless amazing peaks to summit, and I'm trying to ski them all one day! You can find me in the early hours of the morning racking up dawn-patrol laps at the local hotspot, midday boot-packing up a steep couloir to score some high altitude turns, or late afternoon surfing waist-deep champagne powder on those coveted unicorn days! While I prefer to earn my turns, I also won't turn down a resort day either. I grew up skiing our local dormant volcano (Mt. Bachelor), and shredded Bridger Bowl in Bozeman, MT during my college years. From spring corn to cold smoke, any day on snow is a good one in my book!
When the freshies ain't falling, you'll also find me rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, paddle boarding, or hammocking in the Cascades! More than anything, I just enjoy being outdoors, and am always down for an adventure!
❄️❄️❄️ So, how can I help you? ❄️❄️❄️
I aim to cut through the noise of marketing and influencers and offer an actual expert's opinion on the real life pros & cons to each ski. It seems that most every model these days is labeled as "all mountain," and it sure is hard to tell the differences between the myriad of brands out there! Hopefully I can help to sort through the muddied waters of ski reviews, ratings, & rankings which can oftentimes be misleading. While every ski has its place on the slopes, there are certainly those intricate and nuanced differences that make one ski right for you, and another not. I have a degree in engineering and a passion for all of that nerdy tech stuff companies like to highlight, and I'll strive to translate industry terminology and jargon into down-to-earth helpful insight.
❄️❄️❄️ What do I need from you? ❄️❄️❄️
You can help me by being honest and straightforward with what you're looking for! I know skis and their market very well, but I'm also not a salesman! - I'll happily adjust my recommendations and advice if certain gear doesn't fall within your budget, styling preferences, or performance needs - Just let me know! I won't try to push you to gear that isn't right for you just to earn a quick buck, and I'll always be on the lookout for killer deals and ways to save you money. Keep me in the loop on your timeline & needs, and I'll be able to find you your perfect ski whether that's today, in a week, or later on next season. Don't be afraid to ask me any question at all, as chances are I've probably heard most of them before!
At this point, I've successfully dialed in my favorite gear and ideal quiver of touring skis, and now it's your turn... Whether you're just getting into the sport or ski 100 days/year, let's get you out on your next perfect setup! :)
