Zachary Simon

Growing up in Seattle, I learned to telemark ski on leather boots, three pin bindings and the skinniest, straightest skis you could imagine. But hey, it was the gear we already had in the basement, and it got me out on the backcountry! Over the years, I slowly modernized my gear (Plastic boots! Bindings with release mechanisms! And *gasp* Locked heels??) and I began to realize how the design and engineering of modern ski gear opens the door to adventures I didn't know were possible. While completing my computer science degree at the University of Washington (I couldn't bear to leave the cascades), I started working in the winter sports industry as a copy writer at a local outdoor ecommerce company, and I've been hooked ever since. Working in the winter sports industry has allowed me to experience so many incredible things, like touring the K2 production facility here in Seattle and the Arc'teryx factory in Vancouver. But my favorite part of the industry is the people: I get to work with awesome people who share my passions, and I also have the opportunity to help demystify the industry to folks who just want to get out and have fun!