Justin Bigart and friends started getting lighter gear and going faster in the backcountry, which lead to training for and racing in the European—derived sport of Ski Mountaineering or “Skimo.”

*It was something to do in the winter that felt like trail running.  A lot of it had to do with gear and wanting to move quick in the mountains.  I went to a Skitrab ski—they are 140cm, they weigh nothing, featherweight.  Uphill you can run like you are trail running.  You need a compatible Skimo partner.  A lot of the races you have to do with a partner anyway.  You need someone who has the same risk profile, goals, endurance, willingness to work and get out every day.  I really enjoy going to History Rock and getting a bunch of laps in.  Being able to move fast in the mountains is the best part.

It is the fountain of youth.  I think skinning is the single best way to move the human bod*y.

• Justin Bigart