In the childhood words of Rossland native Mike Hopkins, “You know your rad when you have your name on a jersey, your picture in a magazine and a sweet name on your bike”. Similar to any other ski town based kid, Mike utilized his natural backyard for copious amounts of skiing and biking. He religiously watched, learned and idolized athletes upon the big screen. Ten years later roles have been reversed. Mike's now the one being idolized by the younger Rossland generation and reigns on top of every athletic feat he challenges. Fueled by his sponsors, Mike is a passionate, non-stop, year round athlete. Graced with natural athletic ability and trademark style, Hopkins has become a successful commodity within the extreme community. Numerous pairs of argyle socks and tremendous intakes of coffee have Mike rocking the bike and ski competitions scenes at full force.

This past winter season he appeared on the extreme skiing circuit as a humble underdog. He proved to be anything short of unsuccessful. Focused on consistent, smooth and technically sound skiing, Mike was able to showcase his skiing ability and establish himself as a prime competitor at Extreme Skiing competitions. After learning the equation to a perfect extreme skiing run at the Red Challenge, Mike went full throttle to score a second place finish at the Lake Louise Big Mountain Challenge. With his smooth as glass skiing, paired with ski racing form, Mike was hot on the tails of well respected competitors like Joel Jacques from Whistler.

From there Mike’s success snowballed into the Fernie Freeskiing championship, landing him a victorious first place finish. It was here where Mike was awarded with the prestigious title of Canadian male Extreme skiing Champion. The first place finish and title was idly celebrated due to a cold Mike had contracted before traveling to Fernie, “I was deathly sick, I have never felt so bad before in my life, right before my run I was coughing up blood and all I wanted to do was get to the bottom of the hill” confided Mike.

Top results in Extreme competitions where not the only aspect Mike added to his skiing portfolio, he also was signed to Rossingnal national team earning him several photo shoots for top ski magazines and a Heli-Skiing trip to Snowater Lodge. “It was the best trip of my life!” exclaimed Mike.

Mike has also created an extensive biking portfolio this past summer. Always wearing the double t-shirt you may have shared the Whistler lift with him, rode by him in Kamloops or spotted him mingling amongst the local nightlife. Mikes mountain bike summer has carried him all over North America- from Rossland to West Virginia and everywhere in between. Competition stops have included Whistler’s Crank Works and Snowshoes Monster park event (in West Virginia). Mike’s a hot commodity, constantly juggling photo shoots, competitions, water jump sessions at Christina Lake, riding the hill or riding anything on his bike for that matter. “Walking is overrated," according to Mike. Mike's energetic and charismatic personality has him railing bike magazines left and right.

Mike's sports intuition appears to be a character trait that will lead him to further success. “Some days your just not feeling it and that’s when you have to give your body the time it needs to recuperate.”

Recuperation for Mike, however, is not a hot, bubble bath. Mike enjoys playing soccer, long boarding, skateboarding, hanging out with friends, girls and partying. With a positive outlook on life and an advocate for following your true passions, Mike is certainly en route to realizing his childhood fantasy.