Age- 27

Home Resort- Blackcomb/Whistler

Sponsors- Black Diamond, Surefoot, Bolle, Ground Outer Wear

Website- BrettCrabtree.com

First of all, congratulations on winning the World Tour. How does it feel?

Thanks. Well for one, I'm relieved that it's done and I made it through another season without any major injuries. But mostly feels great to set out to win the tour, work hard at it and do it.

Take us through your winter.

Well, I hung out in Whistler for the most part. Working it, shooting photos when there was sun. Just keeping strong, skiing pow and getting ready for the tour. The main highlight would have to be winning the Crested Butte comp. It was my first world tour podium. It was a fun event and skiing a venue with no inspection made it tougher, but it worked out for me in the end. It was a great start to the tour and to podium again in Snowbird was what got me up there on the overall tour. To cap it off in Alaska was great. It didn't work out for me at that event, or anyone for the matter because of what happened. But hanging out in a RV off the Thompson pass touring, flying and shooting was a great time. As it is now, the season is coming to an end here in Whistler and time to get ready for next year.

In a previous profile here on Biglines, you described some Zen secrets. Explain how you mentally prepare for a season, and each comp or run at the time.

I would say it starts in the summer keeping strong. Lots of cross country biking, hockey and some lifting. Have to be physically ready as well as mentally. Skiing is 75% mental, so go in to win but be smart. Find a few lines that look fun, suss it out, look at everything- the run outs, snow conditions, and landings. If you can visualize every turn, then you're ready. You have to keep in mind that you will be skiing three runs so you want to save your best for the last day. The day of the comps can be nerve-wracking for some. You just have to get out there and do what you do everyday; Ski. Otherwise I find you put all the pressure on yourself. The mind will work against you in situations like these. Block it out and have fun, breath, look around you and enjoy your surroundings. That works for me.






How was the Alyeska stop? There was a tonne of hype and stoke surrounding the Freeski World Tour returning to AK.

There was definitely hype with it coming back to AK. The athletes were stoked to be there as well. Besides who wouldn’t want to be in AK? The weather was nice and the event kicked off well, getting the qualifier done. Day One was held on the head wall; a closure above the resort, steep with great features. The snow was deceiving though. Some soft stuff, then wind buffed to crusty snow. It's hard to know what the snow will be like until your skiing it. Near the end of Day 1 we lost one of our own. It was a tragic day. John Nicoletta had an unfortunate fall costing him his life. It is something I wish I didn't see. You know, it happened and it's unfair, but we have to continue skiing on in celebration of his life and others we have lost along the way. 4/11 will always be a day to ski in memory of John Nicoletta and Neal Valiton. Deepest sympathy to their families.

AK was a great place to hold the finals and I look forwards to going back. We will see what happens when the tour comes back to North America.

You spent some time in AK after the comp. What did you ski?

After the comp I wasn't able to ski for a bunch of days because of a nagging injury in both my achillis. It was driving me crazy. After a few days off, I managed to get up touring off the Turnagain Pass. Snow sucked; there was a big wind event that scoured the mountains, but was great to be out there. Headed out to Valdez in search for better snow but it wasn't any better. Did some tours off the Thompson Pass and Worthington Glacier also. I would have to say the highlight was heli skiing. That's what its all about. Shot photos and got to ski a bunch of fun peaks, only the snow wasn't the best. It was hit and miss, and I could only imagine how good it would be with blower powder. It was a great experience to be up there though and get a feel for what's going on. A great week living in the muddy parking lots and learning to hurry up and wait!






BD hooked you up this winter and it appears that the skis delivered. They have really burst onto the scene this year.

Yah, super stoked to be with them. They have great skis and will only continue to get better. The 192 Zealot is a great on resort charging ski that eats the crud up. Stiff with a strong wood construction 138/110/127. Nothing stands in the way. Then there's the 188 Megawatt, I really like this one. 153/125/130 makes for fun times in the deep stuff. All BD's gear works great for me, is well made, tried and tested. BD has a great team of rippers, including Nick DeVore , the tellie master, Drew Stoecklein and Mark Welgos. They are a few I have met and had the privilege of watching ski. We will certainly continue to see good things from BD.

I demoed a pair of the MegaWatts and they are no myth. I really liked them.

The MegaWatt is great! Big rocker tip keeps your tip from plowing with side cut under the foot. It's a fun ski. It is cool to see how much skis have changed over the years. I would highly recommend them. You can sure rail some mean turns with these bad boys.

What are your plans from here?

I want to keep moving forwards, creating great experiences on my skis. Find a way to ski the world and become the best I can be. I don't know what will be in store for next year. Defending the World Title perhaps? We will see once this winter is over. If I get the chance ski on the new Freeride World Tour I would do it in a heartbeat. At this time I'm going to just keep on keeping on!

Now you are World Champion, what does that mean in terms of sponsorship and breaking into filming etc? The tour turns out a lot of great skiers, but what do you think it will take to be able to live comfortably from your skiing?

It opens up opportunities for sure. I would say it looks good on the resume, to help get sponsors ect. But it will be what I make of it. How hard I work off the hill to find the right sponsors to work with, which have the same goals or objectives as I have. You know, if you're a freeskier your not in it for the money that's for sure. If it's all about the money should have been pro fisherman or go get a real job.

Who really impressed you on the tour or who are the young guns coming up through the ranks?

It's super cool to see all the young guns coming up. With all the junior comps, the sport is growing. Dane Tudor is a stand out to me; he's a well-rounded skier, who makes it look easy. Braden Brassy had a great year, and will continue to only get stronger. There are many others coming up with a great eye and talent in this sport.

What does the summer hold for you?

Going to start working for the summer, working on houses in Whistler. Keep them looking nice you know, painting mainly. Start thinking about next winter. Enjoy the break, heal up and keep active outdoors biking, swimming, golfing. Keeping strong is the most important thing.

Anything that people should know about Brett Crabtree?

I Don't like cantaloupe.

Any shout outs?

Everyone in the family. Ullr, Black Diamond, Bolle, Ground, Surefoot. Anyone who has helped out over the years.

Thanks.