The 2004 Jason Paredes Interview

(Chris Rossi) Hey Jay, mind if we do a quick interview?

(CR) For the record, where were you born and how old are you?

(Jason Paredes) I was born in San Francisco CA and I’m 33

(CR) When did you start thinking about making a career out of skiing?

(JP) Never thought about a career in skiing. I was just getting better and better every year. I couldn’t stop because of my improvement so I just kept doing it.

(CR) Who influenced you in your decision to make a go at pro skiing?

(JP) I grew up competitive skiing so that was one of my goals. My parents were very supportive but I just wanted to ski a pro event. Not necessarily for it to become a profession.

(CR) What ski were you on and did any companies help you out?

(JP) I grew up on a EP and Kidder. I was on Obrien for a while and then switched to KD. I have been on a KD since I became full time pro. I have been sponsored and receiving skis since I was 14. Obrien had me on some incentives but KD stepped it up and fully sponsored me in 97 after I was rookie of the year in 96.

(CR) What are your career highlights and best moments since then?

(JP) My highlight was winning the Breitling Open in London my first pro tour and the 2000 Nationals. Placing second at Moomba in front of all those fans was up there too.

(CR) How are you a different skier now then when you started pro skiing?

(JP) Since I have more experience I can recover from my mistakes better. I’m more aware of my surrounding when it comes to tournament times but I don’t think my style has changed much.

(CR) What has helped to shape you into the skier you are now, any moments of enlightenment?

(JP) What has helped my skiing is practice but most importantly I started working on my gates. I never paid attention to them but now I have realized that is the key to running a pass.

(CR) Where do you see the sport next year and in the years to come?

(JP) The sport is at a crossroads right now. Although its gaining popularity in the amateur scene the pro scene needs some new blood to get it going. We need professional promoters with a passion for the sport. We need to revamp the image that is portrayed.

(CR) What's one thing skiing as a whole can do right now to improve?

(JP) Improvements? We need to cater more towards what the weekend skier wants. Skiing is so difficult on public waters. Private lakes have taken us out of the mainstream. We need more of these private lakes to become clubs where access to nice water and a course is easier.

(CR) I know that you are a "World Traveler" as far as skiing goes, can you tell everyone why you spend all that money to go to distant events, knowing that if you win the event you may only be able to cover your expenses?

(JP) I love to travel. This is the only reward to skiing. Being able to ski all over the world and to see killer sites is just priceless. This is what keeps me in the sport. Visiting exotic places and meeting people who have a passion for skiing.

(CR) Do you have any advise for our younger generation of skiers?

(JP) My advise to the juniors is to look at the big picture. Skiiing is fun, competitive but there are drawbacks. Financial rewards are very limited so focus on your education.

(CR) What do you think about the movies involving slalom that are being sold right now?

(JP) What movies? Everything is instructional. I know this sport is hard but we need to show the beauty and scenery of why people like skiing. I don’t want someone telling me this or telling me that.

(CR) Is there a future in ski videos?

(JP) I think the first 5 movies will be successful but if it stays the same then it will die. There is only so much you can do on that single ski. We would have to cover different lifestyles and other sports.

(CR) What do you do when you're not skiing?

(JP) When I’m not skiing I’m trying to look for my next professsion. I do golf and play basketball a lot and try to get in better shape for the next year. Playstation does play a role as well.

(CR) What type of car do you drive?

(JP) My latest car is a Subaru. Great for going to the mountains. All wheel drive does make it nice. No Chains!

(CR) What is in your cd player right now?

(JP) In the cd player is the new Outkast and DJ Craze.

(CR) What's in your Playstation 2?

(JP) In the playstation is ESPN Basketball

(CR) Thanks for your time and rip up Tahoe this winter!