Sam Mitchell
An organizer and prominent athlete within Skijor Canada, where competitors are pulled on skis by horses over obstacles and jump courses. He actively promotes and competes in Canadian skijoring circuits.
In DAYS OFF, Sam takes Katie behind the scenes of Banff’s skijoring scene, leading everything from course construction to an impromptu 11,000-person street party before unwinding with a solitary sunset horse ride.
Marty Schaffer
Marty Schaffer is a certified Canadian ACMG ski guide, founder of CAPOW Guiding, and second-generation operator of Blanket Glacier Chalet near Revelstoke, BC. His parents bought the chalet just one month before he was born, so it has always been part of his life—and his family. Marty’s vision when creating a guiding company has always been to bring industry professionals and recreational skiers together for approachable, educational, and seriously good times in the mountains. Today, he splits his time between guiding, running a backcountry business, maintaining a remote mountain operation, and raising a young family with his wife, Kate. Given the choice, he’ll always opt for a human-powered ski adventure.
In DAYS OFF, Marty hosts host Katie at the Blanket Glacier Chalet for an extended weekend, showing what running a non-stop backcountry lodge looks like when managing kids and operation demands.
Kate VanHee
Originally from Vail, Colorado, Kate Schaffer grew up ski racing and cultivating a passion for the mountains. In 2019, a trip to Blanket Glacier Chalet with her girlfriends changed the course of her life when she met Marty and fell in love. Today, Kate and Marty run the Blanket and CAPOW Guiding together while raising their two young boys in Revelstoke. After leaving a career in sales and tech in 2023, Kate now focuses on operating and growing the Blanket and CAPOW business, while still finding deep joy in the adventure of ski touring—and sneaking in a few well-earned turns whenever she can.
In DAYS OFF, a seven-months pregnant Kate welcomes Katie into their family life in the Revelstoke backcountry, highlighting the non-stop reality of running a family-owned lodge.
Catch him in Launceston
Jess Kimura
One of the most influential street and backcountry snowboarders in history. A legend in women’s snowboarding, Kimura created The Uninvited project and event series to elevate women’s video parts and street riding talent.
In DAYS OFF, Kimura hosts Katie in her favorite Hokkaido backcountry spots for off-camera riding, then pivots to feature her all-girls “Uninvited Japan” tournament.
Marie-France Roy
We go to the Canadian Rockies to embed with some of the top female snowboarders for a week as they compete in RnD – a unique backcountry event whose winner gets a coveted spot on the Natural Selections Tour. Action is elevated by culture with this group, who push each other to new limits and strike the perfect balance of support and competition.
Kaylin Richardson
When I venture outside the resort, of course, the first three items I make certain to have are my beacon, shovel, and probe. And then I lovingly place them in my Arva Reactor 32 Airbag. Spacious, comfortable, and especially light for a cartridge based airbag it is fantastic for little trips out of bounds as well as long hauls deep into the backcountry, carrying everything I need. The added line of defense of that I have from the airbag doesn’t mean I won’t get caught in an avalanche- that is mostly up to my judgement- but it does mean I have a better chance of landing on top. Luckily, I have never had to pull it, but knowing it is there gives me and my family a little more peace of mind.
Ted Ligety
An American alpine ski racing icon, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2006 Alpine Combined, 2014 Giant Slalom), and five-time World Champion. Revered for revolutionizing giant slalom technique, he is also the co-founder of the equipment brand Shred Optics.
In DAYS OFF, Ligety participates in the Deer Valley crew’s chaotic day off, leaving his kids in Katie’s hands for a hilarious afternoon of resort riding.
Sam Kuch
A professional freeskier from Nelson, BC, celebrated for his fluid, hard-charging style in big-mountain terrain. Sam Kuch has made his mark on big mountain skiing with his freestyle-inspired approach to technical backcountry lines. This Nelson, BC-based powerhouse attributes his air awareness to being raised on trampolines and his creative line choice to his sincere appreciation for snowboarding.
In DAYS OFF, Kuch heads to Points North Heli Skiing in Cordova, Alaska, where he goes on “guest mode” to relax, eat oysters, explore ice caves, and casually lay down effortless, epic powder lines.
Craig McMorris
A Canadian professional snowboarder, television analyst, and commentator (including CBC Olympic coverage). Known for his technical rail riding and high-energy media presence. In DAYS OFF, McMorris leads Katie through his idea of a Whistler day off, spanning a contentious hockey game, park laps, and a session on a backcountry booter.
Court Blackbird Larabee
Program Director for the Indigenous Life Sports Academy (ILSA) in Whistler/Kootenays, BC. He leads initiatives providing Indigenous youth access to mountain sports like snowboarding, skiing, and skateboarding. In DAYS OFF, Court enjoys his dream day off in Pemberton, trading his constant youth-mentorship work for personal riding time assisted by snowmobiles.
Mason Mashon
An Indigenous action-sports photographer, cinematographer, and former professional mountain biker based in British Columbia. Known for capturing backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking for major outdoor brands. In DAYS OFF, Mashon helps coordinate and film Court Larabee’s dream day off in the Pemberton backcountry.
Sebastian Judge
A Whistler native who calls his hometown peak his favorite mountain, Sebastian grew up competing in slopestyle before shifting his focus to filmmaking at age 16 following a head injury. Over the past six years, he has built a career making snowboard films full-time, bringing an expert cinematic eye and deep local knowledge to every project he shoots and rides.
In DAYS OFF, Judge rides the Whistler terrain park and hits a backcountry booter alongside Craig McMorris and friends.
Mark Sollors
A veteran Canadian big-mountain snowboarder from Kelowna, BC. A longtime Burton team rider, Sollors is known for heavy backcountry jump parts and video segments in major film releases. In DAYS OFF, Sollors joins Craig McMorris in Whistler for park laps and backcountry jump sessions.
Truth Smith
A Canadian street snowboarder recognized for heavy rail technique, creative line choices, and standout segments in modern street films. In DAYS OFF, Smith sessions the Whistler park and backcountry booters alongside Craig McMorris and crew.