040: Paul Petersen- Paul tells about his early days with PSIA and Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company - a podcast by Rick Saez

Show Notes

This episode is with Paul Petersen. Paul was one of the early members of PSIA, the Professional Ski Instructors of America and currently operates the Bear Valley Cross Country and Adventure Company with his wife Dianne. If you ever find yourself on highway 4 near ebbetts pass be sure and stop in.

First Exposure to the Outdoors

My folks were from Scandinavia, my dad was from the North mother was from Denmark. They were both skiers so we would go ski when I was about three years old. That's probably my first exposure to getting outdoors and playing in the mountains. As time marched on they had me in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Our Boy Scout troop was very active, we did 80 mile canoe trips and 60 mile backpack trips. That led to interest in rock climbing and things of that nature and and then I also sort of fell into cycling and as I became young man my parents supported me in that so I was well rounded.

Things we talked about

PSIA

Fisher

Rossingnol

Bear Valley XC Ski and Adventure Company

Columbia College

Climate Change

Advice, tips

The outdoor industry has all sorts of different career pathways. I've had my ski school director here who went on to run Ski Areas and he took on Rossignol and was the CEO and president then he went back to k2. Wherever you start whether it's working in a ski shop or repping for a company there are definitely opportunities that come up. Another buddy of mine Casey Sheehan, we did all sorts of cross-country skiing together and he's run a couple of small companies like Kelty and Patagonia. Now he's run a small brand up there called Keen. He also launched all conditions gear and he's just regular guy with door interests like us. But you stay smart about it and play your opportunities and don't be afraid to move around a little bit. There's some pretty good careers that come out of this industry and a lot of different ways to play it. You've got cycling and bike shops, you've got ski shops at resorts, you've got city shops. My brother worked for REI. All these well managed companies will bring you up and train you and put you kind of wherever you want to be. Just jump in and follow your passions.

Other Outdoor Activities

Cycling, paddling, snorkeling , surfing

Favorite Books

The Emerald Mile by Kevin Fedarko (audio book)

Let my people go surfing by Yvon Chouinard (audio book)

Fatu Hiva by Thor Hyerdahl

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko (audio book)

Best Gear Purchase under $100

Lucie Lanterns

Bike lights

Connect with Paul

Bear Valley Cross Country

http://www.bearvalleyxc.com/