James Heim
Name: James Heim
Birthdate: 3/9/82
Nickname: Heimer
Specialty: Big Mountain
Nationality: Canadian
Home Mountain: Whistler
Athlete talk
How and when did you start skiing, how has it evolved ever since, and what got you into freeskiing?
I started skiing when I was 2 years old at Red Mountain, B.C. My background was racing but I would much rather ski everywhere on the mountain so my racing career didn't last long. After stopping racing I would just ski as much as possible, pushing myself for pure adrenaline.
Was there any particular experience that made you consider skiing professionally?
There were a couple of changes in skiing that made me think about professional skiing as a possibility. Mainly it was seeing Thirteen for the first time and seeing what those guys were doing and learning that people could be professionals other than racers. The other was Red Mountain hosted a Freeskiing competition every year. At the time I wasn't allowed to compete until I was 19 so I would watch every year, seeing what those were throwing down, waiting until I was of age.
Who were/are your idols on and off the hill?
My idols were Shane McConkey, Seth Morrison, and Mike Douglas.
What does skiing mean to you personally?
Skiing to me personally is pure enjoyment. I hope to be skiing into my old ages.
Do you have any specific goals for your skiing in your future?
My main skiing goals are to continue the pursuit to ski larger lines as fluidly and fast as possible. Also to be doing this in an exploratory fashion. Whether it is my first time in that location or anyone's first time works for me.
What aspect of skiing thrills you the most?
Standing at the top of a new line that I am just about to attempt for the first and most likely the only time is a real thrill. I am always confident about what I am about to ski but there are always unknowns that make every new line exciting.
In what conditions and what terrain do you most enjoy riding?
I enjoy a good 30cm of dry pow on a fast bottom layer with no avy danger. My favorite terrain is anywhere in the backcountry. There are so many options and with no one around it is a little less rushed like the resort.
Any activities that aren't ski related?
Biking is my second love to skiing. Downhill, XC and recently road riding consumes almost all of my spare time in the summer.
I also enjoy almost any activity, climbing, fishing, hunting, hiking, running, swimming, and I wish I was a better surfer.
How do you manage to combine family/friends and your job?
It can be difficult to manage family, friends and job, especially when your job keeps you on the road for a huge portion of the year. Social media and all the applications that make communication abroad very simple help so much. Almost everywhere has wireless so I can always get in touch via video calls so it never seems like you are away as long as you are.
Please answer, if possible, with one word only.
Trick/move: cork 7
Band: Metallica
Movie: Batman
Book: Born to Run
Drink: Beer
Food: Deer
Country: Canada
Resort/place to ski: Whistler
Car: Chev
What do you like about SCOTT?
I really love that all the products from SCOTT are at such a high quality and really thought out. It is really important that I have confidence in my gear out there.
What are your favorite SCOTT products?
My favorite SCOTT products are the Off-Grid goggle and the SCOTT X-Plor 2-Part Pole.
What SCOTT products are you using this year?
I will use my favorite SCOTT products, the Off-Grid goggle and the X-Plor poles.
Who are your other sponsors?
Mountain Hardwear, Head, Whistler/Blackcomb
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to see myself still living in Whistler but traveling and skiing larger and different mountains by heli or any means necessary to get there.
People you feel you need to thank?
There are so many people I need to thank. Friends and family of course, but specifically Kevin Wallace, my former employer from Earls Whistler, who lent me money so I could compete and try to film in those early years!