Tuesdays with Rogge: Tom Wallisch Interview

10/13/2009

By Mike Rogge

Ski The East Columnist

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Ah, Tom Wallisch. I imagine some of the readers are new to this site and are likely visiting because his name is in the title of this article. Lucky for you this isn't a piece about leaf blowing. I really could have fooled you there. Lucky for you skitheeast.net is new and we have a nice website for you to enjoy too. And also, lucky for you I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Wallisch for an exclusive interview to chat about his new show on MTV2, switching sponsors, and of course, getting his boots fitted at a local Burlington shop, the Ski Rack. So grab a cup-o-coffee, sit back, and (insert "afterbang" joke here) because you're in for a treat. Some people have all the luck.

How ya been, Tom?

Pretty good. Just been hanging out, going to school, and trying keep it edumacated, How ‘bout you?

I’m doing great. What are you doing here in Burlington, VT at the Ski Rack?

I’m getting some boots fitted. Came out to the East Coast because I’ve been doing premieres a lot these days. I came back to premiere the new Level 1 and 4bi9 movies at UVM. I figured since I was in Burlington, I’d stop in and get my boots fitted by the best in the world.

Yeah, Matt Manser is pretty good and he’ll be very excited that you complimented him with that title. This is your first time in Burlington?

I’ve got nothing but good things to say. I haven’t seen much since we only rolled into town a few hours ago. I’m excited to get out there, watch some movies, and see the town and the people.

We’ll bring you out in Burlington the right way. Maybe take you to a local dive called, Esox. Are you into dive bars?

That sounds like my deal. I’m in.

That a way. Let’s move into some more serious questions. You just switched from long time ski sponsor, Amplid to Scott. How are you feeling about that move?

I feel really good about it. I’m stoked on some change, getting on some new sticks, and working with some new people that are a little more stoked on me as an athlete and helping me get around the world a little more and into the bigger contests, the bigger scene, and the bigger magazines. I’m really stoked on the move and I think its going to be good for my skiing and for my career.

photo: Dan Brown

What’s on your plate for this Fall? Coming back to your home state of PA, at all?

Probably won’t head back to PA this Fall. I usually come back for the holidays. I’ll probably stay out in Utah. I’m pretty focused on school right now at the University of Utah. I’m going to try and keep chugging along with that, keep up with my classes, and do a few of the fall big airs over in Europia. I’d like to do a couple more of those and then come back to the East for the holidays as it’s the place to be…. That’s where the best skiers in the world are from!

photo: Matt Stauble

Why do you think the best skiers in the world come from the East Coast?

I don’t know… cause we’re the illest. We know what’s real, we don’t take anything for granted, and we’ve skied the worst so the best comes easy.

Wow. We might put that quote on a tshirt.

(laughs) Yeah, that was pretty good!

We might want to trademark that one.

Can we TM that?

(laughs) I’m sure you can. Let’s get back into this, how have you felt about the response to Refresh?

I’m really stoked on everyone being really excited about the movie and my part. I’m going to try and go out next year and do a little bit more, go a little bit bigger, and make it a little bit better. I want to keep on pushing it. Hopefully next year people will be as equally stoked. It’s hard to keep filming segments and putting out stuff that gets people stoked up with all the contests and being busy all winter long. I’m going to try my best, ski as much as possible, and hopefully it’s all work out.

Here’s a question you’ve been asked a bunch; why is the tongue on your boot a different color? (laughs)

(laughs) You know what? It’s the most important aspect of my skiing. Whoever doesn’t know that, is screwed.

That’s sort of like the rumor that Michael Jordan had special Nikes that made him jump higher. So you’re saying the special tongue is the real reason why you ski the way you ski?

It’s the ONLY thing that makes me ski the way I ski. (laughs) It’s my own special tongue, definitely NOT the tongue from the Hot Dogger boot. Nope. They’re specially made, custom built, and the only thing that makes me able to do the things I do. Luckily, no one else has them, right?

(laughs) You’re right. If you’re looking for that red tongue, you should give up.

There’s only one. If you’re looking for it, email Josh Malcyck; josh@lineskis.com and he’ll take your requests! (laughs)

(Manser is ready for Tom to step into his boots)

You’re about to get custom fitted into your boots. What’s going through your head?

I’m really scared because he said its going to hurt really bad!

Tell the folks out there what its like to get your boots custom fitted.

Basically, I don’t know how to describe it, Rogge. It’s a warm cozy feeling. Sort of like going back to your grandma’s house for a cup of joe.

photo: Matt Stauble

Well, while you’re getting fitted, tell us about your show that’s coming out on MTV2.

There’s a show coming out on Saturday, October 17^th. Should be pretty cool. It’s basically a day-in-the-life of an actions sports star. There’s different episodes on different action sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, surfing, and skiing. I’m stoked to be apart of the ski episode. I think we did a good job of showing the behind-the-scenes of what I do in my life, living in Salt Lake, going to school, partying with my friends, and getting out there and skiing. I think it’ll give people a good look at my life and hopefully a few good reasons on why they should take up action sports and get into skiing instead of a team or organization oriented sport.

Was there filming done at the illusive 4bi9 house?

Yeah! They filmed a nice scene at the 4bi9 house. We had a couple people over…or I should say, a couple hundred and had a nice little get together. It brought over a couple cops… and by couple I mean maybe ten. It went well. Just a little shin dig in Salt Lake and then they filmed us hitting up a few local Salt Lake “hot spots” like the water park and a couple local eateries and I think people will have a nice look into that 4biLife reality which is the realness.

Maybe plug the new 4bi9 blog so people can check it out.

4bilife.com. Check it out! It’s the hottest shit around. It’s updated all the time except when we forget to so enjoy!

What do you have to say to all the East Coasters out there that are down on the crappy winters and the less-than-perfect parks? You came from PA so you know what it’s all about.

Well you know, I’d like to quote Tupac on this if that’s cool?

Go for it.

“Through every dark night, there’s a brighter day.” And no matter what, just keep your head up and handle it because no matter what, you may be skiing what you don’t think is good right now but you do have chances and opportunities. Get out there. I didn’t leave the East Coast till I moved out to Utah for college when I was 18. There’s still time. Get out there and ski as much as you can, have as much fun as you can, and things will happen and they’ll go your way. They always do. It’s for that bright day, baby! Boom!