Catching up with Stacey Rachdorf

How's baby Jack doing?

Jack is amazing, he speaks four languages and already fits into 3T sizing; plus he figured out how skateboard on his Spiderman skateboard a week ago. What can I say? At 20 months, not bad.

Stacey's skiing protege.  Mama Jackie Harper Photography

This past winter, was it tough balancing the new kid with skiing?

No, only because if I did not ski I would die, but it has changed what and where I ski.  This was my 2nd year as the Freestyle Coach at The White Mountain School... so a few less skins and 10000 more park runs... it has been so much fun, and difficult not bangin' up my old bones.

Stacey atop Mt Washington.  C. Nelson James Photo

Your most epic day this past season? Tell us about it:

No doubt Jay Peak Sunday 02/26/2012. It was a film day and there was a shit ton of snow, sunny skies, and rumor has it it was the biggest dump anywhere on Mother Earth that day except for some crazy remote range up in NW Canada.

Should have brought a snorkel! Jay Peak 02/26/2012 filming for Meatheads.  Geoff McDonald Videostills

Where'd you work this past ski season?

I bartend to pay the bills, but coaching freestyle has been an amazing blessing for personally and for my skiing. At times I miss being a land surveyor but with the economy the survey industry itself is too inconsistent.

Best food in NH?

Duh? Alburrito's Mexican Restaurant.

Favorite Beer:

Im really diggin' Moat Mountain Brewery these days... Czech pilsner please!

Favorite Cereal:

Ahhhh who stole meeee Lucky Charms?

Stacey in the white room at Jay Peak.  C. Nelson James Photo

What makes skiing in the White Mountain backcountry unique?

The variable terrain and snowpack.  It can be epic or awful but either way it always scares the shit out of you. Every time I head out there it is always different and unpredictable. Extreme Adventures!

Best ski morning breakfast before heading into the BC?

A peanut butter covered pancetta sesame toast with banana slice on it and a liter of water OR a sausage egg and cheese at Parker’s Deli with sirachi sauce all over it.

Stowe slash.  C. Nelson James Photo

What's the terrain and snowfall like at Cannon?

It is steeper than people think. There is some side country that has sustained 30 degree glades for over a 1000 vertical feet.  Cannon is fast and long with cold cold weather.  The snowfall average is 160” a year, about 300” too little.  No matter what the total, there are always 30 unbelievable days here a year due to wind and funky snow patterns that get stuck here.

Someone you have a ton of respect for in skiing: 

I was so sad to see Shane [McConkey] and Kip Garr leave us.  These were the first deaths that led me to question my pursuit of skiing. There is nothing wrong dying doing what you love. Both of these skiers inspire me daily.

Links to some ski edits you like from this past season (without you in them):

I'm totally diggin the youth park movement at Cannon!

Do you think the East Coast has helped or hurt your skiing?

It doesn't matter where I ski. I am always improving on something.

Who were the skiers that you admired most when you were in high school?

All the guys in Stump’s films; Plake, Andrews, Hattrup, Schmidt, and Ace Mckay was such a hot go-go dancer.

Worst trend currently in skiing:

"Go Proing" is out of control but I am as guilty as the next.

Stacey reflecting on a ridiculously deep line at Jay Peak.  See the footage in the upcoming 2012 release from Meathead Films.  Geoff McDonald Videostill

Your ideal non-ski vacation:

Surfing and watching the sunset everyday with my family anywhere there is sun and waves.

What's the most cost-effective dinner to buy at the grocery store if your ski bummin' it?

A bag of pasta and a can of Hunts Traditional. It's $3 total and feeds three.

What are you doing this autumn?

Fall in Littleton is the best time to mountain bike so I'll be hitting up a lot of single track and getting the last few semi-bearable surf days in with out having to wear two suits. The Atlantic Ocean is freezing.