In addition to playing on McKinney High’s Tennis team, Junior Chris Hein enjoys competing in Backcountry Snow Skiing competitions.
Unlike groomed cross-country and alpine skiing, backcountry skiing is skiing over un-groomed and unmarked, or unpatrolled areas in the backcountry. Skiers are judged on form, daringness, and the type of terrain they are willing to ski down.
Hein has been skiing for fourteen years, starting at the age of three. His step dad influenced his interest in the sport.
“My stepdad was the reason I started skiing,” Hein said.” He skis too and he used to be on a professional ski team.”
Chris is on a ski team named “Taos Campus Ski Team,” and they compete in competitions every spring and winter break.
His competitions have taken him to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Steamboat, and Telluride in Colorado and Taos, New Mexico.
Living in North Texas doesn’t allow Hein to get much time in the snow to practice so he stays fit by playing other sports, lifting weights and working out on his trampoline.
Hein just returned from Taos where he placed 16th in district finals and appeared on ESPN Extreme Sports.
“I’ve been on it three times,” Hein said.” They only showed three people on my team and I was one of them.”
Before competing Hein’s nerves get the best of him.
“I just about pee my pants before every competition,”Hein said. “Especially knowing that I’m being broadcasted on live television makes me get even more nervous.”
Despite his nerves, Backcountry skiing is Hein’s favorite sport.
“I like it because its adventurous, and an adrenaline rush,” Hine said.
Hein plans to continue competing in the future.
“I hope that I can be on a college ski team. That’d be cool,” Chris said. “That’s kind of my backup plan.”
by Sydney Sabetpour