Ashley Thornton Rider Profile

In between gnarly runs and killer slopes, Ashley Thornton paused long enough to chat with BettyLife.

Outside of great wine, a fairly well kept secret, Oregon offers some pretty killer snowboarding terrain. This fact is not lost to Ashley Thorton, “I live in Bend Oregon. My favorite thing in the world is to snowboard. I love Bend and Mt. Bachelor.” Which is a good thing since Mt. Bachelor keeps company with the impressive list of sponsors who support Thorton. Her other sponsors include Flow Snowboards, Betty Rides, Skjersaa’s, MtFlatline apparel, and Smith optics.

A competitive rider, her sponsors have a lot to smile about, as Thorton’s proudest moments have been, “5th place at Honda sessions, 4th place grand prix, 1st place Dirksen Derby.” That should take the chill out of anyone’s doubts that this girl can shred.

We all know that women have been killing adrenaline-rich adventure sports for decades and it’s about time they started getting the appropriate props for it. As women’s snowboarding becomes an increasingly mainstreamed and a respected sport, Thorton looks at this evolution with a clear eye and sees the possibilities of the future. “The progression is amazing, More and more young gals are riding every day. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for women’s snowboarding. [It’s]Better and better riding every year!”

In addition to her boyfriend, Thorton credits her brother as a major influence in her picking up the sport. She does admit to having an idol, “I want to ride lines like Victoria.” Even though Thorton and her brother don’t compete against each other, they still feed off each other’s energy and ride together as often as they can. “When he is not traveling we ride a lot together. I love to hit jumps with him. He has a lot of years on me. He’s been shredin’ since he was a little tike. I got caught skiing for way to many years and started riding and competing when I was 18. He’s not to much into competitions these days and I still love them!”

Telling secrets in this sport can be a no-no but Thorton played nice with us. An avid and ruthless competitor, her counterparts may be shocked to learn that, “My hands fall asleep when I compete”. Bear that in mind the next time you are high-fiving this energy ball.

Though Thorton admits to being a slave to fashion trends and particularly “long slim T’s and hoodies,” like us, she spends most of her money on, “food and bills.” At least we are all on the same page with that. Admittedly, her responsibilities may be a little bit easier with her sponsors footing the bill for her playtime.

When Thorton isn’t tearing up a mountain, she can be found paying homage to her other hobbies and interests in the off-season which include, “skateboarding, camping, yoga, or hanging out with friends and family.” Couple those activities with her after-mountain routine of “Eating, Sleeping, and tubbing”, this rider is one hell of a relaxed chick.

Thorton takes life in stride and keeps herself in check. “I live my life to have fun and be happy.” Now, if we could all just learn to adopt her philosophy and lifestyle for a healthier perspective on life.

Inside her head: things you want to know but won’t ask.

What’s your perfect vacation spot?
Hawaii, Canada
Best mountain and why?
Too many good mountains. Bachelor of course, friends and pow. Spring time, Mammoth (hotspings and bad ass mountain.)
What resort haven’t you been to and why do you want to go?
Baker, Sick pow and good people
Any injuries?
Shoulder Surgery
Music you rock out to?
Reggae, Hip Hop, Ween!
One song to karaoke would be:
Any Ween.
Off hill training or workouts?
Hiking, Yoga.
Do you have a girl posse you shred with or mostly a mix crew?
Mostly a mixed crew. I love to ride with Briana, Katie W. and C.C.
Have you ever kissed a girl? Did it taste like cherry chapstick?
Katie Perry says it does….are you calling her a liar?
VACATION, Heli TRIP, TROPICS. No Gals, Just not me!
Did you vote? Was it important to you?
Yes, Obama Baby!
Who’s your favorite male snowboarder or skater or surfer?
T-Rice
If I could grant you one wish, what would it be?
I would wish for more wishes

And the near famous Black or White Q & A

Carnivore or Omnivore?
Vegetarian that eats meat.
High School or Elementary Recess?
Elementary for sure.
Pink or Black?
Both
Whisky on the rocks or Vodka Cranberry?
Cape Cod
Oregon or California?
Oregon
Marcus Egge or Kevin Jones?
KJ
Burton or Satan?
Burton, I guess.
Britney Spears or New Kids on the Block?
Fuck….. New Kids
Any shoutouts or thank god moments?
Face Shots

Enough said.