Q&A with Snowboarding Super Star
Gretchen Blieler

Q: How old were you when you picked up your first board?
A: 11. I aspired to compete in the Olympic games.

Q: What are some of your accomplishments?
Crippler 540 (signature)
Won the 2003, 2005, 2006 halfpipe competitions
Silver medal at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy
Gravity Games Champion
X Games Gold Medalist
“Woman Rider of the Year” by Transworld Snowboarding and Snowboarder

Q: When it comes to inspiration, what do you look to?
A: I see the lion as a symbol of courage, power, beauty and poise – all the great things you need when you’re at the top of the mountain.

Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Strong, independent, courageous and willing to take risks. There’s nothing ordinary about it.

Q: What’s up with your new soft goods line?
A: I wanted something I would be excited to wear, something entirely new that could take me from daily riding to just chillin’.

Q: So you had a lot of input in the designs?
The line had to express who I really am, not what somebody thinks a girl should be. Most of the industry thinks women’s wear is just mean’s wear in extra small. [It] was created for free spirits who just want to be themselves.

Q: You also paid respect to classic ski styles for the look and feel. How so?
A: It’s a little racier than downhill skiing styles and a little bolder than cross-country but with respect to the power of the mountain and the heritage of mountain sport.

Q: You’re also eco-friendly. How does that play a role in your life?
A: I grew up in Aspen, and I’ve watched the winter seasons get shorter and shorter. Even in Europe, I could see the effects of glaciers melting; one contest was canceled altogether. I talk about environmental issues that are close to me, and I figure if I can get the discussion going, at least in my world, and then in my environment, we can eventually effect change not only in the way we think but in how we live.

Q: And, of course, the infamous “what do you like to do when you’re not riding?” question…
A: Listening to Jack Johnson, hanging with the family, surfing or having a margarita on the beach.