NAME: Ricky Torres

HOME: Okemos, MI

WHAT WAS IT LIKE GROWING UP IN YOUR HOMETOWN? I grew up in a pretty suburban area in mid-Michigan, rolling hills, nice autumns, and about 3 hours from some decent skiing. Good place to grow up, but it's not the mountains.

DOES OKEMOS HAVE A SKI/SNOWBOARD SCENE? Nope

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO WINTER PARK? I googled 'ski resort job' and that's what happened.

WITH PARKS LIKE THE RAIL YARD AND DARK TERRITORY, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS NEXT FOR THE YOUNG GUNS? With the rapid progression that parks offer, I feel it inspires 'jibbers' to take their craft to new locations. Getting flat on some urban arials and hand-dragging a triple stack of pillows is just part of another good day of riding.

WHAT'S ON THE HORIZON FOR YOU IN REGARD TO YOUR SKIING? I love how the ski scene is getting dub-crazy, so I'm gonna be trying to beef up my big air playbook. The rail scene is getting really hype with the Traveling Circus afterbang steez, so I've been trying to get really techy.

WHAT'S YOUR SET-UP?
1. Bindings: Marker Jesters
2. Boots: Dalbello Krypton Pros
3. Skis: Atomic Urban Punks (park), Atomic Benchetlers (pow)
4. Goggles: Oakley T-Hall Crowbars
5. Pants, jacket, gloves: First Drop Outerwear, POC Palm Pro Comp Gloves, POC Bug Series, T-Hall Helmet

BEFORE YOU HIT A TRICK, HOW DO YOU PREPARE YOURSELF PSYCHOLOGICALLY? The preparations happen when I'm gearing up, try to go through the day in my head, set some goals, and roll out. Once I'm on the snow, it's hard to describe the feeling but its basically feeling nothing but the moment the rest of the day. Love it.

BACKCOUNTRY IS BEAUTIFUL BUT CAN BE STUPID SCARY. ANY WORDS OF ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT THE JOURNEY? Never ride alone in the BC. Always have respect for the nature around you and your interaction with it. Expect the best but plan for the worst and remember it's not a competition out there. Just have fun!

FAVORITE FOOD: Red Bull! (isn't that a food group yet?)

HEROES: The guy that invented skiing. Thanks...

FAVORITE TV SHOW: South Park, Colbert Report, Myth Busters

FAVORITE MOVIE: 'Dazed & Confused,' 'The Jungle Book'

FAVORITE ALBUM: 'Pretty Lights', Filling Up the City Sky

MUSIC TO SHRED TO: Little bit of hip-hop, techno, and corny music from the 80's

SPONSORS: Winter Park Resort, Atomic

ANY SHOUT OUTS? Hey MOM and DAD! TMJ! Thanks to all the friends and family who supported me on the way. !!!RAGELIFE!!!