OUR TEAM
Mike Friece
BD & Gearhead, HQ’d Lake Tahoe
Mike is a skier, mountain biker, and all-around gearhead living in Truckee, CA. If he’s not on the mountain attempting powder day backflips (poorly) or figuring out how to turn left properly, he can usually be found at a local ski shop: tuning skis, fitting boots, and giving people way too much information on which wax they should be using today. After growing up near Boston and skiing on the weekends at Gunstock in New Hampshire and Killington, VT, Mike got his chance to play, work, and live in the Sierra Nevada right after college and hasn’t looked back.
During the winter, Mike does most of his sliding at S**** Valley and Alpine Meadows, but likes to get away and visit Mammoth, Alta, Jackson, and Big Sky when it’s convenient and the snow is good. He is also an avid backcountry skier, and is most proud of his claimed first snowblade descent of Castle Peak’s South Chute near Truckee (we haven’t found pictures to prove him wrong yet).
Mike is also in the early stages of starting a non-profit organization, Got This Project focused on promoting positive mental health in outdoor and mountain communities.
Favorite Resort / Trail:
Eddie’s High Nowhere at Alta changed my life, but I’ve never taken as many great runs as I’ve had on El Cap at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
Aspirational Resort:
Engelberg-Titlis in Switzerland
Goals for the Season:
The goal is always the same: have more fun than I did last year! And maybe climb/ski a few California 14’ers
Most Days in a Season:
166 (when I worked in ski boots, not on them)
RECENT ARTICLES
Eight Tips to Kick-Start Your Ski Season
Preseason prep starts NOW, and we've compiled a quick list to make sure you’re dialed on your first day like it’s mid-February. First, beat the crowds for an equipment tune-up; last, do a snow dance; see the full article to find out what comes in between.
Alpine Meadows Expert Itinerary
Alpine's terrain can be intense. Scott Chair is one of our favorite areas for steep trees and gullies, while the hike-to terrain in all directions off of Summit Express provides endless opportunities to check out open bowls, tight chutes, moguls, and more. Use this step by step itinerary to uncover the best spots - it's like having your own private guide.
Alpine Meadows Intermediate Itinerary
From the shorter opening runs off of Kangaroo chair, to breathtaking views from the Lake View area, to high speed laps from the summit; intermediate skiers and riders can have whatever they desire. This detailed itinerary will show you the best of Alpine's Intermediate terrain.