Sammy Carlson

Name: Sammy Carlson

Age: 22

Sponsors: Oakley, Apo Skis, Rockstar Energy Drink, Nike 6.0, Skull Candy, Kicker, Dakine

Every few years, someone in the ski world inevitably pulls a trick that nobody — nobody — thought possible. Minds are blown, history is made and the bar is officially raised. Then, sure enough, the trick is replicated and restyled by others and it becomes yet another requirement for playing the game at the highest level.

But then you have Sammy Carlson and the switch triple flip he stomped over the summer. Carlson had planned on hosting his own contest, the Sammy Carlson Invitational, over the weekend, but Mother Nature had other plans in store. Never one to let a beautifully crafted jump go to waste, Carlson organized a private photo and film shoot for the riders who stuck around, and during the shoot he landed the mother of all tricks: a switch triple rodeo 1260.

For a kid who turned pro at 15, it's hard to keep track of what actually is normal. While most kids were in high school, Sammy was globetrotting and gracing podiums at contests. Accolades date back to the 2006 King of Style and 2008 Jon Olsson Super Sessions. Sammy took second in the 2007 and 2009 X Games slopestyle and fifth overall in the 2009 Dew Tour. Last year he won Freestyle.ch, second at Freestyle Berlin and third and King of Style. Not to mention he has logged strong film parts with nearly every major film company out there over the last few years.

Coolest place skiing has taken you?
The Great Wall of China. I was 17 years old and it was a big eye opener. You realize anything is possible when you see that wall.

Which talent would you most like to have?
To be able to predict the future.

Favorite movies?
Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Trailer Park Boys The Movie

Favorite books?
Capital Crimes, Step on a Crack

How did you start skiing? How do you think you got so good?
I always went skiing with my family, both my older brother and sister are good skiers. I would follow my brother Zach and I felt like I had to do something sick so he would want me to tag along. I told my Dad at 12 years old that I wanted to be a professional skier. My parents, which was good, made me work for things. I mowed lawns for a whole summer when I was 12 or 13 so I could go to ski camp. I also had really good support and influences around me. I looked up to Tommy Ellingson and Seth Warner who are both really funny and they made skiing fun.

What is the best advice that you've ever heard?
It's okay to make mistakes, but you can't make the same mistakes twice or you are not learning.