I know most people must think I am crazy when they read about how much I travel.  Honestly I think the same thing most of the time.  Then what keeps me going out there on the road all the time, one plane to the next, suitcase after suitcase?  Its views like this, and the knowledge that the people hold just as much mystery and intrigue as the river that flows miles down from the majestic peaks to ocean without giving a hint of its origin.

Beautiful Surf

I spent three endless days in Tahiti

Enjoying the Sashimi

Enjoying the Serenity

Even though the time was so limited it was great to jump in the ocean and leave the winter behind.

The true reason for the trip was to get some sun and refresh before another two week US Ski team training camp in Portillo.  I went straight from New Zealand to Portillo for the Spyder shoot and then I only had a week off before my training started again.  Staying at 10,000ft is really hard on the body so I need to find somewhere to recharge. My mom taught me how to be a really good travel agent, so I searched the internet for somewhere to go, keeping in mind that my criteria was heavily weighted towards somewhere tropical! Sure enough, i found a direct flight to Tahiti from Santiago, with a stop in Easter Island on the way home.

Easter Island

I think Easter Island has some sort of intrigue that apply’s to everyone.  The mystery of incredible human accomplishment is everywhere.  Can you imagine transporting 70 tons of stone 14 kilometers??

enjoying the peak

On top of the world!

literally. I woke up this morning from a bit of hazy jet lag, to hop on a helicopter and ski a run that just went on forever and ever and ever! I admit… I am a lucky girl.

So what is this lucky girl doing in Portillo? well, I am here with an amazing group of athletes skiing and shooting with Spyder and as a bonus…Warren Miller.

They haven’t had a huge snow year this year, and our US Ski team camp is supposed to be in two weeks.  I got to fly over the dh on the way to the next valley… looking slim. The Austrians are skiing here this week and they say its tough!  The snow is hard, thats how we like it!!

but this week, I am looking forward to some nice corn snow… I will take some powder too, but either way, its all about having fun and making some nice freeski turns.

we started way up there!

The views from the Heli were amazing. It was so fun. I get very excited when I get in there, though also a bit nervous… The altitude here is around 10,000ft.  We made it up to around 13,000ft today, and you can feel the air is thin!

Its only been one day…  so the photos have only just begun….

stay tuned….. julesx

We have been skiing in Coronet Peak and Cardrona.  Above is a map of Coronet. We ski over on the right side of the map in Rocky Gully.(oops its a bit off the map) You can also train on the chair down the Hurdle! its pretty steep, and really good training as well.

Rainer and I

This is my new ski tech Rainer.  We have been killin’ it so far. He makes some really fast, sharp skis.  I am always impressed with the work ethic and mad skills of these guys… you should see all the skis we have down here! I will make sure and take a picture.

rocky gully

This is where we train most of the time.  Yes its a T-bar, so your feet cramp a little, but you can get tons and tons of runs in andthats what we are here for right!

The mountains here are magical, if you haven’t seen Lord of the Rings, you MUST! Every year I come down here I am in awe. We have been so lucky this year with the weather. Even though we got a little bit of rain, the conditions on the hill have been exceptional.  I miss the summer a little bit!  Right before I went home I got to go on a little secret surf mission! and the waves were so fun!  I happen to get some photo’s of that too! here is a teaser…

www.mauiwatershoot.com thanks francky

two more days!!!!  see ya out there:)

xoxoJules

so my teammate Laurenne and I had a brilliant idea….

this picture says it all!

so challenge it was… and I must say it was very mental, as Laurenne and I do practice slacklining often… but when you add freezing cold water into the mix, its a different story…

My first mistake was jumping up there just to “feel it out” I should have just gone for it..cause after my heart was skipping beats in anticipation.

Laurenne danced across like a ballerina..  there was no turning back… I had to conquer it as well!  My legs were shaking, heart pounding….one step… two steps… and finally the other side.  YES!!!

Right now I am just sitting on the couch looking at the snow/slush fall…. I hear its already 15cm on the mountain! tomorrow will be fun!

xojulia

laurenrossphoto.com

I am so stoked to announce a few really positive things happening! I recently switched ski brands to Völkl! I have already skied on them a few days and they feel awesome!  I am also collaborating with Spyder to help design and represent the brand!

My good friend and photographer Lauren Ross was just in Maui taking some pics! i finally got one with all my hardware! click on the picture to see her amazing website.

Hope everyone is getting into spring and summer and enjoying it!  xoxo Julia

I wanted to share with everyone my Xtreme experience!  It was a lot of fun. I was nervous the day before picking my line because you have to stand at the bottom and visually pick your line without skiing.. or really knowing exactly what to expect. In racing its pretty much drawn out for you and there are fences and you trust that the course is in the best condition it can be, in the Xtreme, you just hope that there aren’t any rocks under the snow, or in the landing of the cliff, and that everything goes smoothly.  I wasn’t looking to win, just to ski a fluid line.  When I dropped in on top, my skis got a little bit tangled and I knew I had to refocus, and let it flow down the rest of the line. After the small traverse, i said to myself, just open it up a little and don’t hesitate on the cliff, and then just ski to the finish! I was planning on hitting one more cliff band… but i got a little distracted, and just wanted to finish!  it was so much fun, and I can’t wait to do some more freeskiing this spring!

and speaking of spring, I hope everyone is enjoying the thaw….I sure am!

xoxo Julia

This video right here made by a Swiss fan of hers is most certainly in keeping with that creative tradition. Awesome job, 20-year-old Swiss fan!

This video was created by Julia’s sponsor LaCroix on the day of the party and features Colorshow, one of Julia’s favorite bands… relive the magic! Life is beautiful and free.