McRae WilliamsSkier

What is your main activity and why do you love it?
Skiing is everything to me. It has shaped who I am today. It has taken me all over the world, led me to meet some absolutely incredible people, allowed me to experience many different cultures, and given me purpose in this crazy journey we call life. The thing I love most about skiing is the versatility of the sport and the never ending variety of ways in which we can enjoy it. From cruising groomers with family and friends on a beautiful sunny day at the local ski resort, to throwing triple cork 1440s off a 100 foot (30 meter) jump, to skiing adrenaline pumping lines off remote peaks deep in the backcountry, it is the one thing in my life that has never gotten old. The gift that keeps on giving.

How would you describe the nature where you grew up?
Here in Utah we have the most amazing landscapes. We are considered a desert so we have a nice dry climate that is rather tolerable when it gets really hot or really cold. Down south we have some of the most jaw dropping desert formations such as towering spires, arches, and massive red rock walls, a world class destination for rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking. Then, just a few hours drive north, and you’re in the mountains where we get loads of dry blower pow in the winter (considered some of the highest quality snow on earth) and just a pristine mountain environment that can be enjoyed year round wether it be skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing, snowmobiling, you name it. We really do have the best of both worlds and I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

What advice would you give to others who want to excel in this activity like you?
Find something that you love to do day in and day out and put every ounce of energy you have towards becoming great at it. Take care of your body. Eat well, stretch, exercise, do yoga. Believe in yourself, work hard, and great things will follow.

Do you have a profession alongside your main activity? If so, tell us about it!
Yes I do. During the summer months off my skis I spend the majority of my time guiding fly fishing here in Utah, helping people create unforgettable memories catching trout on the fly. Gotta say I’m pretty fortunate to have two of the best offices on the planet, mountains and rivers.

How would you describe Norrøna in your own words?
An innovative and forward thinking brand that cares deeply about the quality, sustainability, and functionality of the outdoor gear they design and produce. Not only do they prioritize making top of the line gear for the outdoors but they strive to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize our impact on the planet so that we can preserve our natural environment for future generations to enjoy just as we do today.

How can you help take Norrøna another step forward in innovation and product development?
By putting their products to the ultimate test and delivering quality feedback/input that can be translated to improvements in both the design and development of those products.

What tips and advice do you have for minimizing our footprint on the planet?
It is important that we remind ourselves how fortunate we are to inhabit this incredible planet and realize that its future greatly depends on us and our impact on the environment. All the little things add up so do everything you can to leave nature the way you found it. We must reduce, reuse, and recycle so we can collectively extend the longevity of this extraordinary little ball we call home.

What adventures do you dream of undertaking in the future?
Fly fishing in New Zealand has always been on my bucket list. While I have been down under many times to ski I have never had the opportunity to fly fish while I was there so I would love to make that happen someday. New Zealand is famous for having some absolutely incredible trophy trout in the most stunning streams you’ve every seen.

What book has made the biggest impression on you – and why?
The Mindful Athlete by George Mumford. This book absolutely changed both my career as a professional skier as well as my everyday life. It taught me how very real the power of mentality is and how to use that power to our advantage through positive thinking, outcome expectation, and practice.

Which three artists do you listen to the most – and why?
JID, Lane 8, Stick Figure I’m pretty open minded when it comes to music and enjoy a variety of different genres so this question is nearly impossible to answer. That being said, I’ve been vibing with these three artists the most lately as they bring the good feels and give me a boost of energy/motivation whenever I throw on a track.

Who inspires you the most today?
My girlfriend Hannah. She’s the most positive and driven person I know and is always there to lift me up when the going gets tough. In her eyes nothing is ever too much to handle and there is always a way to make it happen. She inspires me each and every day to be the best I can be and I couldn’t be more grateful to have such a wonderful person in my corner.

If you were to create your own life motto, what would it be?
Work hard, be grateful, think positive, and enjoy every day to the fullest.