Sitting Down with Connery Lundin: The Real Life of a Professional Skier
Hey everyone! Austin Becker here, host of the Falling Off the Floor podcast. This week, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Connery Lundin, a true legend in the big mountain skiing scene from Palisades Tahoe, California. Our chat was a deep dive into what it takes to be a professional skier, the evolution of the sport, and some really honest talk about the life of a professional athlete and mental health.
Connery and I connected through the ski world, sharing roots in California skiing. Hearing his story, from the competitive circuit to navigating the complexities of a pro career, was truly inspiring. Let's get into some of the highlights from our conversation!
From Race Gates to Big Mountains: A Shared Journey
Connery and I bonded over our similar paths, both starting in ski racing. He's a classic "weekend warrior" from the Bay Area who moved to Palisades Tahoe at 16 to pursue ski racing. He quickly realized that the discipline and fundamentals learned in ski racing are incredibly valuable for tackling big mountains.
I can totally relate! Growing up in Southern California's Big Bear area, ski racing was my foundation too. When I transitioned into the freestyle scene after an injury, those race techniques surprisingly prepared me for the daunting world of big mountain skiing. It’s wild how those early skills can be so versatile later on!
Conquering the Freeskiing World Tour
Connery on the podium
Connery made a significant mark early in his career, winning the American Freeskiing World Tour in 2015. Back then, there were actually two separate global tours, but his victory was a huge stepping stone. He openly shared how that win became a pivotal moment, shaping the trajectory of his career as a big mountain skier.
This kind of early success often raises the question: What does it take to be a professional skier at that level? It's not just talent; it's dedication, intense training, and a willingness to push boundaries.
The Evolving Landscape of Pro Skiing
Huge Flat 3 with Connery in competition
One of the most fascinating parts of our chat was discussing how the life of a professional athlete in skiing has drastically changed. Connery reflected on how when he started, success was measured by magazine features, major ski movie appearances (think MSP, TGR, Warren Miller), and competition wins.
Fast forward to today, and while those avenues still matter, the game has fundamentally shifted. Social media and content creation have become massive platforms. Connery and I agreed that this change has opened up new ways for skiers to sustain their careers, even well into their 30s and 40s, offering a second wind for many outside the traditional competition circuit. It’s cool to see how athletes are adapting and finding new ways to connect with fans and sponsors.
Connery Lundin showcasing his big mountain skills.
Beyond the Podium: The Transition to Film
After his big win, Connery faced a common dilemma for many athletes: What's next? He candidly admitted that competitive skiing, especially big mountain, is incredibly dangerous. He chose to step away from competition to pursue his dream of filming with major production companies.
This transition wasn't easy. Despite being a world champion, Connery found himself working two restaurant jobs in Jackson, Wyoming, just to make ends meet. He was "stressed" and "blowing it" – feeling like he wasn't filming or competing. It highlights the often unseen financial pressures of the life of a professional athlete. His big break came with a trip to film "Monumental" for Powder Magazine, leading to more opportunities with Matchstick Productions. This really shows that success isn't always a straight line; it's often a winding road with unexpected challenges.
Life On and Off the Snow: Staying Motivated
Connery's recent season saw him splitting time between Canada and various film projects, including a Toyota commercial that aired during the Super Bowl – a pretty massive achievement! At 35, his focus is on staying healthy and finding the fun in skiing, even when motivation might dip.
He also talked about balancing his own skiing with giving back. In the summers, he coaches big mountain ski camps on Mount Hood, teaching everything from basic turns to first backflips. It's awesome to see pro athletes finding ways to mentor the next generation.
A moment of reflection in the life of a professional athlete.
The Unseen Battle: Mental Health in Action Sports
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation revolved around mental health. This topic is incredibly important to us at Falling Off the Floor, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month.
I shared my own journey, where a severe spinal injury almost took my life and led me down a dark path of addiction, homelessness, and significant mental health struggles. It's a strange dichotomy: skiing nearly destroyed me, but it also became the very thing that pulled me out.
Connery and I discussed the unique challenges within ski towns and action sports:
Post-Season Depression: The "go, go, go" intensity of winter often leads to a void and mental struggle when the season ends, especially for those in seasonal jobs.
Party Culture: The "ski hard, party harder" mentality can be a dangerous coping mechanism.
The "Always On" Amygdala: As athletes, we're constantly pushing boundaries, often suppressing fear. This "always on" state can have long-term psychological effects.
Loss and Grief: Connery spoke movingly about losing friends and heroes in the mountains, acknowledging the profound toll it takes and how it changes one's perspective on life and the sport. He admitted to struggling with anxiety and even depression during the pandemic, highlighting that even top athletes face these battles.
We both agreed on the importance of re-evaluating risks and finding peace in choosing not to ski a dangerous line. The pressure to "get the clip" for social media, especially among younger generations, is a growing concern that can lead to tragic outcomes. It's a sobering reminder that what it takes to be a professional skier isn't just about athletic prowess, but also mental resilience and knowing when to prioritize safety over fleeting internet fame.
This conversation was a powerful reminder that behind every incredible ski clip or competition win, there's a human story with real challenges and triumphs.
Stay Connected!
Want more real talk about the life of a professional athlete, overcoming challenges, and mental wellness? Be sure to subscribe to the Falling Off the Floor podcast wherever you listen!
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Listen to the full episode with Connery Lundin on the FOTF Podcast here!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Fmz2V1AZ3AOdMxz4C5zZi?si=AZTW63WLSKeaAKW-Wye-8A
