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Skier Finds Soul in Jazz and Backcountry Freedom
17 Feb
Summary
- Professional skier Mallory Duncan now prioritizes soulful expression over competition.
- He finds parallels between improvisational jazz and fluid backcountry skiing.
- Duncan's film 'Blackcountry Journal' uniquely blends skiing and jazz.
Mallory Duncan, a professional skier, filmmaker, and musician, has shifted his focus from Olympic aspirations to exploring the spiritual and creative aspects of skiing. Growing up with a love for both jazz music and skiing, Duncan initially pursued competitive racing, even attending a specialized ski academy. However, he found the regimented environment stifling.
After stepping away from competitive skiing, Duncan rediscovered his passion by embracing a more improvisational style, akin to jazz. He likens learning to ski from the soul to playing music without sheet music, emphasizing freedom, adaptability, and self-expression. This philosophy underpins his approach to backcountry skiing and his creative endeavors.
Duncan's entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch a creative agency and gain major sponsors as backcountry skiing grew in popularity. His award-winning short film, 'Blackcountry Journal,' premiered in the fall of 2023, showcasing a novel fusion of backcountry skiing and jazz. Through his work, Duncan aims to expand the definition of what it means to be a skier and create a more inclusive space within the sport.
