Hilaree O'Neill

On this episode of the Nausicaa Cast, ski mountaineer Hilaree O'Neill talks first ascents and constant learning in the mountains

On this episode of the "Nausicaa Cast" podcast, presented by Powder Radio, host Hadley Hammer interviews Rachael Burks, known for her big mountain skiing, massive backflips, and huge personality. The two talk about the late Billy Poole. The two lived and ski together when they were first getting on the scene. It was Poole who convinced Burks to first ask Alta for a free season pass. "I made an appointment and went in with my little tiny portfolio, which was so not anything to write home about... and said, 'Hey, I'm going to shoot a lot this winter and I'd love to be at Alta,' and they gave me a pass," says Burks. "It was my first pass. And I walked out of the office and called Billy and just started bawling... And all I could hear was him on the other line laughing."

On the first episode of the "Nausicaa Cast" podcast, presented by Powder Radio, host Hadley Hammer interviews Ingrid Backstrom, the most decorated big mountain skier of all time. The two talk about how professional skiing has evolved, snow safety, and motherhood—Backstrom recently gave birth to a daughter. Backstrom also reflects on her career. "I'm still pretty amazed that somehow I'm still skiing for a living," says Backstrom. "It still feels like yesterday that I wouldn't even tell people I was a professional skier because I was so nervous it would all go away." Backstrom, a freeskiing coach at Crystal Mountain, also shares advice for young skiers. "Just do what brings joy to you," she says.