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CR Johnson

Q & A with CR Johnson

CR Johnson is one of the legendary freestyle/slopestyle skiers around. He took home the silver medal in the first ever Winter X Skiing Slopestyle competition at Winter X Games VI. He followed that up by winning the Big Air competition at the 2002 U.S. Open. He was also nominated for Male Skier of the Year at the 2002 ESPN Action Sports and Music Awards. A severe head trauma injury after a freak accident at Brighton Resort in Utah in December 2005 changed his life completely. Now he’s back on skis and he had a minute to talk to us.

 Describe yourself in 3 words

Love, respect, shred.

 If you weren’t skiing, what would you do?

If I was not skiing I would be pursing and education that I could apply to something that makes me happy.


 Who had the most important influence in your life?

My father has had the most influence in my life. He has made me the man I am and I have a world of respect for the man he is.


 What was your happiest moment on the mountain?

Recently, I landed the first 720 in the backcountry that I have done in three years. I was with a few good friends and it was a beautiful day. The moment I skied away from that landing was my happiest moment in the mountains.


 What’s your biggest goal in life?

My biggest goal in life is to pursue my life in a way that promotes happiness.


 How important are friends and family to you?

My family and friends are the most important thing to me in my life. I could say that they are my life.


 What scares you?

Uncertainty and some of the unknown scares me. Some of it excites me too, so...


 Obviously your tragic ski accident in 2005 changed your life, how are you coping right now?

My accident changed almost everything for me. I cope with that by appreciating everything for what it is, opposed to dwelling on what it was. Life is what it is, and when I take the time to give thanks for everything that it is, it makes me so happy.


 What are your plans for next season?

My plans for next season are to film and shoot photos. I am not positive who it will be with, but pursuing backcountry skiing is where I want to take the sport, so that is where I will be.