If you’ve ever stopped into Outpost Sunsport to rent or buy a pair of skis, chances are you’ve met our very own Ray Mees. Ray grew up in New Jersey, and has been skiing since the ripe age of three years old! When he found himself in Colorado to attend CSU, his passion for the outdoors only continued to grow. Ray has spent many winters as a certified ski instructor and training manager, and summers working as a rafting guide. Now, he calls Outpost Sunsport home. Ray has been the Top Regional Salomon Expert & Salesperson for two years running! We sure do appreciate Ray and all that he contributes to the Outpost team. (Ray wants everyone to know that fellow Outpost employee Trevor is also a Top Regional Salomon Expert & Salesperson.)
Ray is both a downhill and cross-country skier with years of experience, so we thought it would be fun to ask him about his top picks for ski areas, runs, and gear. Read on to hear what Ray had to say!
Q: What’s your favorite ski area in Colorado?
A: Mary Jane at Winter Park Resort
Fun Fact: Jane bumps are the meanest and best bumps in North America, folks flock from all over the world to live the motto NO PAIN NO JANE.
Q: What’s your favorite run at Mary Jane?
A: Haul Brothers
Fun Fact: Mary Jane is home to the Panoramic lift, which opened in 2007. Until 2022, this lift was North America’s highest six-passenger, high-speed chairlift.
Q: What are your skis of choice?
A: Volkl Blaze 86
Fun Fact: One of many top-quality ski brands carried by Outpost Sunsport, Volkl has been in the winter sports world since 1923! That’s only nine years after North America’s first ski area was opened in 1914.
Q: Where do you have lunch when you ski?
A: Lunchtime is actually the best time to ski!
Fun Fact: According to Colorado Ski, skiing enables an average person to burn almost 450 calories per hour! That means that you’ve certainly earned your apres-ski meal after a day on the slopes!
Q: How do you celebrate a great day of skiing?
A: Drinking a beer with my wife at either Intersect Brewing, Mythmaker or Rock Cut!
Fun Fact: Our beautiful state isn’t just known for its magnificent ski areas – craft beer also reigns supreme! Colorado is home to more than 425 breweries, more than nearly any other state.
