Chris “Tats” Tatsuno: A Lot Less Ego, A Lot More Amigo

Next Level Skiing

Welcome back to the Next Level Skiing podcast, brought to you by Wagner Skis. Today’s I’m talking with Chris “Tats” Tatsuno. Chris has an infectious way of making a turn in snow and he certainly shares it with everyone around him. It’s impossible not to have a good time when you’re riding around with Chris.

Chris has his own style, his own look, and he is a wonderful influence on the youth of the industry through instruction and inspiration. He doesn’t put a lot of pressure on the snow and on himself. Chris gives us some tips he learned from his dad, as well as a few of the lessons he’s learned from his own journey. From spending time with a crew you love, to his tips on how you can take it easy on your joints so you can ski until you’re 90, Chris shares a lot of great info today.

Topics:

[00:00] Introduction to Season 5

[03:00] Chris’ introduction

[04:00] Chris’ background and how he got into skiing

[05:50] What it was like growing up with a ski instructor

[08:21] Skiing vs snowboarding in the late 80s and early 90s

[14:11] How Chris ended up in Roaring Fork Valley, Colorado

[18:35] The Aspen Ripper Factory and the Aspen ski gangs

[28:45] Spending time with a crew that you enjoy

[30:20] Becoming a ski instructor

[36:26] Chris’ style and look

[42:00] Be the watcher

[44:43] Advice that still resonates with Chris

[48:18] Conclusion

Resources:

Powder.com’s Adaptive Skiing Article, “The Tao of Tats”

Chris Tatsuno’s LinkedIn

Wagner Custom Skis