RIDGE student athlete, Jack Clark, between laps in the Canadian Rockies, 2015.

The 2015 winter semester has wrapped up here at RIDGE. The student athletes have dispersed back across the country and are starting to follow through with their summer plans.

We were able to catch Jack on the phone to chat about his experience with RIDGE, and what its been like to be back home. Jack was on his way to a bike shop, where he's interning when we chatted.

Where did you grow up?

New Canaan, CT and Munich Germany

What kinds of sports did you play when you were a kid?

I was pretty active as a kid. I played soccer, lacrosse, hockey, I swam, and I started skiing pretty early on.

When did you start skiing?

At the ripe age of 2 yrs old, in the German Alps.

2 year old! Thats super young, what’s the first memory you have of skiing?

I remember straightlineing every slope, as soon as I learned to ski on my own. I remember going out on my own, and being away from my parents. Skiing was really the first time I ever felt independent.

So, not much has changed with your skiing since you were 2?

I guess you could say that, but RIDGE ski coaches Tom and Billy might disagree...

What were you doing before you came to RIDGE?

I was in college at St Lawrence University.

Can you describe what it was like to be a member of the RIDGE community? What was it like working with the RIDGE coaches and living with the other student athletes?

We all bonded pretty tight. The other SAs were great, too. It was really cool to live and train with them. Everyone was easy to get along with. The coaches were really supportive and great role models… They made everything really fun and helped me realize that you don't need alcohol or substances to have a great time.

What did you learn about yourself at RIDGE?

I learned that after the struggle of getting out of bed I can get after it and be active all day. Also that milk makes me fart and bagels slow me down up toni matt. I also learned how to do laundry.

What is your favorite thing about RIDGE?

The fact that I got to go skiing every day. I also got to go on a 7 day backcountry ski tour in British Colombia, that was sick too. The coaches and staff were really awesome and a ton of fun to hangout with. Billy O'Donnel’s energy is terribly infectious and you can't help but to get hyped when he walks in the room.

What are your plans for this summer?

I’ll be interning at Danny’s Cycles in New Stamford, then moving out to Martha’s Vineyard to work before going back to school in the fall.

How did your experience at RIDGE translate to other aspects of your life?

I’m definitely more driven to seek out opportunities to exercise more often. It’s crazy, since being back home everyone has been noticing the physical difference in my body.

RIDGE really changed how I prioritize certain things in life. Staying active and working to get better on a mountain bike weren’t even on my radar before RIDGE, now they’re at the top of my goals for the summer.

Jack ripping turns on a spring day in the backcountry, 2015.

Time for some Rapid Fire questions, you ready?

Yea, hit me...

Which would you choose if forced to do so: Gluten free or dairy free? Why?

If i had to choose… Dairy free- dairy makes me fart.

Most likely college major?

Economics

Favorite non-RIDGE sport to watch?

Hockey- New York Rangers

What is your favorite ski movie?

That would have to be: ‘The way I see it’

Which do you prefer: Climbing or Mountain biking? Why?

Mtn Biking, because it’s faster, and you get to huck… Both mountain biking and climbing are intimidating to me… Rock climbing is actually more rewarding because there’s not much other than you and the rock and you work so hard for every move. Mountain biking is definitely more adrenalin driven, which is a big draw for me.