Interview – Jesse Houghton talks Tinder and travel

Jesse getting soulful in some Austrian powder Image:: Jordan Sell

Mountainwatch | Jordan Houghton

Most people know Jesse as a quiet guy; he’s humble and prefers to let his skiing do the talking. I like these kinds of people. Positioned within Australia’s elite skiing circle, Jesse, in my opinion remains one of the most underrated of them all. A substantial shoulder injury sustained last year ended up seeing him sidelined for the most part of last season.

We spoke about it often, I asked him on several occasions if it was torture not being a part of it all: a simple “Nah”, was the standard reply. This confused me. However, Jesse thinks differently than most other skiers, the ‘scene’ doesn’t concern him. He viewed the injury as a catalyst for his plans to spend months chasing winter and exploring exotic locations up north. This was his chance to knuckle down and save every bit of money he could.

It was no secret that I was jealous of his trip. I sent these questions through to Jesse while he was cliff diving off the coast of Italy, sipping espresso’s and swiping though Italian girl’s Tinder profiles.

A Norwegian vista in Lofoten Image:: Jordan Sell

Last time we spoke you were in Sweden, where are you now? 
From Sweden we hired a car and ventured into Norway, where we spent three weeks hiking and taking in the picturesque landscapes that Norway had to offer. We managed to push as far north as lofoten within the Arctic Circle. We booked a flight to Italy and now I’m currently in Cinque Terre enjoying a little bit of down time and warm weather before our season.

This was your first time in Europe, how have your travels been?
My first time in Europe has been unreal; I’ve met many great people throughout my travels and have seen some amazing places. I definitely will be returning as many times as possible in the near future.

Livin’ on the edge in Preikestolen Image:: Jordan Sell

Any favorite spots?
If I had to name a few I would say: Preikestolen, Folgefonna, Reine and Lofoten in Norway and Manarola in Italy.

Best thing you’ve learnt from this time away?
Keep your options open when travelling, lots of random opportunities arise.

You’ve recently been named the new Freeride coach in Perisher this season, how did that come about?
Over the past few years I have been coaching the skiing side of Fastride Ski/Snowboard Camps in NZ and Mammoth. Many of the local kids and parents have really appreciated my coaching style allowing for the opportunity to be invited to become an official Winter Sports Club Coach.

You’re doing a lot of coaching gigs these days, at home and overseas. Do you see it as a bit of a career path, or for now is it a way to complement your lifestyle?
Coaching over the past few years has definitely opened up a lot of opportunities for the future. At the moment, coaching fits in well with my own skiing schedule and has allowed me to continue what I do. As for a career path? I am still uncertain at this point. I will take opportunities as they arise season by season.

Jesse trying to find a new perspective in Mayrhofen Image:: Jordan Sell

You have a slightly different approach to skiing and no shortage of ‘different’ tricks, do you operate on the ‘if it feels good, do it’ basis?
When it comes to my own skiing I like to change things up a bit and give everyone a laugh or a reason to cheer. Many of the trick/grab combinations I do are usually made up on the spot for a laugh. So in a sense I guess I could say that if a trick feels good I should probably push it to its limit.

You didn’t ski/compete much last year with your shoulder injury. Will you try get back on the podiums this year? Or have you lost interest in the competition side?
Last season was the first time I’ve had a season ending injury. It has defiantly made my re think a few aspects of my own skiing. I do plan on continuing my usual regime of local contests and looking to focus more time into film/photo shoots.

Do you like the whole park skiing scene or is it all a little wasted on you now?
I still enjoy park skiing in a non-serious way. I do appreciate the other aspects of skiing more now that I’m older and have experienced more.

Any goals this coming year?
For starters, avoid landing on my shoulders [Laughs]. Plus, learn and explore new trick possibilities and ski more backcountry

Best person you follow on Instagram?
Hard choice between: Daewon Song and Chris Burkard

Best advice you can give grommets that want to make it as a pro skier?
My advice to the grom’s out there would be to ski with better skiers than themselves as much as possible. Keeping up a trampoling/fitness regime is also key.

Lastly, any confessions I should know about from your trip?
Tinder was interesting…