Interview with Bella Bacon
Interview with Bella Bacon
Ellicottville native talks about filming; upcoming Dew Tour
In 2017 I was first approached by our publisher to write a story about Bella Bacon, a girl who was turning into a bit of a freeride phenom in the area. Since then, Bella has earned her way into star studded camps, competition tours, ski movies and a spot on the US Rookie Team. It was my pleasure to interview both Bella and her mother Christine for the third time this past week. Winter is FINALLY here and Bella looks to her second season on the US Rookie Team.
CAITLIN: It’s been roughly 18 months since we last caught up and I feel like there is so much ground to cover. We last left off when you departed Ellicottville as a family to pursue your shot on the US Rookie Team. What was it like making the transition to Utah?
BELLA: It was kind of a tough transition at first - we’ll blame COVID on that - but I just finished up my junior year at the Winter Sports School, and I've met a fun group of friends. I guess it's finally staring to feel like home.
CAITLIN: Was there an “on-boarding” process with the US Rookie Team? What did that look like?
BELLA: Yes, definitely a lot to learn. I'm on year 2 and I feel like I'm still learning about the US Freeski Team. We've had webinars, fundraisers, an entire team of staff for support, testing and training. I'm really grateful for this opportunity.
CAITLIN: Skiing - despite being a “solo” sport - you need support off-snow that I’d argue is more important sometimes than on-snow … what was it like having your family there to go through the ups and downs?
BELLA: It was so important having them here with me. I'm not sure I would've been able to do it without them.
CAITLIN: One aspect of skiing that I love is how it expands your network of peers … has it been fun getting to know your teammates?
BELLA: It has been so much fun! One of the best parts of having a best friend on the team is being able to ski, train and travel together. It's also fun to be able to compete against and push each other.
CAITLIN: What’s your favorite off-snow team activity?
BELLA: Mountain biking and hanging out with friends.
CAITLIN: You’re an avid Faction skier; they’ve sponsored you for some time now. Tell me how it felt to be featured in this year’s ski movie?
BELLA: It was honestly a dream come true skiing with some legends that I've looked up to since I've been in Slope. They're such a fun, positive, supportive group of ladies who absolutely rip … it was a week I'll never forget, already can't wait for my next trip.
CAITLIN: The City Garage held a viewing party on the patio of the Yodeler Lodge at Holiday Valley. Tell me what it’s like to have this kind of support from across the country.
BELLA: That was so awesome! After watching so many ski movies at the Depot, it meant so much to me that they wanted to watch "Roots".
CAITLIN: There is some irony in there, people from your hometown watching “Roots” at your home hill. You told me once that Rap music helps to pump you up … does this still hold true?
BELLA: I’m mellowing out in my old age, haha! Not too much into rap these days. I’m finding more mellow music to keep me more relaxed.
CAITLIN: What’s your favorite trick to throw down and what trick are you working on currently?
BELLA: My favorite trick is a 270 on … i also keep working on it.
CAITLIN: That is a great mindset to have, just keep working on it. What’s your favorite food to keep you fueled up?
BELLA: I can't get enough of Trader Joe's mac-n-cheese and pina colada protein smoothies lately.
CAITLIN: This will forever be my favorite question to ask you … if you had one superpower, what would it be?
BELLA: I've always wanted to fly - not really a surprise, haha!
CAITLIN: No, this isn’t a surprise and it shows in how your skills have improved. As you grow your skills, more and more opportunities seem to open up for you. It’s remarkable to think you’re hitting features that are multiple stories high. What’s it like making the transition to big mountain skiing? Do you find there is more pressure, or are you un-phased?
BELLA: A lot of the jumps I've been hitting out here are a whole new level. I've definitely started to feel the pressure this season with the Olympics coming up. but I have to keep reminding myself that I have a lot of time ahead of me.
CAITLIN: That is a great thing to keep in mind as you pace yourself. So … X-Games? It’s always been on your radar. Think it’s within grasp for 2022?
BELLA: I feel like I'm at the place where anything is possible because the season is just about to start. My first Dew Tour is coming up in just over two weeks!
CAITLIN: Anything I missed or anything you want to tell your hometown family of fans?
BELLA: I’d like to tell everyone - especially Maddox - to take one extra nightskiing lap on Yodeler for me! :)
CAITLIN: Christine, any closing thoughts?
CHRISTINE: We're so appreciative of the support, positive thoughts sent our way and prayers from our Ellicottville peeps, especially as we approach this new season. We can't wait to come home for maybe a spring skiing visit. Keep thinking snow!
Writer’s note: The Winter Dew Tour returns to Copper Mountain, CO Dec. 16-19th. Keep an eye and an ear out for Bella Bacon as she prepares to take her spot in the competition. To keep following this fantastic young lady’s path, visit bellabacon.com.