In this interview, I spoke with Mr. Samples student teacher from Slippery Rock University on his skiing experiences.  Mr. Samples served as a student teacher for both Mr. Abe and Mr.  Kosciuszko.

Q: When did your skiing interests arise?

A: When I was three years old I started skiing.

Q: Who led you to be interested in skiing?

A: When I was younger my interest in skiing started from going to Peek ‘n Peak Resort with my Dad. Once, in middle school, I began to ski with friends every weekend. The last step of interest in skiing was when I began to work at Peek ‘n Peak Resort with others who love skiing and snowboarding as much as I do.

Q: When did you start to work at Peek ‘n Peak?

A: My sophomore year of high school (December 1, 2012)

Q: What’s your favorite part about Peek ‘n  Peak?

A: The people. PK2 is not a large ski resort. However, the people that I have met through working there makes the memories of not only work but skiing great.

Q: Are you afraid that you might get hurt?

A: Not too often, but it does cross my mind every now and then as it is really easy to injure knees, ankles, and other ligaments.

Q: Would you consider yourself “good” at skiing?

A: I would say that I am pretty good at skiing. As a ski instructor, I have three national certifications through Professional Ski Instructors of America. The certifications that I have are Alpine 1, Children’s Specialist 1, Adaptive 1 Blind/Developmentally Delayed.

Q: Does the cold weather affect your abilities in skiing?

A: No, it is actually weird to ski when it is warmer outside, like spring skiing.

Q: Is skiing an expensive sport?

A: Absolutely! Skis are often $600+, Ski boots are $400-600, Ski bindings are $400-500 these are just three pieces of equipment bringing the price up to ski. On top of the technical gear you also need; snow pants, ski coat, helmet, goggles, gloves, and more.

Q: Do you plan on quitting skiing?

A: The only way I see myself not skiing anymore is if I am no longer living.

Q: Do you like baseball or skiing more?

A: I love baseball but skiing is by far my favorite. I am normally looking forward to winter around mid-end July. Not too often am I looking forward to spring or summer like I am with winter.