Eric Lee O’Brien began his ski career at a young age and it’s going strong to this day, with years spent competing at the highest levels of ski racing and freeride skiing. Eric is a former Junior Olympic ski racer and professional freeride skier competing in the Freeride World Qualifiers, as well as an athlete for 4FRNT Skis. In 2013, Eric founded Snowledge, a real-time, location-based social and tracking app for skiers and snowboarders, and is the company’s CEO. Prior to Snowledge, Eric was an attorney specializing in civil litigation, practicing in California and Nevada. His passion for skiing and close proximity to the mountains kept him plugged in to the ski community and ready to take the leap when the saw opportunity to build an integrated app that would get skiers and snowboarders more connected, with better information, and more reliable tracking.

Q: When and where did you first start skiing?

A: Age 7, at a little ski area outside of Boulder, CO, called Eldora. My school had a Friday ski program and you could either stay in school or go skiing. It was a pretty easy choice. I was way out of my league on my first day and ended up on an intermediate run (called Windmill, I think). I practically had to be carried down the hill by one of my teachers. It was super embarrassing, but something clicked the next day. I figured out how to turn my skis, and I was hooked from that day forward.

Q: Where’s home base?

A: During the summer I’m in Portland, OR, which is where Snowledge Headquarters are located and near Mt Hood—the only place in the US with lift-accessed skiing all summer. In the winter I spend most of my time in Tahoe City, CA, just a few minutes away from Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows.

Q: What is your favorite mountain to ski at?

A: I really love Alpine Meadows, but I’ve gotta go with Kirkwood. There’s something special about the vibe out there, the setting is amazing, and the terrain is unreal.

Q: How would you describe your ski style?

A: Good question, I don’t really try to have a certain style of skiing. I just go out there, do what feels good, and have fun.

Q: Who or what has influenced your style?

A: Shane McConkey, JP Auclair, Candide, early Level 1 and MSP movies. I love watching smooth, fast big mountain lines, with freestyle moves. To me, bringing clean tricks into the backcountry is the most impressive thing going on in skiing right now.