Athlete

Forrest grew up in the  mountains of northern California at the base of a 14000 Cascade volcano. Racing was his early focus, but has become passionate about big mountain riding. Recently Forrest has taken a step back from full time competitive big mountain skiing to instead explore the soulful aspect of freeride skiing.

"The places and people I meet along the way make up the story, not the destination," says Forrest.

His search for snow has taken him to all corners of the earth, from the snow caked deciduous trees of the north island of Japan, to the windswept peaks of Patagonia.

Addictions include; Raw fish, bright colors, his Ipod and sketch book.

Art is also very important to Forrest, as art balances life. Painting is the opposite of climbing mountains or jumping off big cliffs. It is a therapeutic retreat from the outside world.  The mountains are a blank canvas and his ski tracks are an expression of Forrest as a skier, while paint brush strokes express his artistic side. 

Check out www.forrestcoots.com to follow Forrest's travels and view more of his paintings.