Name: Mikey Franco
Age: 30
Occupation: Training Supervisor at the
Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard School
Why Jackson: During his freshman year in
college, Franco read an article called
“Surfing the Teton Reef," which called
Jackson Hole a snowboarder's mecca—
lots of snow and few people. To see for
himself, Franco made his way to Jackson
with a buddy over their spring vacation.
“It’s been a long spring break,” laughs
Franco, who has now lived in Jackson for
just over a decade. Franco was recently
selected as one of six members of the
prestigious National Demonstration Team,
which develops the national curriculum for
snowboard instruction and helps define
the future of the sport.
The Jackson experience: Since Franco
arrived in Jackson, things have changed
quite a bit. “The population has grown
and they’re building like crazy." But, says
Franco, the mountains haven't changed.
“And I'm not leaving until they do. There’s
tons of evidence that people can have a
house and raise kids and still live a ski
bum lifestyle.”
Favorite piece of gear: His Burton snow
board (incidentally, Franco is sponsored
by Burton).
THE GEAR: BURTON CASCADE 168 SNOWBOARD.
BURTON JACKET AND HAT. SWANY GLOVES.
www.experience.com