Go outside the ropes, The Blade Dive Podcast, Episode 3, there’s no mistaking it, we are joined by an industry OG. SPT Co-founder, X Games course builder and world renowned global operator... Mike Binnell.
- A California native, specifically from the 909 San Bernardino area. Binnell grew up with ‘that mom”, we all wished we had, selflessly dedicated to driving the family up to Snow Summit, CA, Big Bear, CA and Mammoth Mountain, CA for years, and from a young age, getting Binnell time on snow and familiarization around resorts. It was here that over time, Binnells fascination and infatuation for Snowcats was born. Fast forward to young adulthood, with the Action Sports scene finding traction and reach, rapidly expanding in Southern California and its surrounds, Binnell and friends found access to Snowboarding through Instructor jobs at Snow Summit, CA and it was here that his obsession with Terrain Parks began. Showing a keen interest in the Parks and a shit load of initiative and drive, Binnell and co., earned a rookie seat in a machine. It was from this moment on, unless he was operating, Binnell never looked back.
- Staying with the craft and honing and perfecting skills, expanding his knowledge and expertise as he continued to spend more time behind the sticks, Binnell was given the opportunity to build the first X Games setup and went on to become one of the Co founders of Snow Park Technologies. Being tapped as “the operator” Mike went on to spend time at Mt. Hood, OR and establish a friendship with Jeff Flood, who Binnell claims was not only one of the best of the best, but the biggest influence on his career and a key personality within the industry to date.
- Mike Binnell has travelled the world building state of the art Terrain Parks, competition and event venues, custom builds for some of the most high vis photoshoots on the scene, however Binnell calls out Red Bull Ultra Natural - Baldface Lodge, BC, as his all time favorite project, noting all elements that lead to this accolade. Binnell has a passion for being in the machine and getting it done and because of that, parted ways with Snow Park Technologies, which helped him re-assess, realize and re-align new personal goals both in life and his career. Binnell has come full circle and couldn’t be happier with where he is currently at, getting time with his family, shredding his board and operating a Winch Cat at Kirkwood, CA. You could go as far as saying that he has finally found his sweet spot and is happier than a pig in shit.
- Mike Binnell is family first - all the way and has a deep level of gratitude for his people. There’s no mistaking it, Binnell has sacrificed a lot for the sake of the industry and pushing the boundaries to be one of the most well respected and influential operators we have or will ever see. Binnell is as real as real, a genuine and truly authentic dude, whose not afraid of calling bullshit or how he sees it. A great storyteller, he allows us to indulge in his ‘o shit’ moments whilst sharing a snippet of a lifetime of stories, friendships and experiences.
Noteworthy, this is actually our first time ever speaking with Binnell. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did...so if you're in the machine, go ahead and TURN THE VOLUME UP
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