PADDY GRAHAM

As a professional skier and filmmaker, it’s Paddy’s job to show off in front of the camera – and then get those shots seen across the world 

Skiing powder with friends is all in a day’s work for Paddy

My job in a nutshell

I’m a professional skier. I need to impress people in front of the camera and get those shots seen. From social media to feature film projects, they all count. I also work in production on most of my projects with Legs Of Steel, our film production company made up of four friends; we do everything from Visa commercials to core ski movies. 

How it all began

I took some lessons one summer at my local ski slope in Sheffield, aged 11. Moving into secondary school that year, there was an opportunity to go on a school ski trip to Stowe in the US. Initially, I was more interested in visiting America [than skiing], but once I started skiing I was hooked. Sheffield Ski Village had a ‘fun park’, so I went straight into freestyle as it was the image I liked;
I didn’t look twice at racing, so my ski technique came later! I followed the contest circuit for a long time, starting in Sheffield freestyle comps, later joining the GB slopestyle team, and ending at Swatch Skiers Cup events [freeride team events – Europe vs America]. 

Then came sponsorship and filming, starting with Chris Asquith; he used to make UK-based European movies, which opened my eyes to the bigger scene. 

We started Legs of Steel in 2009 and it was hard to balance a contest tour/season along with a film season, so usually it’s one or two events per year and the rest of the time spent filming. I’ve not looked back!

My typical day

A typical film day consists of waking up early. For breakfast I like a smoothie, maybe a boiled egg and toast, though often there’s not much time, so I’ll grab something at the bakery on the way to the mountain along with a pastry and Red Bull for lunch – we can be out shooting in the backcountry for up to 12 hours. 

I like to film in Europe. The Arlberg, Davos and Klosters are some of my favourite locations. Put the skins on and go explore: there’s so much terrain out there. I have been trying to limit my overseas trips and to make the most of what’s at home. I live in Innsbruck so everything is close by if you don’t mind driving. 

Generally we have some spots in mind where we want to ski and know the conditions will be best. Usually we’re accessing these areas via ski tour. 

Lapping some lines for a few hours in the morning then building a jump for a few hours and hitting it at sunset would be the best use of a day with good conditions. We usually have a crew of two filmers, a photographer and two to three riders.

Highlight of my career so far

Going to the premieres of each of the movies we make. The Same Difference one in Munich was great. My parents came over for it and it was one of the biggest, most glamorous ones we’ve hosted.

What I love most about my job...

Is that I get to ski powder with my friends.

The hardest part is…

When I can’t ski powder and have to watch my friends do it, for example when I have an injury. I’ve had my ACL/meniscus done twice, broken my back and my ankle, both of my shoulders have had a surgery and I’ve lost teeth too.

If I had to choose one place to ski for the rest of my life…

Japan. I can’t get enough of those deep powder days!

My future plans

I want to ski in Alaska. I hope to go up there and produce a film with LOS. I’m also hosting a side show at the Freeride World Tour with Red Bull TV, so keep your eyes peeled for that and fingers crossed for great conditions.

And to think it all began at a local ski slope in Sheffield…