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SKYLAR HOLGATE

Hometown: Durango, CO, USA
Currently resides: Silverton, CO, USA
Guides for: Silverton Mountain Guides, Silverton Mountain Guides AK,
Owner/Lead Guide at SledChile, Bonnie Belle Cabin
Current sponsors: Klim, Smith Optics, Ninjasuit (Air Blaster), Telos Snowboards, Polaris (Timbersled), Cheetah Factory Racing, Mountain Flow Eco-Wax, Somos Naturals CBD
Bindings: Surge ST Pro

Skylar Holgate was born and raised in Durango, Colorado. For the last 20 years, he has been living in a perpetual state of winter, moving between Silverton, Colorado, various parts of Alaska, Malalcahuello, Chile, and San Carlos Bariloche, Argentina. He works as a guide and snow safety specialist in Alaska and Colorado and is the lead guide and operator at the backcountry retreat Bonnie Belle Cabin. Down in the Southern Hemisphere, Skylar is the head guide at Sled Chile. It’s no wonder that Skylar spends between 250 and 270 days on the snow every year.

Q & A

How long have you been guiding?

27 years, the last 20 have been year-round on snow, and the last 16 on Spark R&Ds! 

 

Who has most influenced you as a guide and how?

My co-workers! Being around such a solid crew of people that have dedicated their lives to this trade is truly amazing. Working with guides that do this year-round and don't weekend warrior guide a few months a year, makes everything from our training, to being out in the field, a learning experience.

 

What certifications do you have?

American Avalanche Association Level 2, A.I.A.R.E. Professional Level 2, WFR, OEC, and I have a degree in outdoor education.

 

What are you most excited about for the 23/24 season?

I’m most excited about spending time in the San Juan’s and at my cabin the Bonnie Belle. With a El Niño winter coming it’s looking like it’s going to be a good one.

 

Why ride Spark R&D gear?

Keep it simple. Since the beginning, Spark R&D has been on the forefront of splitboard binding technology. When you are deep in the backcountry having a binding that is reliable, has minimal parts, doesn't freeze or break, and performs like a traditional snowboard binding is invaluable. Your gear can make or break a mission!

 

SKYLAR'S GEAR

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