Pat Holland
The Pat Holland Interview
First of all, it wouldn’t be fair not to mention how I met Pat in the first place. It was at the 2007 Tamarack Idaho Grand Prix and it was training day, so rippers were just taking laps through the course on an epic powder day (it snowed the entire weekend). Of course, I was there both to race and promote, when I tore through the lift-line and snagged a spot on a chair with three other racers. These three gentlemen turned out to be brothers Pat and Nate Holland and Ross Powers. When they introduced themselves it was just, Pat, Nate & Ross, but it didn’t take long to realize that I was sitting next to some of the gnarliest shredders in the industry.
Pat and I ended up reconnecting a few months later out in Tahoe City (where he calls home), when we met up at a bar right on the main strip (Pat didn’t drink, he was still recovering from a pretty big weekend). Almost immediately I saw how serious Pat was about what he does, every answer was sharp and to the point. Even in my dealings with him for months after the interview, Pat was on top of it. But he’s not all serious… Don’t believe me? Check out his My Space page…
SBX Magazine: How long have you been riding and how did you get into Boardercross?
PH: I switched over to snowboarding from skiing when I was 10 and have been riding ever since. I began competing in local events when I was 15 and kept at it. I had some success through high-school and I went pro in 2005 when I raced in the X Games for the first time.
SBX Magazine: How did you get into it?
PH: I had always a strong, fast riding style and thought I could do well racing SBX. My older brother Nate had already been competing so I followed his lead and now- I’m making a career out of it.
SBX Magazine: Who would you wait for on a powder day?
PH: After spending 6 years living in Jackson Hole, I can’t think of an area that I would rather ride on a powder day. I know the area well and the locals rip. I also love to fly of the Thompson Pass in AK. I spent one spring working for Alaskan Rendezvous Heli Ski Lodge. That place really showed me what big mountain riding is all about. I can’t wait to get back to AK for some more Heli time.
But who would I wait for? Definitely, Matt Annetts and Keegan Phile in Jackson and of course, my brother Nate in Tahoe.
SBX Magazine: I’m sure you get this question all the time, but how does it feel ending up on the podium next to your brother Nate all the time?
PH: I’ve never stood on the podium with Nate in any major event.
SBX Magazine: But does your competitiveness ever get in the way with you two? Or is it high 5’s no matter what?
PH: My competitiveness is what helps me race at my highest level. It never gets in the way. I do give other racers a high 5 in the finish line but on course its all or nothing. I’m racing for myself to advance.
SBX Magazine: What was it like racing in your first World-Cup this year?
PH: I’ve raced in other major events, like the X Games for years, so it was no different than any other large event. I just stuck to the routine that I have and trusted in my racing. Things turned out, I got 16th. I wanted more, but I felt it was a good showing for my first World Cup.
SBX Magazine: Absolutely! What are your goals for the winter and where do you see yourself going with Boardercross?
PH: I plan to race in ALL the SBX World-Cups, the X Games, Seth Wescott’s Champions X series, the Mt. Baker Banked Slalom and any other events that fit into my schedule.
Ultimately? I see myself winning Olympic Gold in 2010. To do that, I need to win on the World Cup circuit and I also want to bag the X Games gold on the way. All in all, I want to win.