Jessa Gilbert

It was SO nice to get out this week and walk up the ever watchful mountain I can see most days out my window. . Was the riding good? Honestly, no - the snow was absolutely trashed by wind, which made the approach and descent comical and comically difficult. I let out a few (joyful) screams in moments of panic on the descent, wondering if my whole board would dive under the sometimes breakable crust. I pictured an endless, painful tomahawk through an army of sastrugi threading between ice bulges to the valley below. . (Don’t stress, Dad, I stayed on my feet 🫡) . All that aside, walking through the Coast Range and standing on top of that peak looking down at my home was more of a treat I would even know how to ask for. I grew up in New York, moved to the “big mountains” of Vermont for university, and then found myself here in British Columbia humbled to learn that opportunities outside can be a whole lot larger than sessioning a handrail behind Mercy Hall. This place still takes my breath away. . Plus, I just love using crampons. 😂 . #thisplaceismagic #getoutoftownvibe #barbonslope @burton (at Squamish, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqdJksnrpIe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I used to disappear in the woods as a little girl to find a bit of peace away from the chaos of my brothers and family disputes. As an adult, I find myself seeking the outdoors for the same solace. However, I don’t feel like I’m running away from things so much as being called into the peace of the outdoors. In the mountains I feel small, time feels fleeting, and somehow that is incredibly calming. . This trip to Antarctica required a lot of attention - weather could whip quickly, navigating through ice bulges and bottomless holes, being conscious of timing, and making sure the rope remained taut. My head was constantly on a swivel, working to remain present in this vast expanse so far from home. Uncertainties, fatigue, and self doubt danced with awe, joy, and wonder around my head. . However, it all went quiet at the top, finding myself alone and untethered looking down and around this frozen tundra. The return to breath. The return to stillness. No dialogue to hold and no gaze to keep… just me and this pristine, wild expanse. . I’d feel a wave of gratitude wash up over me to find my feet in such a location, with my splitboard, and with the tools and skills built over time to feel safe and secure. I felt both humbled and empowered. I was a long way from my New York roots, and couldn’t help but wonder what that little girl might think about the woman I am becoming now. . Real all about the journey to Antarctica with @iceaxeexpeditions on the @burton blog ((link in bio)). . 📸 @bruhnsphoto . #barbonslope #getoutoftownvibe @burtonsnowboards (at Antarctica) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqYGDnkL8cd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I said yes to a wild opportunity to head south to Antarctica for a guiding and art adventure with @iceaxeexpeditions. I had some ideas as to what I’d find in this land of mystery and intrigue - penguins, ice bergs, and a whole lot of inclement weather. . What stays with me about this journey beyond the end of the world is a feeling somewhere within awe, gratitude, and wonder. In many ways we were far from where we belonged, and yet there we were… with our split boards. . This tip of the world is stunning, vast, and surreal, and the people I met there were passionate and curious. I learned so much on and from this expedition, and worked to put the experience into words in an article that is now on the @burton blog (link in bio). . I am tremendously grateful to everyone who came together for this journey. Thank you to @burtonsnowboards for supporting my grand ideas and pursuits. Thank you to @iceaxeexpeditions for entrusting me along the journey to celebrate the textures of the experience with your guides and guests. Thank you to @quarkexpeditions for providing smooth sailing (although my stomach didn’t quite make it). Thank you to my crew for making the trek from Canada as far south as you can go (@joel_loverin, @bruhnsphoto, and @erinbruhns). A special shout-out to our comedic tail,guide @thisismaxwhite, for keeping the rope taut and the banter abundant, to @glenpoulsen for connecting me with @icemandoug, who deserves a heart felt thank you for not only this specific opportunity, but for curating adventures far and wide for such a range of people. I hope to cross paths with all of you again soon! . Head to @burton to read all about the adventure and art beyond the end of the world. ((Or link in bio)) . 📸 @bruhnsphoto . #barbonslope #jessagilbertart #getoutoftownvibe @burton @burtonsnowboards @iceaxeexpeditions (at Antarctica) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqTF1qArgt4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Uncertainty. Momentum. I spend a lot of time in my head tossing over what ifs and wondering the myriad ways something could play out. I sometimes find myself spinning towards the negative when there’s too much uncertainty, as if not having a clear picture directly translates to utter failure or defeat. . What has helped me overtime is trying to keep some momentum towards either the question or the answer. Pace doesn’t need to be fast to be, in the end, affective. A slow plod will often prove more fruitful than a quick overstep to back pedal… a skill my quick mouth is still working on. What’s that adage? Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. . Here’s a piece I did supporting a story in @mountainlifemedia Rockies this past issue around decision making and process. The story is not mine to tell, but I’m grateful to have lended some extra detail to the spread. . #getoutoftownvibe #jessagilbertart #progressisaprocess @burton (at British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDixoOuGGz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Just like the brochure! 👌I recently lined up a few day stretch in the Selkirks with great views and crews. . Thank you @selkirktangiers for having me out for a few high quality high pressure days! What a place to drop from the top! . #getoutoftownvibe #barbonslope @burton @skidagram (at Revelstoke, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cp2x4nzr26j/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Alpine Air… taking it in while keeping a keen eye on where the wind whisks the snow, watching for sharks to swim up or recede. A bit like sailing in the way of working to harness an invisible force, made apparent only from its affects on the surface - marks on the snow or the reddening of your face. Plumes swirl and slopes load, the heat of the sun disguised by a cool or warm kiss depending on its initial departure. Change can come quick. . It was a real pleasure to be back in the alpine for all of it this past week - a combination of layer management and zinc. Thank you to everyone I crossed tracks with 🙏 . #jessagilbertart #barbonslope #getoutoftownvibe @burton @skidagram @burtonsnowboards (at British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpsvLiAvKkH/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Mt Swanzy, British Columbia :: Single Line ((Zoom In)) #getoutoftownvibe . When the alpine is clear, stability is good, and the people are quality… what a day for a walk. . Felt so good to get out in the pass yesterday, especially to see @adventure_hugo transition into the alpine splitboarder the world has been waiting for! . #jessagilbertart #barbonslope @burton @burtonsnowboards (at British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpiPMWLrhpT/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Hell of an Ender! That’s a wrap for my guiding season at @baldfacelodge! There’s a long list of reasons why this place is so special, but, for me, the people who come through this lodge are the real gold. . Thank you SO much to everyone I crossed tracks with, shared the cat with, and butchered jokes with (to). I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work, play, and grow alongside you. For better or for worse, this place has really shaped me. . See you next year! 🙏 ❤️ . #barbonslope #getoutoftownvibe #whenimnotinthestudio @burtonsnowboards @skidagram Photo 1 @dustinlalikphoto (at Baldface Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpfeC9fLsRF/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I love how things connect. I am so honoured to have my artwork featured on the back cover for the latest @pleasuremagazin, especially with @jerometanon and @victordelerue on the cover as the two are connected to the same story. Jérôme reached out about working on a poster design for his latest film, Free Rider. He sent over reference photos of these impossible walls in Alaska where he, Victor, and @samanthamatten had spent their spring filming. . He talked about the vertical relief of these walls when standing at their base camp trying to study and dissect this spectacular maze. I loved the concept, and began to work up different designs demonstrating the magnitude of the mountain face. We moved towards a different composition for the poster, but I was transfixed on how to paint that feeling of being small underneath such a giant face. . Out of that conversation and it’s immediate fixation came this painting, titled “The Maze”. . Thank you Jérôme for entrusting me with your film’s poster, and @pleasuremagazin for printing that byproduct as the back cover of issue 166. Also, thanks to @dustinlalikphoto for the interview and photos within the article. Pick yourself up a copy! 🙏 🖤 . #jessagilbertart #barbonslope #printisnotdead @burton (at Alaska) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpNXQcmLgX1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I love seeing ski school on the mountain with all the little groms in their oversized pinneys, unicorn helmet covers, and temper tantrums for cocoa or who knows what. I imagine those kids as little gangsters, tagged with a GPS ankle bracelet as if on probation, running the hill towards anarchy one gaper gap at a time. I feel for the parents pleading the case of “but you love skiing/snowboarding!” to the irrational tyrant with cocoa and gummy bear promises. (Bless your efforts!) . I’ve been thinking of a single line ski school print for awhile now… but as someone without kids I feel like I may do well with some lived examples. So… those with kids who try their patience on the hill, will you send me photos of your little bundle of joy tearing it up (or losing their mind) on the hill for this project?? (Or those without who witness a cute little mountain meltdown, send me a snap??) 😂 🙏 ❤️ . Happy Friday, ski school starts bright and early in the morning! . #jessagilbertart #getoutoftownvibe #skischool (at Powderpigs Ski School) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpDgxGKvO7W/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Some sneaker sunny pow days, bad jokes, and a bit of snow down the collar - it was a great week to work! . Thanks for everyone who shared the stoke this week at @baldfacelodge! Such a pleasure! 🙌 . 📸: @dustinlalikphoto #barbonslope #jessagilbertart #whenimnotinthestudio @burton @burtonsnowboards @skidagram (at Baldface Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/Co4wrmcLff1/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Throwing Shade… kindly. 😉 . A blend of art and adventure, born out of playful experiences. I’m honoured to have some of my story featured on @stellarequipment with an article by @_cassidyrandall getting into some of the details and nuance. . Head over to @stellarequipment for the link to that article. 🙏 ❤️ . ((Also, art prints of this available - link in bio)) . #barbonslope #whenimnotinthestudio @burton @burtonsnowboards (at Baldface Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoxRXN_LSWn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

What’s not to love? @baldfacelodge . Happy Heart Day, lovers. ❤️ . #getoutoftownvibe #barbonslope @burton (at Baldface Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoqZlxyvgqW/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

This winter has been off to a great start between work and play in the mountains. I try not to book mural work in the cold months with such a full schedule, but made an exception here. In the end it was great to spend a week in the city, and I was so excited to switch my bibs from Gore-Tex to paint cladded for a moment. . I just wrapped up a new mural in Vancouver for @tipalti that I can’t wait to share with you! Thank you for having me down to enliven the new space. Can’t wait to see it all come together! . As for now, it’s back to the mountains… . #grannyonthecans #jessagilbertart #getoutoftownvibe (at Vancouver, British Columbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Comt_wzL9zM/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Someone Stoke the Sauna @baldfacelodge . Really loved this collab with @dustinlalikphoto for the latest spread in @pleasuremagazin. While this one didn’t fit in the story, others did. . Pick up a copy and see for yourself! . #jessagilbertart #barbonslope #getoutoftownvibe @burton (at Baldface Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CofI24ur0tR/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I never wanted to be a guide. I never wanted to be a guide because I didn’t know the job existed until moving to BC. Even then, I didn’t see any guides that looked like me (a sharp tongued girl from New York who wears soft boots and stands sideways). . A last minute trip as a last minute guest to @baldfacelodge flipped that concept on its head, thanks entirely to @baldisbeautiful. I pitched him an idea to start a residency at the lodge, which he quickly turned down. He instead asked if I’d come guide for him the following season. 🤯 . Baffled and assuming he was joking I made him shake my hand, and began scheming how I would follow up with his off the cuff remark down the road, having no idea what process would be involved. . That moment was a distinct crossroads in my life. I decided to quit my job at MEC and to start down a path I had never considered and had no concept as to what it would take… I’ve been called blindly optimistic before. 🤷🏻‍♀️ . Fast forward to now, I’ve been tail guiding at @baldfacelodge for the last 6 years, and adding courses and certifications to my lapel every year. . Working here with the community of mentors and guests has been one of the most enriching roles I’ve ever taken on. A blend of play and exploration; of creativity and structure. I like to think of it as curating adventures for other people, who I get to witness have their “best day ever” in the mountains. . I got to talk a bit about a day in the life at @baldfacelodge, and the blend of work, art, and life in the latest @pleasuremagazin , interviewed by Baldface’s own @dustinlalikphoto. . Enormous thanks to @pleasuremagazin for giving my story space on and between the covers and to all the staff and guests at @baldfacelodge for making this work feel like play. I feel so grateful to have found such meaningful, purposeful work, in and out of the studio. 🙏 ❤️ . #barbonslope #jessagilbertart #getoutoftownvibe @burton @burtonsnowboards . 📸 @jakeshermanphoto (at Baldface Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoZ93tvriLh/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Just got back from my first shift of the year at @baldfacelodge and added to the collection of photos of sunrises/sunsets of the same view I’ve been compiling over the years. It’s a special place for shared and individual reasons; some are here for the terrain, for the people, for the powder, for the history, for the views, or for the infamous bacon. . I created this commissioned painting for a longtime guest of the lodge to bring that Baldface beauty to his home in California. I’m so grateful for such an inspiring office, if you will, and the opportunities to share the stoke in paint and powder. . “Virtual Reality :: @baldfacelodge” :: Acrylic on Canvas :: 36” x 50” x 1.5 . #jessagilbertart #barbonslope #getoutoftownvibe (at Baldface Lodge) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoU0dtzLMGe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=