Who the hell snowboards in acid-washed jeans and an NFL bomber jacket? I mean, really, when I first saw Colton I thought, "this guy had better be able to shred good enough to distract me from his outfit." Not that it's a bad get-up or anything; it just takes a certain individual to pull it off. Fortunately Colton Showers is a damn good snowboarder.

After meeting Colton last spring, I quickly became interested in hanging with him as much as possible, just because he's such a character. With skill on the board, and a name as marketable as "Colton Showers", is it a surprise that he's starting to get the attention he deserves? All that people really need to succeed in life is a genuine chance to let them do what they love to do, and that's just what Colton received last season from his sponsors. 

On or off the hill, Colton is going to give the Canadian shred scene a reason to take notice, whether we like it or not. Luckily for him, it just so happens that everyone seems to like what they've seen so far. Ladies and gentleman, introducing your favorite "New Kid" that you haven't met yet: Mr. Colton Showers.

So Colton, what was it like growing up in Vernon?
It was pretty sick... Hot summers, winters at Silver Star, meatheads, big trucks... the girls were pretty beat, but there was some sick shreds out there.

You moved to Whistler last season, right?  
Yeah, in January... It sucked at first: six dudes in a one-bedroom apartment, which was pretty much dude soup. This one time, someone left chili in the oven and forgot it for two weeks. The place was stanky and I ended up getting sick.

Did you have to get a job like most of the people in Whistler?
I thought that I would have enough money to get me through winter, but it was not even close, so I started working at The Circle. When the season was over, I did construction all summer, just slaving trying to get a dollar.

While enjoying the nightlife, did you get thrown out of any bars?
Yes, many bars... but mostly Garf's.

Who did you shred with on a day-to-day basis?
I rode with some sick shreds from back home who moved out here. Then I met some sick dudes from Gnarcore and it was on!

Who hooks it up for you these days?
CAPiTA snowboards, Union bindings, Electric goggles, and Volcom clothing.

OK, I know you wanted to stay out of this one, but I had to do it... Why snowboard instead of model? Is there anything that they both share besides a camera? [Yes, Colton has done some modeling. -ed.]
I'll get into modeling again one day... I've been snowboarding all my life, so I couldn't let it go yet. When you're riding with your best friends and you land a new trick, there's nothing that feels better for me. Living in Whistler, it's endless. I'd say that the fashion is the one thing they have in common, and you've gotta have fresh look when your out there.

What are the best thing and the worst things about snowboarding for you?
The best thing is big jumps and deep pow. The worst thing is being hurt and not being able to ride.

And how would you sum up your winter up until now?
Sledding and filming as much as possible. Basically sending it...

If you weren't snowboarding, what would you be doing?
Living on a beach somewhere crazy; or looking good and getting paid! [laughs]

Any famous last words?
Can't stop the pop!

Photos: Karla Charlton

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Related:
The Circle Blog (Colton was one half of the winning 48hrs Of Winter team)
48hrs Of Winter, Part 1 (video)
48hrs Of Winter, Part 2 (video)