The OC? Ice cream? Babies? At first glance, odd and irregular topics, even for our industry. I was secretly hoping that Tim Russell wasn’t serious, or at the very least, detailing an esoteric roadmap to getting laid. Truthfully, this 24-year-old freeskier is completely serious. Sort of. Maturing to backcountry has given Tim more credibility in skiing, but preparing for fatherhood has given him a new perspective on life. As soon as you think Tim is headed for a life of daddy day care and mini-vans, you might want to re-examine his resume. While simultaneously filming with PBP and Rage, in addition to fostering Giv Clothing through a competitive industry, Tim’s plate is full year-round. However, don’t expect completely grown-up answers and a stodgy attitude because as the 21st century dad is evolving, so is Tim. I thought I would candidly catch up with Tim the modern way, via text messaging.

FS: Want to start your Freeskier.com interview?

TR: Haha, okay, we can start.

FS: Since you’re taking part in a text interview, would you consider yourself a modern, digital guy?

TR: No. I’m pretty up to date, but nothing like Craig Coker. That kid is above and beyond anyone I know, for sho.

FS: What are you doing this morning? Speculation is that you are quite possibly at Target shopping for diapers and baby food.

TR: Well, I would be at Target getting diapers and baby food, but Simon hasn’t sent me any gift cards yet. What a bad Godfather, huh? And he is indeed the Godfather. I had a doctor’s meeting this morning and Chelsea isn’t dilated yet… which sucks for her.

FS: I googled some great looking baby totes so Coker can hold your son while you shoot urban with PBP next year. Any plans to take the little man out in the ski industry?

TR: Oh, hell yeah. He’s coming with me to Vegas for sure. Break him in early with strip clubs and bars. No biggie. And as for PBP, I’m sure he’s going to be filming with them in no time, I mean, he is a Russell. Also, Simon or Troy, if one of you guys is reading this, you can go ahead and get those Target cards rolling. Thanks boys.

FS: Raising a child in the Salt Lake area, some issues might arise, such as: will mormonism play a role in his life, will he adopt a John Symms or Stefan Thomas pipe run… the important questions in life.

TR: If Kashton [or Cashton, still not decided] does take part in some of Stefan or Symms’ style in the pipe, I’m totally cool with it. Those guys are awesome. But I’m hoping he’s going to spend a shit ton of time with Mr. Dumont to bring home that sweet, but crispy, bacon, eggs, toast and home-fries. $$$$$$$$$$$$$.

FS: Speaking of home-fries, what is your travel health regimen? Most athletes eat fast food and don’t exercise, but I heard numerous accounts of how good you looked this season.

TR: Oh man, you can’t let a body this good go to waste. I worked with Scott Markewitz a lot. If you ever work with him, by the end of the day you hike further in your ski boots than you walk in shoes in five lifetimes. I could eat fast food and not notice a thing. But when I’m with the Olenick boys, the food drops and beers increase. That’s what you have to watch out for, Shay, the beers. They’ll getcha.

FS: Sound advice. Seeing as Chelsea isn’t dilated [weird saying that] and you make the big bucks, you should have a few more happy days before Kashton comes along…

TR: Yeah, I am chilling by the lake. Then I’m going to bartend tonight at this sick golf course. It’s nice because I get to play free golf and make extra cash; it’s basically beer money. Tomorrow I’ll go out on the boat, you know the usual summer with no skiing thing. And for Chels, she will be just chilling with Kashton kicking up her stomach.

FS: Ah, to be young again. I wore some Giv clothing the other day. You must be stoked to work with them.

TR: Yeah, their clothes are coming together really nicely. It’s a hard process because it seems like I’m too picky and everything needs to be perfect. But when I’m in my clothes for eight hours a day, it’s important. So yeah, I’m stoked and I hope everyone will be too.

FS: I am a huge fan of your hoodies. Too bad you can’t wear them in the desert known as Utah.

TR: I’m in NY, brosif. But yeah, I tried to make a super nice hoodie for traveling.

FS: You should have Jon Shares hang around your son, he is a genius. What do people do up there other than slide rails and root for the Sabres. And eat hot wings.

TR: Basically all I do is play golf and hit up the lake. Probably eat wings five days a week. And wait for Kashton. It’s sick as hell here, the lake is 15 feet from my parent’s house. I hung out with Jon the other day when we played golf on my birthday. I was a major shit show. It was awesome, just turned 24.

FS: Congrats on making it to 24 and managing to be a legitimate pro; you’re in distinguished company. Jon is moving to Boulder next fall. Would you consider it? It’s very environmentally friendly here and Matt Harvey is a great babysitter.

TR: Thanks for the props, I feel like I’m still 18. And hopefully skiing like I’m that young. I don’t know if I could move there. I would probably just chill at Freeskier with Kashton instead of getting up mad early and slaying the backcountry. But I’ll be more than happy to fly Harvey out to SLC. Haha.

I’m going to be at work soon pouring drinks for all the up-state drunks. These guys love their booze up here man, it’s crazy…

FS: What’s the most popular drink served at the course?

TR: Probably brews. Or vodka. Old guys love vodka. Tonight is ladies league, I’m going to find a 50-year-old rich, hottie and retire.

FS: What’s your tactic for trapping a cougar?

TR: I’m going to try and flex every time they get a drink. I’m sure that should capture my prey. I just got off the lake and I’m getting tan and looking damn good.

FS: You should write an advice column for GQ.

TR: Would that be gay? I did one last month. Not a long article or anything, just the basics.

FS: Can you explain how to rent cars, for all the inexperienced pros out there.

TR: Yeah. You turn 23 [or 25] and beat it up. That’s all I would say. It’s not your car, it’s a rental.

later…

FS: What are you getting into tonight? A chick flick and baby book? Maybe a late night run to the store for Hagen Daas?

TR: I think I’m going to keep it mellow and watch re-runs of the OC, eat chocolate ice cream and Twix then probably cry on a shoulder or two.

FS: In New York I hear if you go too far north, you don’t ever come back.

TR: Usually Bibby is up there ready for the kill, which in Canadian is the bar. Those Canadians know how to get ‘er done, let me tell you.

FS: What’s the deal with you getting it done in the backcountry this year, you’re a rail guy?

TR: Well, I won some contests and did well at rail jams. I like skiing park, but felt it was something I needed to take into the backcountry. I like being out there and just looking around, it’s pretty sick. And to ride the snow-mo I won at the Masters is something to be stoked on as well.

FS: You’re going to have to get a heli from Uncle Dumont next. I saw you in the park at Mt. Hood holding Andreas’ [Hatveit] hand… something we need to keep Chelsea in the dark about?

TR: Yeah, heli should be on the way. Haha, yeah, we like to hold hands while tandem jumping. It’s a dude thing, you wouldn’t understand. Haha…

One day later…

FS: Will Giv make you a pro model diaper for this summer?

TR: Yeah, but it’s for me, get that straight. Not too sure if you know this, but I have a bowel and bladder problem.

FS: Nothing to be ashamed of. Will being a father have any effect on your ski outlook?

TR: Give’r hell. I actually want to ski harder and set my goals higher. It’s pretty sick that my son will hopefully look up to me more than anything growing up.

FS: I think it’s time to finally bring this thing to a close.

TR: Ok, peace out for now, brosif. Peace Freeskier.

FS: Peace Tim