Freeskier has partnered with Vail Resorts to produce the Road to Sochi video series, following its Epic team members as they attempt to qualify for, and succeed at the 2014 Winter Olympics. We’re giving our audience exclusive cuts of each episode—each one gives an in-depth look at the athletes’ ups and downs on this road the the Olympic stage. This initial episode is about Reno, Nevada native and halfpipe star David Wise. Wise is one of the favorites to not only qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics, but to bring home hardware from Sochi. At last week’s Dew Tour iON Mountain Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado, Wise earned a first place finish in men’s superpipe, and will look to continue that success as we move closer to the Olympic games in February.

Wise en route to another gold, Dew Tour, 2013

Wise earned two straight first place finishes in halfpipe at X Games Aspen, in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, he took home top honors at the US Grand Prix in Mammoth in 2012, and the US Grand Prix in Park City earlier this year.

In this episode of the Road to Sochi series, David gives a bit of insight into his family life, having a young daughter and wife, and how they play into his life as a skier. Wise explains that while he is a skier, if skiing was taken away from him someday, he’d be content thanks to the love and support of his family. Watch our previous episodes starring Bobby Brown and Keri Herman, and stay tuned for our next episode featuring the trio’s experience at the 2013 Dew Tour.