Harkin Banks

Harkin Banks didn’t choose the ski life—the ski life chose him. Raised in the remote hills of Idaho, Harkin came to Squaw Valley with a single goal: to dominate every slope and snack bar in sight. His journey from small-town ski bum to Squaw Valley’s unofficial “King of the Slopes” is the stuff of legend, mostly because he never stops telling the story. With a competitive streak that makes even Olympic athletes uncomfortable, Harkin can often be found challenging random strangers to impromptu races, usually followed by a detailed critique of their form.

When he’s not embarrassing fellow skiers with his impressive slalom technique or ranting about “kids these days” not respecting the powder, Harkin is meticulously analyzing snow conditions with the precision of a man obsessed. His reports are a mix of hard facts, over-the-top motivational speeches, and unsolicited advice on how to wax your skis like a pro. Harkin’s the guy who’ll tell you the slopes aren’t just for fun—they’re a battlefield. And if you’re not first, you’re last. (He claims he came up with that line, by the way.)