Log onto any ski forum and search for Tanner Hall; you’ll find yourself blown away by the immense number of posts discussing the pros and cons of this 22-year-old’s lifestyle and ski style. No other contemporary skier continuously incites so much debate. Why? The Kalispell, MT native spent his teenage years pushing the limits of freeskiing under the watchful eyes of a skeptical industry—and he took full advantage it. Sometime between coining the term Gorilla Steez (and winning contests with it) to running a small ski film company, Tanner noticeably matured. Need proof? Check out this exclusive TRAMDOCK.com interview.

You ended last year’s season with a gnarly crash that earned you the Worst Slam award at the 2006 Powder Magazine Readers’ Poll and Video Awards. How hurt were you?
I broke both heels and both ankles. I had surgery on my right foot and got eight screws and a plate put in. I guess I spent a total of eight months off skis. It was like nine months before I really started back, though. I was sick and tired of sitting on the couch.

Did you have to do a lot of physical therapy?
Lots. Lots of pool work—like three months of therapy. I never trained like that before.

How many Winter X Games medals does your recent SuperPipe win give you?
Eight.

Do you feel like you’re skiing the best you’ve ever skied?
I don’t feel like I’m skiing where I was last year before I got hurt. My skiing is getting better every day, and the more I ski, the more on it I feel. But I still get really sore and it hurts all the time at night. I’m just enjoying skiing and doing what I do.

Everyone says you’ve become a more mature Tanner Hall in the past year. How do you feel about that? Any contributing factors?
I think I’ve come out a little more grown up. Once I got hurt, I had to realize there’s a lot more in life than just skiing. I know that the more I get older, the more I’ll be on it. I’ve been working a lot on The Bigger Picture. We’re going to have our film Show and Prove ready for next fall. It’s already one of the best movies we’ve ever made. It’s possibly the best ski movie anyone’s ever made.

Is there a website we can plug?
Not yet, but it’s coming.

You’ve been with Armada for a while now. How have you influenced the company?
Armada is really coming on strong. It’s powerful to have these skis on our feet in contests and movie segments. These are the best skis I’ve ever skied, and everyone who skis them says that. To ski on the best ski on the market makes a big difference. Every year it gets better and better. We push the ski evolution, and there are no limits. I’ve helped with a lot of ski and design ideas, but it’s a team thing. It’s all about what will work the best. I don’t focus on, “I’ve done this or I’ve done that.” It’s important that what works for us works for the public. We want them to ride what the pros ride.

What skis are you on right now?
The JP vs. Julian 188. It’s a backcountry ski, and it’s best for me because I like riding soft snow. I have no aspirations to ride anymore hardpack for a while. My schedule for the next few months is pretty powder friendly. I’ll be in St. Anton and heli skiing in BC.

Armada JP vs Julien Alpine Ski

So you’re focusing more on filming and backcountry than competing?
Yeah. I’ll be back in Park City for the World Superpipe Championships. Other than that, it looks like I’ll be skiing powder for most of the rest of the season.

Tanner’s sponsors include Armada skis, Oakley, Red Bull, Giro helmets, Dalbello boots, Park City Mountain Resort, and Grenade gloves.