Trading school for the slopes

Freshman Tommy Kowalski lays in the homemade foam pit in his backyard. His skateboard ramp that leads up to the foam pit makes it easier to practice new tricks. His goal is to become a professional skier so this year, Kowalski decided to head for the mountains. He packed up his things and moved to Summit County in Colorado to live with his 22 year old brother and began online schooling.

Maisy Hoffman Freshman Tommy Kowalski lays in the homemade foam pit in his backyard. His skateboard ramp that leads up to the foam pit makes it easier to practice new tricks. His goal is to become a professional skier so this year, Kowalski decided to head for the mountains. He packed up his things and moved to Summit County in Colorado to live with his 22 year old brother and began online schooling.

Kowalski stands in front of the remaining snow from this past season. While living out west, he was able to ride with professionals such as Will Burman, ABM, Chappy Gear and Mike King, giving him a competitive edge.

Maisy Hoffman Kowalski stands in front of the remaining snow from this past season. While living out west, he was able to ride with professionals such as Will Burman, ABM, Chappy Gear and Mike King, giving him a competitive edge.

Aside from doing school work, Kowalski did a lot of urban skiing. “Basically you find your own features around the city, set up your own jumps. It’s basically bringing the park to the streets. We have to get creative,” Kowalski said. This form of skiing has recently become a large part of ski and ride culture and is starting to be featured in competitions such as the X Games.

Maisy Hoffman Aside from doing school work, Kowalski did a lot of urban skiing. “Basically you find your own features around the city, set up your own jumps. It’s basically bringing the park to the streets. We have to get creative,” Kowalski said. This form of skiing has recently become a large part of ski and ride culture and is starting to be featured in competitions such as the X Games.

Kowalski focuses on homework on his own hours. He likes the freedom of having a flexible schedule. “I can pretty much take school wherever I want and go wherever I want, work on my own hours, ski all day, do work at night,” Kowalski said. He believes that anyone who struggles with working in a school environment would have a better time learning online.

Maisy Hoffman Kowalski focuses on homework on his own hours. He likes the freedom of having a flexible schedule. “I can pretty much take school wherever I want and go wherever I want, work on my own hours, ski all day, do work at night,” Kowalski said. He believes that anyone who struggles with working in a school environment would have a better time learning online.

Kowalski aiming high during a trick at the big air competition held at Cannonsburg this past winter for the Meijer State Games. Competing in the open bracket, Kowalski was against some of the best riders in Michigan. He took home bronze that evening, falling short of fellow Grand Haven Skier, Max Anthes.

Maisy Hoffman Kowalski aiming high during a trick at the big air competition held at Cannonsburg this past winter for the Meijer State Games. Competing in the open bracket, Kowalski was against some of the best riders in Michigan. He took home bronze that evening, falling short of fellow Grand Haven Skier, Max Anthes.