John Padilla
Film Director & Pro Skier
Montana, USATell your friends you love them.
I own and operate Mountain in My Mind, the first and only documentary ski films about mental health and resilience in mountain towns. I give a keynote speech and organize a large gear giveaway at all 25+ stops of our annual Suicide Prevention Ski Film Tour each Fall. Our films feature professional skiers and snowboarders throwing down in the backcountry of Cooke City, Montana and talking about the lessons they’ve learned through a wide variety of mental health challenges. Our films have won many awards and we sell out every venue on our tour.
Discipline: Outdoor Recreation & Mental Health Advocacy
Specialty: Backcountry skiing and snowmobiling (sledskiing)
Keynote speaker at 100+ sold out, live premieres in mountain towns in every state in the Western United States Award-winning documentary film director Guest on all major snow sports podcasts and featured articles in many major snow sports magazines
John Padilla's Expert Gear Recommendations
Outerwear
Sledskiing is brutal on gear, which is why there’s only one brand I trust…
- Flylow Quantum Pro Jacket by Flylow — I am 6’3” and 215lbs and I prefer a baggy fit, so I always wear a XXL. Despite 100+ days a year of snowmobile skiing in this jacket, I’ve never been able to destroy one! It’s a great shell with ample pockets for skins, camera lenses, safety equipment and more.
- Flylow Baker Bib by Flylow — I am 6’3” and 215lbs and I prefer a baggy fit, so I always wear an XXL. The Baker Bibs are the most indestructible shell bibs on the market. I spend over 100 days a year in mine and they still look brand new. I love the beacon pocket and retainer and the reinforced cuffs and knees for sledskiing. The removable powder skirt on most of Flylow’s jackets also buttons into the bib and allows the full kit to morph into a snow-proof mono suit!
Layers
Layers are the key to having fun backcountry skiing!
- General's Down Sweater by Flylow — The General’s Down Sweater is a must have for backcountry skiing. It’s light and packable, yet warm and filled with premium down insulation. I have several color ways and use mine for sledskiing as a layer to ride home in after I have sweat and the sun has gone down. Also great for standing around as a Filmer!
- Puffer Pant
