Josh Dirksen

Born in Canada and raised in Oregon, Josh Dirksen started snowboarding at Willamette Pass Ski Area in 1987. With over 25 years riding as a professional snowboarder, Josh has ridden the world biggest mountains, filmed with the industries top snowboard productions companies, competed in the world’s largest snowboard events, and advocated nationally and internationally for meaningful climate action and legislation. Josh currently resides in Zürich, Switzerland with his wife Fabienne and their daughter Alana. 

Ask Josh

If you could spend a day with any other SMITH athlete, who would it be and why?

I would like to spend some more time with Mountain Bike athlete Adam Craig. We went on an incredible snow/bike trip in Moab Utah a couple years back. Even though he lives just a 5-minute walk from my house in Bend, we still haven’t got another chance to ride together again. I would love to spend some more time in the mountains with him. 

What is your biggest fear or achilles heel? 

My biggest fear in the mountains is avalanches. High avalanche danger makes it impossible to relax. Basically, I go snowboarding to relax not to worry about stuff. These days flat and powdery terrain makes me the happiest.

What's your go-to coffee shop order?

Over the years, my nights at the bar have turned into days in the coffee shop. My normal order at a coffee shop would be a traditional cappuccino, maybe two. If am racing off for first chair at Mt. Bachelor, I prefer a simple drip coffee for the road. And if I am already in the mountains camping, I will mix up a fancy freeze-dried coffee with my camp stove. 

If you weren't an incredible athlete, what would you be?

I would love to be a better surfer. Just seems like to perfect sport to grow old with. 

What is your favorite SMITH product?

My favorite product is my Mission Helmet. I finally started snowboarding with a helmet just a few years ago. Now, I wear it every single moment that I am in the mountains: uphill, downhill, eating lunch. The only time I really take it off is to adjust some layers or when my boots finally come off at the end of the day. A lot of people think I am weird for wearing it so much, but I don’t mind. I figure the easiest place to carry my helmet is on my head. 

What are 5 things you can't leave home without?

My phone (to keep in touch with my family), a board of some sorts (snowboard, skateboard, surfboard), snacks (swiss chocolate is preferred), coffee (see question above), and sunglasses.

If you could have 1 super-power, what would it be?

The ability to “solve” Climate Change. Might sound like an odd choice, but I have witnessed too many negative changes in the mountains and in the snow industry to not care greatly. For myself, being a pro snowboarder involves sitting down with politicians and lawmakers to discuss the negative changes I am witnessing in the mountains and then search for some common solutions. A Climate Change “super power” would make this process quicker and easier for everyone.