Olympic gold medalist Christensen helps out at Ski Cruncher

Joss Christensen, winner of the first-ever gold medal in men’s slopestyle skiing at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, was on hand at the Sportsman & Ski Haus Ski Cruncher in Kalispell, signing autographs and greeting locals — some of whom camped overnight to be the first in line for numerous discounts on ski and snowboarding equipment.

“This is awesome,” Christensen said.

“It’s definitely more expensive to be a skier or snowboarder than a lot of other sports. It’s really cool to see a store like this make it affordable. When I was younger this is how I got my gear — waiting in line for the huge sales.”

At 22 years old, Christensen has welcomed the fame that comes with capturing a gold medal.

Relatively unheard of, Christensen made Team USA by winning the last qualifying event in Park City, Utah, his hometown. In Sochi, his winning run was on his final chance to capture a medal, and since then he has made numerous public appearances this summer for his sponsors, Oakley, Rockstar Energy and Giro.

“It’s been pretty crazy. Right away there’s been a lot of media,” Christensen said.

“We got back from Russia, flew into New York and for two weeks it was waking up at 6 a.m. getting done at 10 at night. A lot of media attention for sure.”

Although this is his first time in Montana, he isn’t completely unfamiliar with the Valley. His teammate and fellow slopestyle skier, Whitefish-native Maggie Voisin, befriended Christensen, and the two have shared the spotlight as the next generation of skiers making a name for one of the Winter Olympics’ newest events.

“Being able to have local pros, getting to see them shred the local mountain, it’s gives everyone a perspective that we’re all just human beings. It’s inspiring,” Christensen said.

“I met Maggie this year and it’s crazy to see how motivated and talented she is. I can tell that she’s really inspired a lot of people in this town.”

While the sale at Sportsman & Ski Haus lasts until Sept. 30, Christensen headed back to Park City on Saturday night. After his first trip to Montana he’s already planning his return.

“It’s beautiful here, I wish I could spend more time here,” he said.

“Hopefully I will this year. That’s my plan. I want to travel this direction and ski up here more, hopefully see some more snow.”