Aaron Karitis grew up in Bend, Oregon, roughly 20 miles northeast of Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, where he was making his first turns on snow about the same time has was taking his first steps in the living room. No wonder he says he feels more comfortable skiing than walking. A committed racer from childhood through high school, it wasn’t until he went to college at the University of Utah as a freeskier that he realized his true passion — and found a respect for the mountains. Karitisreached the pinnacle of the sport when he started working for H2O Heli Guides in Valdez, Alaska five years ago. He has logged more than 100 days of heli-ski guiding in Valdez and has scouted and developed big mountain and powder camps for them in Argentina and Japan. His experience is further highlighted by his numerous first descents and collaborations with the industry’s biggest film production companies on feature-length videos including Brain Farm Productions “That’s It, That’s All”, Matchstick Productions “Claim” and Standard Films “Black Winter”. Karitis has also appeared on the cover of Powder Magazine (October 2008). For the 27-year-old who golfs, surfs and hikes when he’s not on skis, 2010 looks to hold the busiest season yet. Karitis will be in front of the camera for Powder Magazine, Skiing Magazine and other international publications in Japan, South America, Alaska and the Western United States. But most of the time, he’ll be doing what he does best — making memories guiding for his clients.