Kris Ochs (Co-Founder, CFO)

Quarantine will probably never feel normal for us social animals, but now several weeks into this new way of life it feels like we are beginning to cope. Adaptation is taking hold and we are finding ways to produce, connect, and enjoy despite our less than ideal circumstances. Personally, I am finding that being restricted in some aspects actually adds more in others and I’m doing everything I can to make the most of this shift by learning new skills and habits that will last long after coronavirus. Every morning starts by throwing on my Deluge Long Sleeve and heading down to the kitchen to grind some fresh beans. After a strong first cup, I get my daily workout in before settling into the work day. The beauty of the Deluge is that the transition from workout to Zoom call doesn’t even require a change - it can do both equally well so I can keep the momentum rolling from one to the next. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a day (or week) when you don’t have to change clothes.   


TV Shows / Movies

  • Anything and everything on RedBull TV, especially Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honold’s superhuman feat, completing the Fitz Roy Traverse in Patagonia, which they documented themselves in A Line Across the Sky.
  • The 2019-20 Backcountry Film Festival is a series of very cool short films that can be streamed on YouTube - highly recommend checking it out. 
  • The Call of the Wild - a classic novel I remember reading in grade school just came out on film, about a dog who finds his way to Alaska during the late 1800’s Gold Rush in Alaska. The animals may be animated but Harrison Ford keeps it real. 


Activities

  • Just completed AMGA Mountain Guide Mark Smiley’s online course: The Ultimate Guide to Backcountry Skiing & Ski Mountaineering - a great way to stay mentally fresh on skills while at home, and he’s even offering a quarantine discount on all of his courses!
  • Building out my “adventure atlas” in Evernote, compiling photos, maps, notes, and trip plans for both summer and winter objectives for years to come.
  • Somehow becoming curious about learning Python, a programming language that can be used to process and analyze loads of just about any kind of information you can think of. If anyone has any advice on where to begin, hit me up!


Workouts

  • Local hill climbs on the road bike when the weather permits and garage bike trainer sessions when it doesn’t - Wahoo KICKR with the TrainerRoad app is my go to.
  • Ski touring, but instead of a quest for deep powder and adrenaline, it’s a quest to dial in the perfect ski setup while walking slowly uphill to catch the occasional glimpse of lines to add to the “someday maybe” list.
     
    Kris' Quarantine Favorite

    Molly Danzig (Logistics and Customer Service)

    If you are anything like me, you thrive on routine.  Each day looks relatively similar and there is a certain sense of satisfaction and pride knowing you knocked out just about all you needed to do to feel productive for the day.  But unconventional and strange times often throw a wrench in that routine and to be quite blunt, it can be quite the bummer. But when life puts a rut in the line you would have normally taken, you gotta adapt and take the high line. So instead of my usual 5 am wake up to get to the gym before heading into the office, I have changed things up and let myself sleep in a bit.  My workout is a quick mid-day run, or some sort of home workout in the evenings now. I am also lucky enough to have my home office set up right next to a sun-filled window and my new “co-workers” are 2 adorable and nosey adventure pups who occasionally poke their noses in on our weekly team meeting.  Though change can be difficult, this time has definitely allowed for some positive changes and a bit of a reset and refresh just in time for the temps to start slowly rising.  Although I do keep telling myself I should try a pair of jeans on now and then just to make sure they still fit, I shamelessly resort to leggings and my SYNC Women’s Deluge Short Sleeve.  It’s my one-stop-shop outfit if I need to get a quick jog around the neighborhood, stretch during the day, or evening home workout then transitions right back to my home office.  It keeps me perfectly content temperature-wise no matter the time of day. It also has all the comforts of cotton with the performance ability of any top Dry-fit material. Ticks all the boxes and in these strange times, having something that offers a little extra comfort makes a big difference.

    TV Shows:

    • Tiger King (I know, what else is new), Suits (again), New-season of Top Chef: All-Stars, and Ozark

    Activities:

    • Obviously doggo snug, practicing my corn hole abilities, cruising through puzzles (a little too fast), keeping my skis prepared for any unexpected spring storms, and trying to be better about connecting with extended family and old friends

    Workouts: 

    • Clair Thomas Home Team fitness guide (she was giving it away for free!), Fitness Blender HIIT workouts (they are free on YouTube.  There are hundreds of videos), working on my running, like everyone else, skinning.  The season ended too early and there is plenty of good snow to be had, and finding some dry dirt to get my bike out on.
      Molly's Quarantine Favorite

      Ryan Collopy (Financial Analyst)

      What a wild couple of months it has been for me. I recently moved to Vail at the beginning of 2020 from Boston with high expectations and excitement for mountain living. Just when I settled into my daily routine and lifestyle we were placed on lockdown. Being new to the Vail Valley I was excited to explore what Vail had to offer, but things quickly changed and I have since found a new routine that has given me a new perspective to the mountains. Without the option to ski in the resort, I have been forced to find new activities to fill my time after work and on the weekends. Most recently I have been ice climbing, ski touring, running, and I was finally able to go for a couple of bike rides as the weather warmed up. Although I wish these activities were all possible with a group of friends or family I always try to stay positive and think about a time in the not so distant future where we will enjoy the mountains together again. Until that time comes I will take time to appreciate all the amazing things that Vail has to offer that I might not necessarily have noticed under normal circumstances. My at-home routine hasn’t changed drastically other than setting up a new home office in a second bedroom. Similar to other SYNC Employees my dress code for work hasn’t changed much and usually consists of joggers and the Deluge Quarter Zip, which I can wear all day while working from home and then go out for an activity to keep me warm and dry.


      TV Shows:

      • House of Cards, Ozark, and Modern Family.

      Podcasts:

      • How I Built This, The Indicator, Invest Like the Best, and Gladiator.

      Activities:

      • Ski touring, ice climbing, mountain biking when the weather permits, and lots of puzzles.
        Ryan's Quarantine Favorite
        April 14, 2020

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