“If I want to be this character that I’ve made up in my head–you know, like pro snowboarder–this felt like this would be a really big, legend-status step. If I can do this, I am one of the guys.”

Nils Mindnich is not only easily one of the most style-heavy riders in snowboarding, he’s also one of the most eloquent. In the latest episode of Backcountry’s video series, Venture Out entitled Mind the Gap, Nils lets us in on the BTS of building and hitting what is likely the most famous jump in the world.

Walking us through both the jump build and the mental preparation that he embarked on alongside Sebbe De Buck, Sage Kotsenburg, and the Backcountry crew, Nils shares an experience that, as the audience, we don’t usually get to see. His thoughtful perspective is illuminating, whether you are working toward dropping into a 100+ foot jump or another aspiration, the focus, reflection, and mental fortitude required for big endeavors is wholly relevant.

We won’t spoil the end, but Nils did say that he has some unfinished business, so we’re looking forward to when things align next for him–as well as anything else he sets his mind to.