Chillin’ With Shaun White
Five-time Olympic snowboarder Shaun White’s performance snow brand, Whitespace, in collaboration with High West Distillery, dropped limited-edition merch with 20% of the proceeds benefiting High West’s Protect the West initiative, with funds benefiting Protect our Winters, an organization dedicated to preserving outdoor playgrounds from climate change.
Photos by Mike Dawson
Both Shaun and High West are committed to preserving the beauty of the West. As the Whiskey of the West and an athlete born and trained in the West, both are dedicated to protecting and nurturing the land they call home. This co-branded release aims to amplify awareness and action around the cause. We ask Shaun to tell us more.
Tell us about the projects you are working on.
I’ve kept busy since retiring and am working on some exciting projects. One of the biggest is The Snow League, the first-ever professional winter sports league for snowboarding and freeskiing, launching its inaugural season this year. Then there’s WHITESPACE, my namesake brand, which has been a true passion project – we just came out with a new line. I’ve also been working with High West Distillery on their Protect the West initiative. I’ve always loved their whiskeys, but it was the Protect the West mission that really drew me in. They’ve been incredible in supporting organizations dedicated to preserving the West, and I’m proud that we could extend the partnership with a WHITESPACE co-branded collection—20% of the proceeds go directly to benefiting Protect the West so make sure to shop at www.highwest.com while you can.
With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?
Even when I’m not traveling, I usually do something physical every day, I try to be active. Whether it’s a bike ride, a game of pickleball, or a light workout, I always try to keep moving. But when I’m not being physical, I love just kicking back and spending time with friends and family.
When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?
My two favorite restaurants in Las Vegas are Weera Thai and Esther’s Kitchen. When I’m in LA, I love Scratch Kitchen or Uchi.
What types of dishes do you typically order?
I am trying to avoid eating meat as much as I can these days, and I have been doing a great job with sticking to a plant-based diet. I love a salad or a warm grain bowl and will load it up with all the veggies they can fit on there. I also am a big sushi fan – and every kind of roll. I’m not too picky!
Any favorite bars?
Whenever I’m in Park City, my first stop is always the High West Saloon downtown. You can ski or board right to the Saloon from Park City Mountain on a trail called Quittin’ Time —there’s no better spot for après.
Post retirement, I’ve been spending a lot of time in Aspen during the winters, and I love The Snow Lodge and the bar at The St Regis there.
In NYC, I love Jean’s and Fouquet’s.
What drinks do you order when out? Favorite drink?
My go-to drink is an Old Fashioned with High West Bourbon, especially during the colder months. It’s got that perfect spiced flavor, making it the ideal sipper after a day on the slopes. For something that’s a little more special, I’ll pour myself a glass of High West A Midwinter Night’s Dram. Nothing beats sitting by the fire, sipping on a glass of Dram– it’s the perfect pour for those cozy winter nights.
Do you prepare drinks at home?
I’m constantly on the go, but when I’m home, I love having friends over and making drinks for the crew. I’m no expert, but I like to think I can mix up a pretty decent cocktail.
Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?
Las Vegas is home base for me, so I made sure to set up a pretty sweet bar there—and it’s been even more stocked since teaming up with High West. The High West Double Rye and Bourbon are my go-to’s for cocktails, but I always keep a few bottles of Rendezvous Rye on hand for special occasions to serve neat.
Have you ever been a bartender?
Unfortunately, I never had the chance growing up—I was busy back then! But hey, never say never, right? That’s kind of been my motto since I retired.
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