Craig Hatton

USA

My whole family is from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I was born in California by chance so I actually have dual citizenship but I have always felt a bit more Canadian since my entire family is from there. At an early age my family moved to Utah. My Mom got a job at Snowbird so I started skiing when I was really young and eventually became a competitive Freestyle skier (back when it was cool). I basically spent most of my memorable childhood at ski camps and competitions. I eventually made the Canadian National Freestyle Ski Team and traveled all over Europe skiing competitively. Yes I was blessed. I eventually burned out though. I did some ski shows for a while to make money then I went to the U of U and got my degree in Interpersonal Communications & German. I gave up skiing for a while and worked for Outward Bound for a bit during college. I mostly focused on climbing and procrastinating. I had just graduated from the U and was dirt-bagging it in Indian Creek working on my crack climbing skills for a few months while I decided my next life move. I needed supplies so I went back to SLC and noticed the new BD store had just opened up. I went in and my good old friend from my hot-doggin' days of skiing was the manager of the store, Doug Heinrich. I asked him if they were hiring and next thing I knew I was picking cams in the warehouse.

Birthday?

Jan 24, 1967.......yep Aquarius!

Year you first started at Black Diamond?

1993

Memory/story of your first week at Black Diamond?

I started picking orders in the warehouse. I just remember being in awe as I picked orders out of the huge abundance of cam's and carabiners that I just spent months depending on in the desert. Everyone I met was incredibly nice and the energy around the place was unlike anything I had been a part of. Guess that is why I am still here.

What does working at Black Diamond mean to you?

It pretty much defines me at this point. I eat, drink and sleep Black Diamond. I am what I do and do what I am so I'm always wearing the BD flag no matter where I go. Quite proudly I might add.

If you weren't working at Black Diamond, what would you be doing?

Probably doing Freestyle ski shows in Quebec and coaching little groms.

Worst job you've ever had?

Working at a Mexican restaurant serving tables in a thick turquoise polyester uniform with a friggin' bolo tie. Very humiliating.

Do you have any pets?

Not at the moment but I'm convinced I was a dog in a previous life. Confirmed by reading the book "The art of racing in the rain" by Garth Stein (a must read for dog enthusiasts)

Favorite sports/activities?

I am also convinced that I was now put on this earth to ski it. It is my true passion. I also love to climb & bike. I try surfing a few times a year...love everything about it but I find it extremely difficult to execute.

Favorite climbing/skiing area and why?

I have been a lot of places around the world skiing and climbing and I must say my favorite places are right here in my back yard. Outside of Utah I like to ski in B.C. a lot and down in South America. My most memorable climbing trip was to the Bugaboos. Unreal!

Best climbing/skiing experience?

Of many...the one that is most recent in my memory would have to be Skiing Monte Cristo in the Wasatch with 2 feet of fresh super stable powder on a bluebird morning. Also, my week long heli-climbing trip into the Bugaboos.

What's your dream trip? With who?

Skiing in Antarctica with Madonna.

Guilty pleasure?

Traveling around the country to see live music with good friends.

BD gear you use every time you go climbing/skiing?

Megawatts / Factors / fixed length poles. Chaos harness.

What/who inspires you?

The amazing skiers and climbers I witness every time I go out. And my nephew and niece.

What's in your iPod?

Everything from Bob Dylan to the Sex Pistols. I am really into House Music, Funk and R&B lately. Love Ween. Phish sucks.

Strangest place you've ever woken up?

In a complete strangers car in an unknown neighborhood.

Strangest person you've ever woken up with?

I promised her I would never tell anybody.

Three things you never travel without?

My Megawatts, my I-pod and my computer.

Superstitions?

Not really but I am conscious enough to avoid them when they present themselves.

What's your dream job?

Owning my own 4-star Dog hotel and spa on a huge ranch in the Wasatch.

If you could steal one thing and not get caught, what would it be?

A Porsche 911 4s

If you could have dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would they be?

Megan Fox, Eva Mendes, Madonna

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

Yes but I am about over it.