For professional snowboarder Alex Yoder, the mountains have always been more than just a place to ride—they’ve been home, inspiration, and a source of transformation. Born in San Francisco but raised in Jackson, Wyoming, Yoder was introduced to the untamed beauty of the Tetons at an early age. By 14, he knew he wanted snowboarding to be more than just a passion; he wanted it to be his life’s work. But after years of pushing his body to the limits, suffering injuries, and losing sight of the joy that once defined his sport, he found himself searching for something more—a deeper connection with the mountains and a new way to experience the sport he loved.
That search led him to the backcountry and, ultimately, to a lifestyle that revolved around adventure, exploration, and freedom. At the heart of that freedom? His RV.
An RV That Makes Anywhere a Basecamp
Yoder’s RV isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s his mobile basecamp, allowing him to chase fresh powder and untouched terrain while staying connected to nature. “If you're traveling in an RV, you can basically make anywhere your backyard,” he says. The flexibility of RVing gives him the ability to wake up right at the foot of the mountains, eliminating long drives from town and allowing for first tracks on pristine slopes.
His approach to snowboarding has evolved from competition-driven adrenaline rushes to a more meditative experience, and his RV perfectly complements this shift. Instead of worrying about finding accommodations or dealing with resort crowds, Yoder can focus on what matters most—exploring remote, snow-covered landscapes at his own pace. His days start with checking the snow conditions, selecting a peak, and setting off on a backcountry adventure that prioritizes the beauty of the ride over any specific destination or achievement.
A Transformational Experience in Japan
At one point, Yoder considered walking away from professional snowboarding altogether. Years of injuries, pressure, and the grind of competition had taken their toll. But a transformative trip to Japan changed everything. There, he met Taro Tomai, founder of Gentemstick, a company designing snowboards inspired by surfboards. Riding with Tomai and his team introduced Yoder to an entirely new philosophy—one that focused on flow, connection, and the joy of simply making beautiful turns.
“I hadn’t thought of it that way before,” Yoder recalls. “This philosophy actually felt more like myself.” Returning home, he started riding his familiar mountains in an entirely new way, seeking not the biggest jumps or fastest runs but instead a pure, immersive experience in the backcountry. His RV became the ultimate tool for this style of riding—offering a warm, comfortable retreat at the end of each day, where he could reflect on the experience and prepare for the next adventure.
The Art of Riding with No Destination
For Yoder, backcountry snowboarding is no longer about ticking off objectives or conquering peaks. “At the end of the day, it's just fun to cruise around and not be in too much of a hurry,” he says. His RV allows him to do just that.
Instead of being bound to resort schedules or crowded slopes, he can camp near remote trailheads, hike into the mountains, and ride without worrying about where the day will take him. The unpredictability of backcountry conditions is part of the appeal, and his RV serves as the perfect launching pad for wherever the snow and wind decide to lead him.
Embracing the Unknown…In an RV
This winter, Yoder has no grand plans—just a desire to explore the mountains near Jackson, Wyoming, with his RV as his mobile shelter. He’ll be watching the snowfall, waiting for the perfect conditions, and venturing deeper into the backcountry as the season progresses.
His journey is about more than just snowboarding—it’s about freedom, adaptation, and a deep respect for the landscapes he moves through. And with his RV parked nearby, he knows he has everything he needs: warmth, shelter, and the ability to wake up each morning ready for whatever adventure the mountains bring.
For those who dream of chasing powder and making the mountains their home, Yoder’s approach offers an inspiring reminder—sometimes, the best journeys aren’t about getting somewhere. They’re about being fully present, embracing the elements, and finding joy in the turn itself.
