“When you’re that age you take everything for granted. I never took the time to take advantage of my travels.”

In his later years of boarding, Harper says he realized he better figure out a plan B. Snowboarding was vastly gaining popularity and many success-stories only experienced a short-lived career.

So Harper decided to utilize a skill he learned as a kid.

“I always built skateboard ramps in my backyard and ramps for friends.”

Throughout his final competitions, Harper built the jumps for any given contest.

One thing led to another, and he began to pick up big-time work.

His talent soon became a career, and now he co-runs California Ramp Works, his Mesa-based company in charge of all the ramps for large scale events like the X-Games, The Dew Tour, and The LG Action Sports Tour.

But despite his demanding schedule, our home-town guy has not forgotten where he’s from.

“Many people can’t believe I’m a snowboarder from Arizona, but believe it or not, several influential people started at Snowbowl.”

Harper tributes his career to Arizona Snowbowl, located in the Coconino National Forest on the stunning San Francisco Peaks.

Hop in the car and take the two-hour ride from Phoenix to Snowbowl, just minutes from the heart of Flagstaff.

The facility opened in 1938, making it one of the country’s oldest continually run ski destinations in the United States. The winter sports park is known for its friendly beginner terrain, but if you’re like Harper, you can surf the snow on the Bowl’s many challenging trails.

It’s the homey hotspot where you can still find Harper, now boarding along-side his wife and two daughters.

They’re the same Arizona Snowbowl slopes he boarded at 18-years-old, and he says those memories of the good-old-days will forever remain dear to his heart.

“It means everything to me. It’s funny; most people there today were there when I started in the 80s. The General Manger, the head of ski patrol, the maintenance manager; I go up and see them. They pretty much have helped me get where I am today.”

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