Phil Casabon & Mike Hornbeck's
"All aboard midwest's snow safari featuring Michigan’s finest- Hornbeck and Milbocker as they take “Mista back to back gold medalist” Casabon on a ski journey through their home turf" Skiing by: Phil Casabon and Mike Hornbeck Filming by: Spencer Milbocker Music by: Marco Noël & Antoine Lemieux Titles by: Jack K Byers
Mike Hornbeck
Mike Hornbeck, from Bangor, Michigan, has established himself as a key figure in urban and freeskiing thanks to his fluid style and creativity on rails and features. He rose to prominence in Level 1 films like Real Time and After Dark, later joining Armada and working on ambitious video projects with his own crew. A humble, hard-working Midwesterner, he’s balanced skiing with carpentry to support his family. A true street skiing icon, Hornbeck inspires with his straightforward, authentic approach, championing skiing as something accessible to everyone.
Philip Casabon
Philip Casabon, born in 1989 in Shawinigan, Quebec, is regarded as one of the most creative and influential street and park skiers of his generation. He rose to fame through Level 1 films and numerous videos with Armada, winning the X Games Real Ski twice and being named Skier of the Year in 2018. Loyal to Armada for nearly two decades, he helped design his own pro model, the BDog. Active in street, park, and backcountry, Phil stands out for his smooth style, boundless creativity, and exemplary work ethic.
Michigan
Michigan, while far from the towering mountains of the American West, holds a special place in the North American ski scene. Thanks to its cold climate and the lake-effect snow produced by the Great Lakes, the state enjoys consistent winter snowfall, making it a popular skiing destination in the Midwest. Skiing in Michigan dates back to the 1930s, with the emergence of small local resorts built on wooded hills and glacial terrain. The ski culture here runs deep, with many families passing the tradition down through generations. Among the most notable ski areas, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands stand out for their modern facilities and relatively large size by regional standards. Nubs Nob is praised for its excellent grooming. Crystal Mountain offers a well-rounded experience with technical runs, family-friendly services, and lodging options. Mount Bohemia, located in the remote Keweenaw Peninsula, caters to expert skiers with its ungroomed, rugged terrain and wild atmosphere, often compared to that of Western backcountry resorts. Michigan represents a different side of American skiing: smaller-scale, family-oriented, and deeply rooted in local tradition. It's an accessible and welcoming option for those seeking an authentic snow experience in the heart of the Midwest.
Armada
Armada was born in 2002 from a vision shared by a small group of professional skiers and friends, including Tanner Hall, JP Auclair, Julien Regnier, and photographer Chris O’Connell. Frustrated by big traditional brands that didn’t understand the booming needs of freestyle and freeride skiing, they decided to build their own company, dedicated to this new generation of skiers. Their goal was simple: design skis by riders themselves to push limits in parks, powder, and big mountain terrain. Based in Costa Mesa, California, Armada quickly earned a reputation for its innovative, independent spirit. It developed iconic models like the ARV for freestyle and the JJ for backcountry. Thanks to the direct involvement of its founders in design and marketing, the brand cultivated an authentic, rebellious image closely tied to freeski culture. Even today, Armada remains true to the legacy left by its founders, keeping passion and creativity at the heart of its identity.
K2
K2 Skis is an American brand founded in 1962, known for its innovative spirit and commitment since the early days of guide skiing. In the 1980s, K2 introduced the first plastic skis, revolutionizing durability and performance. With a comprehensive lineup spanning traditional alpine, freeride, park, and backcountry skis, the brand caters to skiers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. K2 sponsors athletes and collaborates with influential riders in the freeski culture. Today, K2 continues to blend technology, versatility, and authenticity while maintaining a spirit of creativity and a drive toward athletic progression.
Monster Energy
Monster Energy, founded in 2002 in the United States, is best known for its energy drinks with the iconic green claw logo. Early on, the brand heavily invested in extreme sports to build its bold, rebellious image. In skiing, Monster sponsors some of the world’s top freeriders and freestylers like Sammy Carlson, Henrik Harlaut, and Tom Wallisch, supporting both their competitions and film projects. Through these partnerships, Monster Energy has become a major force at the X Games and in top ski productions, helping push the sport’s boundaries. Beyond sponsorships, the brand also organizes and funds dedicated events that showcase skiers’ creativity and style. Today, Monster stands as a symbol of performance and freedom in the freestyle and freeride ski world.
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