Photo: GearJunkie
Editor’s Note: This feature is presented by our partners at Nissan Rogue Rock Creek.
Back-to-back injuries didn’t keep this pro skier and mountain biker away from the sports she loves. Mountain sports have been a part of Delilah Cupp’s life since day one.
“I grew up in a small town in Washington with big mountains and very few people,” says the Pacific Northwest-based pro freeskier and mountain biker. “My parents were really connected to the mountains in the Pacific Northwest, so they brought me into the wilderness at a young age. Growing up with access to some of the best mountains in the state was a unique experience. I wish I realized how special it was at the time.”
Young Cupp may have taken her access to the mountains for granted, but these days, she recognizes how good she has it. “The best part of being a professional athlete is realizing ‘this is what I do for work’,” Cupp says. “How unique and lucky is that?”
And she’s right. Between maintaining a pro-level skillset in two action sports — and the obstacles she’s overcome to get there — Cupp has built one very unique and adventurous life.
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Life as a Dual-Sport Athlete
Balancing one sport would be plenty for many pro athletes. Cupp, on the other hand, can’t imagine giving up one of her passions. “These sports bring out the creativity in me,” she says. “All my best ideas come while walking uphill on skis or fiddling with my bike on the trail.”
The first-ever Nissan Rogue Rock Creek is built for a multi-sport lifestyle. Photos: GearJunkie
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“Being an athlete is my dream job in so many ways,” adds Cupp. “But the funny part about making skiing and biking my job is that I still do these sports in my downtime. I can’t envision a life for myself without skiing. It’s when I feel the most confident. On my bike, I feel like a kid again. All the worries I’ve been stressing about fade away when I’m going as fast as I can.”
From the Snow to the Sidelines (and Back Again)
Most professional athletes are no stranger to injuries that take them out of the sport for a time. For Cupp, the experience is all too familiar. “In the three years since I’ve gone fully pro, I’ve had three major knee injuries in a row,” she says.
Cupp’s most recent injury left her devastated. “Right after the crash was probably the lowest moment I’ve ever had in my life,” she says. “My body is an essential tool for me as an athlete. It’s part of my job.”
Snow Mode cuts throttle response to minimize wheelspin for more traction and control in winter conditions. Photos: GearJunkie
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Back-to-back injuries have reshaped how Cupp thinks about working as a professional athlete. “As I’ve grown older, I’m thinking about fueling and recovering,” Cupp says. “I’ve put in a lot of work over the last seven months to be moving forward. I’m definitely a little bit nervous, but I’m really excited to get back on skis this year. I can’t wait to touch the snow and be with my friends.”
Keeping the Love Alive
With all the setbacks, Cupp has learned how to keep herself moving forward and maintain her drive to get back to the mountains to explore.
“Over the years, I’ve learned it’s really important to give myself small things to look forward to and create incremental goals along the way,” she explains.
The Nissan Rogue Rock Creek empowers Cupp to hit the road less traveled and do adventure her way. Photo: GearJunkie
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These little steps motivated Cupp to make a full recovery and get back to doing what she loves. “I’m so excited to be in a place where I’m feeling really confident for the first time since my injury,” she says. “Knowing at this point that I haven’t lost the feeling of really loving the sport feels huge.”
