One of the most decorated snowboarders in history, Seth Wescott is the only man to ever win an Olympic gold medal in the sport of snowboardcross, doing so in the inaugural event in 2006 and again in 2010, and his sights are set on keeping his streak alive in Sochi, Russia, in 2014. He was also the 2005 World Cup SBX champion and is a nine-time X Games medalist. While you may have seen him in countless ski and snowboard films, you’re just as apt to find the Maine native enjoying the countless off-season outdoor options at Maine’s Sugarloaf Resort, where he lives and trains year-round.

Here are a few of his favorite things about Sugarloaf:

Aspect of the region in the off-season: The best thing about the off-season is being in the valley when it’s green. Most people come up only in the winter and only see the area’s ski or snowboard dimension. But to me, playing golf, standup paddling on Flagstaff, swimming in the Carrabassett, hiking, and mountain biking are the real reasons to live here. The summer has so many more dimensions than winter.

Place to mountain bike: The single track that the CV Nemba group has built out of the outdoor center and along the Narrow Gauge multi-use trail is sick. They have worked real hard on it to create many miles of great singletrack.

Place to road ride: It’s got to be up around the chain of ponds headed to Canada on Sundays when the trucks aren’t running.

Place to ride with the family: The Narrow Gauge Trail. It’s smooth and perfect for the whole family.

Place to paddle (flatwater): Flagstaff Lake. There are tons of hidden sand beaches on the islands and endless miles to explore from either end. The views of the backside of Mount Bigelow are breathtaking.

Place to paddle (whitewater): The S-turns in spring or, after heavy rainfall, give a great run with some extremely challenging spots. For the less advanced, the float out from the town office to Kingfield can be plenty fun too.

Place to paddle with the family: Flagstaff Lake.

Place to re-fuel: Orange Cat Cafe for breakfast and The Rack for dinner.

Place for a beer afterwards: Always The Rack for your evening live entertainment and to mix with the locals.

Photo courtesy Sugarloaf Resort, Seth Wescott