If there’s one name quietly making waves in Australian snowboarding world right now, it’s Juan George. One of the most promising up-and-coming riders in the game, Juan carries himself with a cool, understated demeanour and a style that feels timeless for someone in their mid teens. Off the board, he’s as friendly and polite as they come, the sort of kid that everyone is genuinely stoked to be around. Humble, well spoken, curious, and a whole-hearted lover of snowboarding.
But what truly sets Juan apart from the pack isn’t just his riding, it’s his quest for development. More than most his age, Juan just loves to ride, and it shows in the way he’s constantly pushing to expand his horizons, deepen his knowledge, and seek out experiences that will make him a better all-round rider and human being in the mountains.
It’s no wonder he keeps getting invited back to snowboard paradise.
Low Maintenance is an annual snowboarding event held at Baldface Lodge in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. The event was dreamed up by Estelle Pensiero (daughter of Baldface Lodge’s founder Jeff Pensiero), and is essentially a week where she invites a select group of pro snowboarders to Baldface, each of which get to choose someone to bring with them and take under their wing for the week.
A mentorship program in the greatest classroom on earth.
We caught up with him to hear about his experience this year.
Jaun – How did you first get the call to come to Low Maintenance at Baldface, and what was going through your head when you found out you were invited?
Mum got an email from Seth Huot and Shane Azar at Volcom inviting me to go, we were in Mammoth and I was out riding and came home to the best news ever, I couldn’t believe it. This was somewhere Dad always talked about going to, so I was so grateful and excited I was getting this opportunity.
For anyone who hasn’t been to Baldface, how would you describe the place to someone who’s never experienced it?
It’s more than just a place, it’s an unreal experience, from the people you meet to the connections you make, and the lessons you learn. From arriving in a heli and all staying together in the lodge, sharing meals, music room, tuning boards then heading out each day in a cat to ride the most ultimate terrain. Jeff and Estelle have created such an incredible place for riders to come together and share their love and passion for the sport.
You’ve been to Low Maintenance a few times now – what keeps drawing you back, and how has your experience there evolved from your first trip to the most recent one?
I’ve been lucky enough to continue coming back to this paradise, each time better than the last. The community has gotten larger, and new faces have come up, but the vibes are still as incredibly high as they were first time round. With each new crew of people, the more everyone pushes themselves to be better and the more memories everyone makes.
The whole concept is built around mentorship – pros taking young riders under their wing. Who has had the biggest influence on you during your time there, and what’s one piece of advice that has genuinely stuck with you?
The first year I was put in the cat with Arthur Longo, he inspired me and helped me grow as a rider. Low Maintenance has evolved over time, and it’s more about connecting with people and getting to ride with the best, giving people experiences they wouldn’t normally get. “If you’re having fun, you’re halfway there”
What’s a moment from Low Maintenance that you’ll never forget — whether it was a run, a conversation around the lodge, or something that happened out on the mountain?
On my first time getting invited, the crew found this sick zone, and I did my first and biggest natural hit backflip. The moment was incredible and then getting to see all the crew at the bottom cheering was the best feeling. Everyone together just brings the best vibes and is so supportive.
The backcountry is a very different world from resort riding. What’s the most important thing Low Maintenance has taught you about riding and operating safely in that environment?
It taught me to be aware in such an unpredictable space, so I can be as safe as possible. They give us a safety training course and go through all the equipment in the morning before we ride so we know what to do in an emergency.
Estelle built Low Maintenance around the idea of community and bringing people together at different stages of their careers. What does that community mean to you personally, and do you think events like this are something the snowboarding world needs more of?
I believe events like this are really important because they strengthen our community and inspires every to get involved and push themselves while being around the best. This environment helps people make lifelong connections while helping everyone grow.
You’ve now been through the experience multiple times – if a young rider came to you tomorrow and asked what to expect at Low Maintenance, what would you tell them?
I would tell them to expect to be brought into some of the most supportive and inspiring groups of people that also know how to ride. They won’t just grow as a rider but as a person as well; they will learn so many valuable lessons from learning that trick, to setting up a probe and shovel all the way to learning how to push the career forward as a snowboarder.
