This skiing wonder cat is promoting safer use of the great outdoors
Gary is the 9-year-old long-haired house cat of James Eastham. But don’t call him domestic because it's his fifth year on the slopes. The Weather Network's Connor O'Donovan reports.
It’s a sight that will give anyone paws—a 9-year-old skiing cat named Gary.
He’s in his fifth season, perched atop the shoulders of owner James Eastham. And he’s pretty much a celebrity in Canada’s Rocky Mountains.
An ambassador for the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Gary can often be found cutting fresh tracks at resorts like Nakiska, Fernie, Kimberly, and Kicking Horse in his iconic, purrfect-fitting kitty goggles (which were originally designed for small dogs).
Connor O'Donovan/The Weather Network: James Eastham and his cat Gary have been enjoying the slopes together for five seasons. (James Eastham/Submitted)
But while he’s now a social media darling, posting to over 500 thousand adoring fans, just five years ago, Gary was an ordinary domestic house cat with a yearning for adventure. And initially, those adventures were limited to the trails around his house as Gary got used to walking on a leash.
Then, a heavy snowfall in his home town of Canmore, a pair of touring skis, and a sudden idea changed everything.
“He was pretty experienced riding on my shoulders already. There’s a small hill by my house, and I figured when would I get a chance to ski with my cat again,” Eastham recalls.
“So I took a quick lap and thought that would be the end of it.”
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James and Gary have adventured far beyond the ski hill. (James Eastham/Submitted)
Of course, that wasn’t the end. After a few viral Instagram posts, the skiing duo quickly began to make a name for themselves.
But while his knack for skiing is likely his best-known pursuit, Eastham has also begun taking Gary on other adventures, promoting their shared love for Canada’s parks along the way. Gary has raised awareness about whirling disease in B.C. lakes, promoted backcountry skiing best practices, shared tips for safer, more comfortable hiking, and more.
“I care about our parks, and I think it’s great that Gary can inspire people to get out, but I also want them to understand how to get out safely in a way that protects and preserves the parks for everybody,” says Eastham.
"So if we can provide that education in a more engaging way with a cute photo, then I think it’s something I should do."
Gary has a warm, cozy spot in James' backpack for chairlift rides and transport to and from the hill. (Connor O’Donovan/The Weather Network)
But possibly the most asked question Gary and Eastham have goes back to the skis: what if you fall?
“Falling’s not really an option. I have never fallen with Gary on my shoulders,” Eastham says.
“You ski really carefully; you ski in control; we don’t pick any terrain that’s questionable.”
Gary’s been on the cover of newspapers and has been featured in popular magazines like Time and Ski.
But, with eyes on some of the other incredible adventures Canada has to offer, this could all just be the start.
“We’ll be skiing again this winter a little bit and probably doing some hiking. And who knows what else will come our way.”
