Grand Valley State University senior Justin VanMelle has an opportunity to make his passion of skiing into a career, but he won’t be the one riding the slopes.

VanMelle developed a passion for skiing at an early age, but after having surgery on both knees, VanMelle had to face the reality that his skiing career had come to an end. As a broadcasting major, however, he found another way to become involved with the sport. Instead of skiing, VanMelle picked up a camera and started to shoot video.

“I’ve been skiing my whole life,” VanMelle said. “It sparked an interest in me when I was 14. I had knee injuries on both knees, and that ended my whole skiing career when I was about 16. So after that, I was really interested in the whole broadcast, film and video aspect, so I picked up a camera.”

In the past year, VanMelle has created his own production company called Mitten Media, which documents freestyle skiing around the state. He said he hopes to create a full-length movie this year and premiere it in Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo.

“We decided to document the skiing in Michigan, which there really isn’t a whole lot,” VanMelle said. “But there is a lot of amazing unknown talent coming up in Michigan.”

One of the skiers VanMelle works with full time is 18-year-old Otsego High School student Spencer Milbocker, who recently turned pro in January. VanMelle said from head to toe, Milbocker is covered by sponsors including Armanda Skies and Clothing, Scott Goggles and Nine 22 Clothing. He also receives $3,000 a season for travel, which helped to pay for several trips the pair took to Colorado this year.

“Money is not a real issue,” VanMelle said. “It’s more about having fun and doing this in Michigan.”

Although money may not factor in for VanMelle, the amount of time and commitment does play a role in his work at Mitten Media.

“This winter has been kind of stressful – trying to balance school and filming,” VanMelle said. “It’s been really frustrating the last couple months – trying to stay on top of filming and stay on top of my homework.”

But VanMelle is not alone. He said every week during the season, Milbocker will drive from Otsego on Thursday, skip class on Friday to work with VanMelle and then drive back home on Sunday.

VanMelle said the returns have been worth the effort.

“Through Spencer, I have made these crazy connections,” VanMelle said.

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