For more than two decades, UK-born, Calgary-raised snowboarder Leanne Pelosi has built a life around the mountains. From her early days riding parks and streets to years spent chasing powder, exploring the backcountry, and making films, snowboarding has taken her around the world while keeping her closely connected to the communities that shaped her. Along the way, she has become a rider, filmmaker, mentor, and advocate for the next generation of women in the sport.
Through projects like Runway Films and Full Moon, Leanne has helped create space for women to tell their own stories within snowboarding. Her work has always extended beyond the act of riding, bringing together the people, places, friendships, and creative communities that make a life in the mountains possible. That community has taken on a different meaning in the past year following the loss of her husband and longtime partner, snowboarder and filmmaker Jeff Keenan. Grief has become another part of a life deeply connected to the mountains, while the people and places around her continue to offer a sense of connection, perspective, and something to look forward to.
Blundstone and gravitypope met up with her and her son Khyber in Whistler to talk about snowboarding, creativity, the places she calls home, and the people who have shaped her life along the way.
Photography: Mirae Campbell
Videography: Ty Urlich
What’s your ideal snow day, from the first coffee to the last run?
Jeff taught me to appreciate great coffee, so that’s mandatory in the morning. Then, ideally, plenty of parking and no lift lines… a rare combination in Whistler, but those days do happen!These days, much of my joy comes from sharing our love of the mountains with Khyber, who was named after our favourite run on Whistler. If Jeff can’t be here with us, then I’m going to do my best to honour his legacy by keeping adventure a priority in our lives. That looks like a visit to the Magic Castle, a ride on the Peak 2 Peak, and hot chocolate while Khyber runs amok in the lodge.
After all these years, what still gets you genuinely excited to ride?
Since losing Jeff, finding excitement hasn’t been easy. But I remind myself that I still have the gift of life, and I want to keep living it. Getting to experience the things he no longer can motivates me to get up every day, show up for Khyber, and keep seeking joy in friendships.So yeah… I guess a chairlift full of friends is what truly gets me excited to ride. This community is the best.
What’s the funniest or weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on a snowboard trip?
I’ll tell a Jeff story. We went out on the Duffey for a shoot with Ingrid Backstrom and me. Jeff was filming, and he’d forgotten his snowboard boots. He ended up using Ingrid’s ski straps to cinch the cuffs of his pants around the rain boots he was wearing… and somehow managed to splitboard in them all day.We laughed about it afterward, but Jeff never complained once. He had so much tenacity and always found a way to make things work.
If you could only snowboard one mountain for the rest of your life, where are you going?
Whistler, no question.
What’s one thing you always have in your bag or pockets when you’re out riding?
Snacks for Khyber.
What’s your go-to après snack or drink after a big day outside?
Smash burger at RMU!
What’s a song that immediately makes you want to go snowboarding?
Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.
What’s something about snowboarding that you thought was cool when you were younger that now makes you laugh?
How we used to count the stairs we slid on our snowboards.
After spending so much time in the mountains, what’s one thing you’ve learned to appreciate about a really simple day outside?
We’re so used to measuring our days by what we rode, or what we filmed. There is so much to notice when you slow down and appreciate the moments when nature shows her magical sides. Blue light mornings, the sparkle of fresh snow glistening in the morning sunlight, the way the light changes the shapes and textures of the lines on the mountain. That simplicity, and noticing it and sharing it with the people I love is something worth appreciating.
What’s your favourite part of a snowboarding trip that has absolutely nothing to do with snowboarding?
The laughter.
What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that has stuck with you, whether it was about snowboarding or life?
“You rest, you rust.” Jeff Keenan used to always say that—I think he got it from his dad. It’s my motto now as I move forward through a life with immense grief.
What Blundstones are you wearing and why?
I’m wearing the Classics because of their versatility. I love that you can take them on a dog walk in the rain and be fine, and then go out to town and also feel like you don’t need to switch your boots up. Jeff was a devoted Blundstone follower, and we’re forever a Blundstone family.
When you’re not snowboarding, where are we most likely to find you?
Surfing! Or mom-ing outside somewhere.
What’s something you’re currently excited about that has nothing to do with snowboarding?
Surfing in Ucluelet and spending time at Saltwater Retreat :)
