In this world of i-Phones and go-pro cameras, there still exists a niche in which a third party can capture a memory that may otherwise be lost. Enter Snowshooter Imaging, a photography company specializing in live action shots and souvenirs from atop Snowshoe Mountain. Entering their fourth year in operation, Snowshooter Imaging prides themselves as being a professional and attentive company that will make sure that your experience on the mountain extends well beyond the day your lift ticket expires.

After relocating from Kentucky, Chuck and Erin Ball noticed that there was a gap in services specializing in mountain photography on Snowshoe Mountain. “After our first season here in Pocahontas County I realized the resort was missing something. People are skiing, boarding, having a great time, but it’s impossible for them to get the shot of themselves making that turn, hitting that feature, or even conquering the slope for the first time,” stated Chuck Ball. “I am an artist. I get to make art with people who love this mountain as the focus. I get to employ people who are motivated to do the same. It is really perfect for me. I mean, can it get any better than taking photos and snowboarding for a living?”

Chuck and Erin Ball have spent many winters on Snowshoe Mountain, dating back to those times long ago when snowboarding wasn’t even allowed at the resort. Based upon their extended history on the mountain, along with their knowledgeable staff, Snowshooter Imaging knows where and when to be to capture that memory of a lifetime. Their staff wears orange vests and are positioned throughout the mountain property, and visitors are encouraged to stop and talk to them. Anyone who mentions one of the Snowshooter staff members by name gets an automatic 10% discount.

Can’t tell you how many times we’ve done cool adventurous stuff and forgot to bring a camera to capture the experiences. This is a such a great idea, Thank you! – Alex Langer Wallingford CT.

Ride alongs with staff members are available at a cost of $200 for one hour. A very popular option, the ride along is a fun experience and cost efficient for groups. The price for the ride along includes all of the digital images captured during that time. Availability is limited, and a $20 down-payment is required for the Snowshooter ride along.

Staff members capture digital images of all the participants on the mountain. For those looking for a quick and affordable souvenir, low-res digital downloads start off at only $8. Personalized coffee mugs, mouse pads, and a host of other options are available online for those looking for an alternative to the traditional framed picture. Photos are uploaded at the end of each day, and are normally available for viewing within 24 hours on snowshooter.com. According to Chuck and Erin, “Our lab is pretty quick and will have photos out within the week. If you come by the store we can preview your images for you, print or save them to a flash drive on the spot.”

Shutterthugg, a sister operation also managed by the Balls, offers other services, both on and off the mountain. “We do proposals, parties, kiddos taking ski lessons or on the climbing wall. In the summer season we do mountain biking ride alongs, hiking, lakeside photos, and tons of family vacations and reunions. For more specialized services, weddings, senior photos, and high-end portraiture, the Shutterthugg team have an off mountain location with an indoor studio and office where my wife and I work year around,” stated Chuck Ball.
For more information, please contact: facebook.com/snowshooter & shutterthugg.com.

– Craig Miller, LBSPY 21 (Dec 13-17th)