Posted by: Julie Block
Get to know our 2025 Mountain Games Athlete Team! In the lead-up to the 2025 GoPro Mountain Games, we will introduce you to each of our nine Mountain Games-sponsored athletes. This vibrant team embodies our core values: a passion for human-powered mountain sports, an active outdoor lifestyle, eco-consciousness, and a spirit of adventure.
Davis Hermes has been slacklining since he was 12, and now at 24, he’s already won a World Championship and set world records. His dedication to the sport is unmatched, and he’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the line. Davis is driven by a passion to introduce slacklining to new audiences and inspire others to pursue their own passions, just as he’s done for himself. Read on to learn more about Davis.
Q: What is your favorite mountain moment?
A: It’s hard to say because there are a lot of little moments that happen every time you go out into the mountains with friends, and even alone, that are super special. Something that came to mind is going to bolt a highline with my buddy Jayden in the winter near the Front Range, and there was a little snow on the ground. I thought it would be clear during the day, and it ended up not being clear at all. We got caught on the side of this cliff with a pretty good snowstorm blowing at us, and it was definitely not the place or time that you wanted to be in that situation, but I just remember being with my friend Jayden and it was super comforting being with somebody that I knew during that time.
Q: If you could take any three items with you on a mountain adventure, what would they be?
A: It would probably be my slackline, tacos, and water. That would keep me pretty happy.
Q: What is your secret skill or talent?
A: My secret skill or hidden talent is probably being able to fall asleep anywhere and in any place. My girlfriend says I may be narcoleptic. I just like to sleep.
Q: What is your go-to mountain snack?
A: My go-to mountain snack is a sandwich. I make a pretty mean sandwich, thanks to my mom. And yes, I am considering a sandwich a snack.
Q: Who is your ultimate mountain hero?
A: My ultimate mountain hero is Josh Bodwin. He is the figure that taught me how to slackline, how to highline, how to walk that silly thing. And he really does a good job of just embodying the traditional mountain man spirit. He beats to his own drum and really always does things his own way, whatever it may be, whether it’s slacklining or just walking down the street, you can tell that’s Josh if you see him.
Q: If you weren’t doing your go-to sport, what would you be doing instead?
A: If I wasn’t slack lining, in an alternate life, I would like to think that I could fly a helicopter and be a helicopter pilot. That would be pretty cool.
Q: What is the most epic thing you’ve done in the mountains so far?
A: I would think the most epic thing I’ve done in the mountains so far is winning a world championship. That’s a pretty proud accomplishment of my own.
Q: If you could give advice to someone new to your sport, what would it be?
A: If I could give advice to anyone starting slacklining, it would be just to let them know that it’s a steep barrier to entry, and it’s okay that it’s hard. Just enjoy the challenge and stay determined with it, and eventually you’ll get the hang of it.
Q: What is your favorite way to unwind after a big event?
A: I often find myself after a big event just enjoying the company of people that took part in that event with me, whether it’s fellow athletes or friends or family. And that could be just going to grab a bite to eat, or hanging around, or going to slackline more, all the above, kind of whatever opportunity presents itself. But I definitely like to spend time with the people that took part in those events with me.
Q: What would your dream mountain adventure look like?
A: There are so many things I want to do. I think probably one of the bigger things that I could think of that will take a good bit of learning and a lot more practice before I’m ready to take on, but a highline and ski mission on Denali would be about as big as like a dream at the moment.
Q: What made you fall in love with your sport?
A: I love this question, not because I have a sure answer, but because I kind of don’t really have a firm answer. I just saw slacklining and it gave me a feeling that I knew I needed to do that. I was addicted to it before I even tried it and even hopped on the thing. So, it was more of a feeling than anything that made me fall in love with the sport. It wasn’t a particular moment. I just loved it.
Q: What make the Mountain Games so special?
A: There are a lot of things that make the Mountain Game special. It could be the friends and family I see around there; it’s a hometown event; it’s the first place I saw slacklining; it carries a lot of energy around the event from a ton of different facets. There are a lot of reasons to enjoy the Mountain Games.
Q: What are you looking forward to at this year’s Mountain Games?
A: In general, I think it’s just that high energy of the weekend. You get to see the dock dogs. Of course, I love the slacklining. It’s where I found slacklining and discovered the sport that is such a big part of my life and makes me who I am. So, there are a lot of reasons for me to look forward to the Mountain Games.
Q: If you had a tagline for yourself, what would it be?
A: I think if I had a tagline to make for myself, it would just be “play and do it well.” I came up with a longer version at first that turns out I don’t think was a tagline for myself. But if you “play and do it well,” that boils down to “play hard,” and I think that’s something to live by.
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