Most people know Brian “Wookie” Fleming as a professional snowboarder and longtime Vail Valley local who created the most notorious invite-only snowboard event in Colorado history. But there is much more to his story.
Following a career-ending injury, after which he was told he would never walk again, Wookie endured severe physical, mental, and emotional lows that changed the trajectory of his life. Exemplifying his strength and determination, he pushed through to make it back on his feet and back on a board.
I started writing this book in the summer of 2014 because I was inspired by what people did for Wookie when his season pass was suspended. It was exciting to see our community, along with people from all over the country, extend to him such abundant and unwavering support after he was there for them for so many years in a variety of capacities.
My hope is that those who graciously take the time to read about him enjoy gaining insight into the local guy who continues to make an impact on everyone he comes in contact with, who became the unofficial ambassador of Beaver Creek, and who changed my life.
Wookie Is Not His Real Name is available at the following locations:
Eagle County:
- ArtSpace Workshop + Gallery at 120 Broadway Street in Eagle
- The Bookworm at 295 Main Street in Edwards
- Buzz’s Boards at 302 Gore Creek Drive in Vail
- Colorado Snowsports Museum at 231 S Frontage Road in Vail
- Fancy Pansy and R Farmers Market at 51 Beaver Creek Place in Avon
- The Scarab at 201 Main Street in Minturn
- Transition Sports at 240 Chapel Place in Avon
Additional Colorado locations:
- Between the Covers at 224 West Colorado Avenue in Telluride
- Bookbinders at 760 East Valley Road in Basalt
- The Bookies at 4315 East Mississippi Avenue in Denver
- Book Grove at 801 Blake Avenue in Glenwood Springs
- Next Page at 409 Main Street in Frisco
- Off the Beaten Path at 68 9th Street in Steamboat Springs
- Two Dog Travel at 603 Harrison Avenue in Leadville
Flagstaff, Arizona:
- First Chair Ski + Snowboard Shop at 612 North Humphreys Street