For the last three years, Cole Shaffer has called the open road home. Living full-time out of his rig, he’s built a life around freedom, simplicity, and chasing the raw beauty of the outdoors. In a world that never slows down, Cole’s chosen to disconnect — finding peace in the wild and forging his own path far from the noise.
His story starts on the slopes of Alta Ski Area in Utah, where his dad first put him on skis at just three years old. Tucked high in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Alta became more than just a mountain — it became a proving ground. Now, over two decades later, Cole rides as an athlete for the resort, carving lines with the same grit and passion that’s fueled his journey since day one. For Cole, skiing isn’t just a sport — it’s a flow state, a way to tune in fully to the moment and the elements.
But life off the grid — especially in the dead of winter — comes with its challenges. Power and heat can be the difference between comfort and chaos when the weather turns. As Cole puts it:
“When living in a vehicle fully off the grid, especially in the winter, the most important thing for me is not having to worry about if I am going to have power or heat lasting me through the night and stormy days. It’s pretty often that we won’t see direct sun for days at a time. Dakota Lithium has blessed me with the opportunity to have that worry taken away so I can focus on what is important — and that’s skiing. After a long, cold day, I know that I can go back to my rig and enjoy the warm comfort of my space.”
With Dakota Lithium powering his setup, Cole stays locked in on the mission — chasing powder, living fully, and trusting his gear to go the distance.
House Battery: 12V 200Ah Off Grid Power System
Portable Backup Power: Powerbox+ 60
Shop More Popular Overland Power: 12V 100Ah
