Focused on Freeride - Introduction
Julien Lopez cutting loose at Xtreme Verbier, FWT 2014. screenshot redbull
Introduction
Why Focus on Freeride?
With so much to enjoy in the mountains it’s difficult for me to choose just one area I love the most. Yet when pressed, I consistently find myself focused on freeride watching the Freeride World Tour (FWT.)
In my humble opinion, freeriding showcases some of the very best elements of the sport. It combines big mountain faces and their rowdy terrain with equally amazing athletes who transform their innermost stoke into spectacular expressions of athleticism and style. The competitive freeriding environment is like no other, captivating me with what seems like endless possibilities.
Related: Freeride World Tour, Explained
Although I may not have (nor ever had) the talent to compete in such an environment, my passion for the sport still runs deep. It’s where I like to spend my time and that becomes more valuable the older I get. As the iconic Glen Plake likes to say, “To evolve, you have to be involved” and such is my motivation to create this Focused on Freeride series. I want to be involved with the freeride community, embrace my love for the sport, and just try to evolve… perhaps even gracefully.
Where did I come up with this idea and what do I have planned? Let me explain.
Les Becces Des Rosses competition face at the Xtreme Verbier FWT 2018 finals. pc downdays
“On Tour with Tavo”
When placed against the grandeur of other stories like when Barry Corbet first pointed out the Couloir named after him or when Shane McConkey designed his revolutionary new ski shape on the back of a napkin, my idea holds little, if any importance. But that’s not the point. Mine is more of a story of wonder and fascination, sometimes even disbelief, at how these athletes ski/ride the mountain.
While pursuing my passion for writing earlier this year, I had the extraordinary opportunity to interview several of last season’s junior freeride world champions. These were the world’s very best men and women junior athletes in skiing and snowboarding. It’s really hard to describe how amazing it was to listen to their stories - every little detail from how they prepared for their runs and chose their lines, to how they dealt with travel delays and the pressures of competition.
One of the athletes I interviewed was men’s snowboarding champion Tavo Sadeg. Like the others Tavo was supremely talented, however, for me he carried a different energy about him. It had me walking away feeling optimistic, if not deeply inspired about the sport and its future. I’m not sure if it was his youthful passion or just his easy-going and fun personality, but either way, Tavo had me excited talking about freeride. I saw lots of future possibilities and was hopeful there would be another chance to work together.
Later when the opportunity came up to work with him again I (literally) jumped at the chance. What a way to pursue my passion for freeride than to partner with Tavo!
Tavo Sadeg Mens' Snowboarding Freeride Junior World Champion 2022. pc @tavo.sadeg
Series Profile
This season Tavo competes for his first year on the Freeride World Qualifier (FWQ) circuit. He has his eyes set on qualifying for the next year’s 2023/24 FWT and achieving a lifelong dream. We’ve joined together in an attempt to document his season and share with you an inside look at just how these freeride athletes play, train, compete, and try to keep it all in balance. We’re going to take a look at Tavo both on and off the hill as well as try to show you some of the magic that allows him to snowboard at such a high level. We have lots planned for you including some very special surprises!
I’m excited and I hope you are too. Won’t you please join us as we get an inside look at this fascinating world of competitive freeriding and go “On Tour with Tavo.” You can follow along with us here at The Free Soul Skier.
We would like to thank each of Tavo’s 2022/23 sponsorships for all of their help on this amazing journey. It would not be possible without your support!
Left picture: Tavo Sadeg, Men’s Junior Freeride World Champion & Ryan Kime, The Free Soul Skier. Right picture: The man himself, Tavo Sadeg. pc free soul skier (left) and Martin Gomez (right)
Be sure to check out some of Tavo’s incredible riding from last season… it’s off the chain!!