I marveled at it in National Geographic, now I experienced it with freeride skis [RO]

I first met Janó in 2006 at a freeski competition in France, where it quickly became clear that we not only spoke the same language verbally, but also on the skis. A few years later, when I heard that GoBeyond was organizing a freeride camp, I signed up immediately. That trip to France was as much about the great community and unique programs as it was about practicing the sport, so it’s no surprise I pledged my loyalty to them.

Since then, I’ve taken part in every freeride trip the team has organized: we’ve been to France, Austria, Switzerland, Georgia, Italy, and Japan. Freeride skiing has since expanded to ski touring, which has made the sport even more addictive for me. With this method, I’ve reached untouched areas that I had only admired in National Geographic photos before.

The more exotic the location, the truer it becomes that it’s better to go with a group than solo. For example, reaching peaks above 4,000 meters in Georgia is much more complicated and far less enjoyable alone than with the experienced and reliable guides who accompany us from GoBeyond. Freeride skiing is not without risks, so this is a particularly important factor. With GoBeyond’s own guides and local experts, I venture along routes I wouldn’t know well enough on my own.

As a family man, I tend to prefer high-mountain regions within Europe, so I always keep an eye out for trips to France and Italy. Strangely, I’ve noticed that younger generations haven’t fully embraced this sport yet, though I’m certain freeride skiing would send their adrenaline levels soaring.