CELEBRATING INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN

Bona's Story

Name: Bona
Rider Type: Skier

1. Can you share your personal journey into free riding and what initially inspired you to explore the mountains?

My parents enrolled me in ski school as soon as I was able to walk. I was often seen wearing ski goggles to school and speaking French—not because my parents spoke it, but because I learned it through survival with the chronically unsympathetic instructors at the ski nursery.

So while I didn’t join the sport entirely of my own volition, I would always recommend that anyone who didn’t start out doing it join in on the fun!

2. What does International Women's Day mean to you, and how does your passion for the mountains fit into that celebration?

International Women’s Day, to me, is about resilience, pushing boundaries, and celebrating the courage to do something unexpected of you.

All of the female freeriders I encounter channel these qualities both on and off the mountain. We’ve all spent countless hours learning to essentially throw ourselves down mountains at 100 km/h — something that wouldn’t traditionally be seen as a very ladylike thing to do. Yet I don’t feel I’ve encountered any girl who is deterred by that fact. It simply isn’t our problem.

3. Can you describe a memorable day or moment on the mountain that really captured the spirit of free riding for you?

I was out in Japan earlier this season, and there was a heavy dump of snow one evening, so the next day the national parks were busy.

There was a gentle stir of excitement during the first climb up, with anyone overtaking us (unfortunately, the other way around was rare) wanting to chat. Even though that climb was about two hours long and my legs were falling apart by the summit, it was probably the best snow I’ve ever — and will ever — ski in.

On the way down, there was a literal chorus of whooping echoing from the valleys as people made their way down in those ridiculous conditions.

4. Have you encountered any challenges as a woman enjoying free riding, and how have you learned or grown from those experiences?

I’ve been really lucky that everyone I grew up with never insinuated that I was lesser on the mountain than anyone else.

That instilled in me a confidence that I’m aware many other female freeriders don’t have, for reasons of their own. My almost obliviousness growing up to the challenges that can come with being a female freerider probably protected me from any prejudice sent my way.

So my recommendation would simply be to ignore the haters and do what makes you feel good.

5. How has being part of the free riding community, whether locally or through FreeRide Republic, enriched your overall experience in the mountains?

The saying “no friends on a powder day” has always confused me slightly.

The mountains are basically a snow-covered playground — way more fun to play in with friends than on your own!

6. In your view, what unique contributions do recreational free riders bring to the mountain culture, especially for women?

Recreational freeriders make the mountains accessible.

As long as you’re in control, it doesn’t matter whether you’re skiing just to get to La Folie Douce or hunting for hidden “womble” trails (or both!) — it’s a judgement-free zone.

It’s an extreme sport that truly has something for everyone. In itself, that removes any hierarchy or gender-based discrimination that may exist in other sports, because it’s pointless to compare one freerider to the next.

7. What advice would you give to women who are curious about free riding but might feel hesitant to give it a try?

Fear is your worst enemy.

I had the phrase “if you’re not falling, you’re not trying” pretty much burned into my brain while I was learning (luckily for me, before my prefrontal cortex had developed). There will be days when you’ll think the foam in ski goggles is there to catch falling tears, but guaranteed those will be outweighed by the good days — and the camaraderie that comes with being part of the community.

8. How do you balance the thrill of free riding with the importance of staying safe on the mountain?

Have respect for the mountain and the fact that it’s called an extreme sport for a reason.

If you want to go fast, learn race technique — and don’t try to keep up with someone at a speed you’re not comfortable with. No one minds waiting at the bottom for a minute or two (or at least they mind less than watching you be airlifted off the mountain!).

9. Who or what has been a significant source of support or inspiration on your free riding journey?

My parents have been my primary source of both support and inspiration in my freeriding journey.

They met while doing a ski season, so their love for the mountains was pretty ingrained in the way they raised me and my sister. They encouraged us to find the style we were most comfortable with and never forced us up the mountain if we weren’t feeling it, which meant we never resented the sport (maybe apart from the ski-school days).

10. What does your ideal day on the mountains look like, and what keeps drawing you back to this lifestyle?

I’m drawn back each time because every day looks different, and if something — whether it’s the ski style or my energy levels — doesn’t feel right, I can just go elsewhere or try something new.

My ideal day would have to be blue skies, a fresh snow dump the night before, and my favourite pistes freshly bashed that morning so I can dip on and off-piste — best of both worlds.

Find a scenic view for lunch, ideally with a rock or two to sit on to avoid the wet bum, then head to après to dance on a table and sing along to anything by ABBA!