CELEBRATING INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN

Maya's Story

Name: Maya
Rider Type: Skier

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

I got into freeriding because I love being outdoors and that feeling of being small in a big landscape. Growing up near the beach in Australia, the mountains felt completely new and exciting. I enjoy looking at the terrain and thinking, I’ve skied that or I’ve hiked up there. My curiosity and love for exploring is what really drew me in.

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

For me, International Women’s Day is about celebrating women who push boundaries and claim their space whether in the mountains or elsewhere. My passion for freeriding fits perfectly into that. Riding off-piste, tackling challenging lines, and spending days in the backcountry is my way of showing that women belong in every part of mountain culture.

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

One of my most memorable freeride moments was in Niseko with my family. My sister and I were bouncing down an off-piste run, catching face shots all the way. At one point, she fell, and I couldn’t stop laughing looking around at all the snow, I joked that she looked like an Eskimo buried in it. That moment perfectly captured the spirit of freeriding for me: the thrill, the laughter, and sharing it with people you love.

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

One challenge I’ve faced as a woman in freeriding is not always being taken seriously. People have questioned which lines I planned to hike or even laughed at my choices. Even in a ski shop recently, my cousin and I had to repeat our equipment needs multiple times just to be taken seriously. Experiences like this have taught me to trust myself, speak confidently about my goals, and advocate for what I need.

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

It’s helped me grow as a rider by seeing different styles, lines, and approaches, and it’s also made me more aware of safety and mountain conditions. Most importantly, it’s made the experience more fun. The laughs on the lift, the hype before dropping in, and the shared stories after a big day out have made every trip more meaningful.

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

When it’s a female free rider, that visibility becomes even more impactful. Seeing women charge lines, hike for turns, hit natural features, and take up space in FreeRide terrain challenges the outdated idea that aggressive mountain riding is male-dominated. It normalises women being strong, technical, fearless, and independent in the mountains.

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

Back yourself. If you’re curious, that’s reason enough to try.

Get the right rescue gear, learn how to use it, and build your knowledge so confidence comes from PREPARATION not ego.

Start small, make smart choices, ride with supportive people and progress at your own pace.

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

I carry the right rescue gear, and ride with people who prioritise smart decisions over ego. I choose terrain that matches the day and my ability, and I’m willing to turn back if something doesn’t feel right.

The thrill comes from riding well within good decisions not from unnecessary risk.

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

My dad’s been a huge influence on my freeriding. He taught me how to ski and always supported me being in the mountains. From growing up watching Red Bull and backcountry ski documentaries together to hours of skiing both on and off piste. He has passed on his passion and curiosity for the mountains and continues to support and inspire my FreeRide journey.

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

My ideal day in the mountains is a deep powder day with light, dry snow dumping all night, with soft powder pillows everywhere. Dropping in with family and friends, riding fast, catching face shots, it feels like being on top of the world.

What keeps drawing me back is that feeling of freedom and sharing it with the people I love. Nothing else compares.