An interview with professional freeride skier Madison Ostergren
October 04, 2024
4 min read
We sat down with professional freeride skier Madison Ostergren to discuss her passion for skiing, how she balances resort and backcountry adventures, and the importance of quality gear on the mountain.
What do you love most about skiing at resorts?
One thing I love about resort skiing is the sheer number of laps you can get in. You can cover around 30,000 vertical feet of downhill skiing in a day, which is fantastic for improving your technique and tactics. That volume and repetition help you progress as a skier. Plus, riding lifts allows you to access a variety of terrain and really test yourself. But perhaps the most fun part is shredding with friends—the community feel of lapping runs together, watching each other ski, and having continuous fun.
Do you prefer skiing with friends over skiing alone?
Absolutely. There’s nothing like skiing with a group of good friends at the resort. We hype each other up and cheer each other on, putting you in a different mindset that makes skiing even more enjoyable. I definitely love skiing with friends more than skiing alone.
How do you balance resort skiing with backcountry adventures?
It depends on the time of the season. Early on, I focus more on backcountry skiing—about 70% backcountry to 30% resort—to build uphill strength and endurance. It shifts to around 60% backcountry and 40% resort as the season progresses. I don’t like being put in a box; I enjoy experiencing the mountains in all their forms. While I’m passionate about freeride mountaineering and pushing myself in the backcountry, there’s nothing quite like the mileage and skill development you get from resort skiing.
What types of terrain do you enjoy most at the resort?
It depends on the conditions. I love shredding bumps with friends—it’s so fun and brings a big grin to my face. A perfectly groomed run can also be incredibly joyful, allowing you to link turns and go fast.
How do you approach safety while skiing in resorts?
Wearing a helmet and being mindful of others on the slopes is crucial since resorts can get crowded. It’s important to ski within your ability level, but sometimes pushing yourself helps you learn how to recover from tricky situations. I didn’t mind crashing when I was younger—I would send it off huge cliffs without much concern. Now, I’m more strategic about when I go big because I want to avoid injuries. I’ve had concussions in the past, so I plan my moves more carefully.
Do you carry avalanche safety gear while skiing in resorts?
Generally, in the U.S., resort boundaries are well-marked, and in-bounds areas are avalanche-controlled by ski patrol. If I plan to go into side-country or backcountry terrain accessible from the resort, I carry all the necessary equipment—beacon, probe, shovel—and stay informed about avalanche conditions. But I typically don’t carry that gear if I stay in bounds.
What are your thoughts on ski patrol and their role in resorts?
We really appreciate our ski patrollers. They do so much work to get the mountain open, often starting early to perform avalanche control and ensure safety across the terrain. They manage hazards we might not even be aware of, allowing us to enjoy as much of the mountain as possible. Their job is hard but essential, and once you’ve been helped by ski patrol, you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of what they do behind the scenes.
How important is quality gear for you, and do you have any favorites?
Quality gear is crucial because you’re exposed to all sorts of weather and conditions throughout the winter. Having warm, weatherproof, and windproof equipment keeps you safe and comfortable in the elements. I love Merino wool base layers—they’re warm and have been a consistent favorite over the years. In the backcountry, a good puffy jacket is essential. For in-bounds skiing, I’m enjoying gear with functional features like big thigh pockets. The Odin pants are great because they have a beacon pocket higher up on the bib, which is convenient.
How many days a year do you spend skiing?
It’s a lot! We ski in the summer, heading to places like South America or New Zealand, and extend the season into the spring. Some days involve intense efforts, like climbing over 10,000 vertical feet, so rest days are important. Since skiing is my job and passion, I’m out there for most of the season, but I’ve never counted the total days.
What role does technology like Helly Tech play in your skiing?
Helly Tech fabrics are fantastic because they protect us from the elements, keeping us dry and safe in all conditions. Having reliable gear is essential, especially on gnarly days when the weather can be challenging. Staying comfortable allows you to focus on skiing and enjoying the mountains.
To keep up with Madison on all her adventures, you can follow her on Instagram: @madisonnnrose
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