Full video here: https://youtu.be/0XsVZF27S20
Bella Bacon is an American freestyle skier whose progress in slopestyle and big air reflects the evolving standards of modern park skiing. She represents a new wave of riders who blend reliable contest execution with a strong understanding of media and training culture. Her reputation has grown through a steady climb from grassroots competitions to higher level starts, marked by clean rail work, decisive takeoffs, and rotation shapes that read clearly from any angle. Rather than relying solely on difficulty, she has emphasized repeatable runs that travel well from venue to venue, a trait that matters when weather, snow texture, and course geometry change rapidly across a season. Her development path follows a familiar but demanding trajectory. Early years focused on fundamentals such as balance, edge control, and body alignment on small to medium features, followed by incremental increases in jump size and rail complexity. Trampoline and air-awareness sessions have been central, allowing complex tricks to be broken into components before full attempts on snow. This approach builds confidence in approach speed, pop timing, axis management, and landing absorption, and it reduces unnecessary impact during learning phases. In competition blocks, she is known for arriving with a clearly structured plan that includes warm-up routines, weather notes, and contingency options for gusty wind or flat light, ensuring that a target score is always within reach even when the heaviest run must be saved for the best window. On course, Bella’s skiing is characterized by a calm upper body through impact, held grabs that frame the rotation, and rail lines that prioritize precision over volume. She uses switch approaches, surface swaps, and pretzel exits to demonstrate true edge fluency without creating chaos, and she sequences features so that speed and rhythm remain consistent from first hit to last landing. When the schedule requires back-to-back events, her equipment literacy becomes a competitive asset. She pays attention to ski mount points that balance swing weight with landing stability, edge tune that keeps rails viable on cold mornings, and boot setup that preserves predictable pop as salt cycles change the surface feel over the day. Media presence is increasingly important in action sports, and Bella understands how to share progression without compromising safety. Training edits and behind-the-scenes clips show how a session is paced from fundamentals to heavier attempts, offering fans and younger skiers an honest window into risk management. She communicates clearly about visualization, rest, and load management, reminding audiences that longevity is a skill. This transparency also benefits partners who rely on athletes to articulate product feedback. Her notes on flex profiles, torsional support, base speed, and binding ramp angle help align gear with the realities of modern slopestyle courses and rail sections that demand both precision and forgiveness. As with any athlete working in high-consequence environments, setbacks can occur. Bella’s approach to recovery emphasizes mobility, single-leg strength, trunk stability, and a gradual return to full-speed impact, paired with technical drills that re-establish timing and spotting before complexity increases. The goal is not just to return to form but to return with better habits, tighter preparation, and a renewed capacity to adapt under pressure. Coaches value athletes who treat these phases as opportunities to refine mechanics rather than merely reclaim old benchmarks, and that mindset has become part of her identity. Looking forward, Bella Bacon’s ceiling is defined by her ability to add difficulty without sacrificing clarity. The World Cup ecosystem rewards athletes who can qualify consistently and then escalate risk in finals when conditions allow. Her toolbox—measured trick selection, disciplined rail technique, professional equipment management, and a strong media voice—positions her to thrive in that context. For fans, she represents the balance modern slopestyle demands: athletic power matched to clean technique, creativity framed by structure, and ambition guided by deliberate practice. If she continues to advance at her current pace, she will remain a relevant presence in final rounds, a reliable contributor to team results, and a compelling figure in the broader conversation about where women’s park skiing is headed.
Forster Meeks is a road-warrior ski missionary living for street creativity and powder adventuring. Originating in Lake Forest, Illinois, he dropped out of traditional paths to pursue a nomadic lifestyle—working in vineyards during the off-season and skiing upwards of 200 days a year. He gained recognition in Utah and Mount Hood communities as part of The Hood Crew, known for his raw yet refined style, technical rail hits, and fearless terrain innovation. A favorite of ON3P Skis, Meeks has featured prominently in the brand’s films and projects, including his own video edits like Meekstape Vol II and Summer of the Cap. Despite multiple ACL injuries, his gritty resilience and creative vision have kept him at the forefront of ski subculture. More recently, he combines his love for skiing with winemaking—launching Model Citizen Wines in Napa —bridging his two passions into a unique lifestyle.
Henrik Harlaut, born on August 14, 1991 in Stockholm and raised in Åre, Sweden, is widely celebrated as one of the greatest freestyle skiers of all time. Known by nicknames like “E-dollo” and “Bloody Dollaz,” he brings unmatched creativity, flair, and jaw-dropping technical innovation to the slopes. Henrik’s signature moment came in Aspen at Winter X Games XVII, where he landed the first-ever nose-butter triple-cork 1620 in Big Air, scoring a perfect 50 and securing the gold, along with silver in slopestyle. With a record 13 total X Games medals — 8 gold and 5 silver — he holds the most podiums in skiing history. He has represented Sweden at multiple Winter Olympics, finishing sixth in slopestyle in Sochi 2014 (famously performing with his pants around his knees and a “Wu-Tang is for the children” salute) and earning bronze in Big Air at Beijing 2022. Beyond the Olympics, he claimed silver at the 2019 World Championships (Big Air) and dominated the World Cup circuit, winning the Big Air crystal globe in 2017 with multiple event victories. More than a competitor, Henrik stands out as a cultural icon. His style — from dreadlocks and baggy clothes to fearless trick execution — challenges norms while embodying pure joy and expression. He balances competition, filmmaking (notably in “The Regiment”), and community involvement, remaining a powerful influence shaping freestyle skiing’s evolution.
saac Simhon, nicknamed “EZ Panda”, is a freeskier from Geneva, born in 2000 to Cape Verdean heritage. He gained recognition in urban skiing for his fluid, creative style, especially in Henrik Harlaut’s film Salute. Starting out at La Clusaz and Laax, he now works with brands like K2, Oakley, and Harlaut Apparel. Simhon is known for viewing skiing as therapy and a personal expression, inspiring others with his natural flow
Niklas Eriksson, born in 1990, is a Swedish freestyle skier who competed in slopestyle events on the FIS circuit in the early 2010s. He notably placed 11th at the World Cup event in Silvaplana in 2013. Beyond this result, his competitive record remains modest, and he appears to have stepped away from active competition thereafter.
Noah Albaladejo is a freeskier from Andorra, born in 1992. He made his breakthrough on the international scene by winning the B&E Invitational in 2015 and earning the title of European Skier of the Year the same year. Known for his fluid and creative street and park style, he delivered notable segments with Level 1, Armada, and Monster Energy, including his feature in Real Ski 2020. Noah is also active in the urban freestyle scene, admired for his laid-back approach and precise technique. He is regularly invited to events like the Kimbo Session and collaborates with top riders on ambitious video projects.
Valentin Morel (born September 27, 2000) is a Swiss freestyle skier specializing in slopestyle and big air. A member of the Swiss national team, he began competing in World Cup events in 2018, with consistent qualifications in slopestyle and appearances in major competitions. In the 2020–2021 season, he claimed victory in a FIS Race at Glacier 3000. Morel also achieved top ten finishes in events such as Tignes and Font Romeu. Off the competition circuit, he garners attention for his stylish, fluid skiing and creative video edits, contributing to his reputation as a "style lord" of the next generation of skiers.
Austria is often regarded as the cradle of modern alpine skiing, with a deeply rooted culture that shaped both the sport’s technique and its global popularity. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Austrian pioneers introduced the steel binding and early downhill techniques, laying the foundation for contemporary skiing. Over time, instructors refined essential methods like the stem turn and the parallel turn, and ski schools proliferated in the Arlberg region, turning it into a global ski education hub. Austria hosts some of the world’s most renowned ski resorts, including legendary names like St. Anton, Kitzbühel, Lech, and Sell Obertauern. These resorts offer a vast network of groomed pistes—tens of thousands of kilometers—ranging from gentle slopes for families to challenging off-piste terrain for expert skiers. Many ski areas remain community-oriented, with family-run hotels and mountain huts contributing to a distinctive Alpine hospitality experience. The nation’s legacy is equally outstanding in competitive skiing. Austrians have historically dominated Alpine skiing, holding more Olympic medals in the discipline than any other country. Among modern icons is Marcel Hirscher, a record-breaking athlete with consecutive World Cup titles and Olympic victories, widely celebrated as one of the greatest of all time. Beyond alpine disciplines, Austria’s influence extends to ski jumping, nordic combined, and biathlon. The country’s ski industry also boasts innovation at its core, with major brands developing gear that athletes worldwide rely on. Austria’s blend of tradition, technical excellence, world-class resorts, and celebrated champions cements its reputation as one of the most influential and enduring nations in the history and practice of skiing.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is an emerging but historically important skiing destination in Southeastern Europe. Nestled in the Dinaric Alps, it gained international recognition during the 1984 Winter Olympics, when alpine skiing and ski jumping events were held on the mountains of Jahorina, Bjelašnica, and Igman. These Olympics marked a turning point for the country, leaving behind facilities that continue to shape its winter sports identity. Today, Bosnia and Herzegovina counts more than twenty ski resorts. Jahorina is the largest and most popular, offering more than forty kilometers of slopes, modern lifts, night skiing, and snowmaking systems. Bjelašnica, rising to 2,067 meters, remains well-known for hosting the men’s alpine skiing events during the 1984 Games. It has also undergone upgrades in recent years with new lifts and artificial snow coverage. The country is particularly appealing for its value: ski passes, accommodation, and food are far more affordable than in Western Europe, making it attractive to beginners, families, and those seeking a less commercial skiing experience. In competitive skiing, Elvedina Muzaferija has become Bosnia’s standout athlete. Specializing in downhill, Super-G, and alpine combined, she has represented the country at multiple Winter Olympics and World Championships. In January 2024, she achieved Bosnia and Herzegovina’s best-ever World Cup result with a 14th place in a Super-G at Cortina d’Ampezzo, a milestone that reflects the nation’s growing presence in international skiing.
Finland is deeply connected to the heritage of skiing, with traditions going back thousands of years. The Sami people of Lapland were among the earliest to use skis for transportation and hunting, establishing a foundation for the country’s lasting relationship with snow and winter sports. The sport evolved significantly during the 20th century. In areas such as Koli, organized downhill skiing began before the Second World War, with slalom courses, national competitions, and ski lifts shaping a modern ski culture. Today, Finland counts around seventy-five ski resorts. While many are small hills near towns, the largest are in Lapland. Levi, Ylläs, Ruka, and Pyhä-Luosto stand out as the most popular. These resorts rise from fells rather than towering alpine peaks, offering long seasons, reliable snow, and terrain that is gentle enough for beginners but diverse enough for more experienced skiers. Levi is known for its vibrant village atmosphere and wide variety of slopes, Ylläs for its vast area and natural setting, and Ruka for its role as a host of international competitions. The long winters, stretching from November to April, make Lapland particularly appealing. Finland has also given the world legendary athletes. In ski jumping, Matti Nykänen dominated the 1980s, winning multiple Olympic and World Championship titles. In cross-country skiing, Eero Mäntyranta and Veikko Hakulinen earned Olympic glory in the 1950s and 1960s, while Iivo Niskanen has become a modern symbol of Finnish endurance with Olympic golds and World Cup victories. Among women, Aino-Kaisa Saarinen, Kerttu Niskanen, and Krista Pärmäkoski have all won medals on the highest stages, carrying forward Finland’s strong tradition in endurance skiing. In freestyle disciplines, a new generation has emerged, highlighted by Anni Kärävä, who made history for Finland with a world championship medal in Big Air. From ancient roots to modern competition, Finland combines cultural heritage, reliable ski tourism, and athletic excellence, making it one of the most iconic countries in the history and practice of skiing.
Harlaut Apparel Co. is a brand started by Henrik Harlaut and his brother Oscar, born from their desire to create apparel inspired by freestyle skiing and streetwear culture. They began without outside funding and gained recognition through their signature “06’ Cargo Snowpants.” Today the label offers a clean range of jackets, pants, tees, and accessories, blending relaxed style with technical design. As a truly independent label, it embodies the creative spirit and authenticity at the heart of freeskiing culture.