SAMAYA x NADINE WALLNER
OFFLINES FREERIDERS CAMP
From March 29 to 31, 2023, the OFFLINES Freeriders Camp was held, the winter camp for young freeriders organized by Nadine Wallner, professional freeride skier and athlete Samaya. Nadine explains the philosophy behind the camp, driven by her desire to share her love of the mountains.
What inspired you to organize the OFFLINES Freeriders Camp?
Nadine Wallner: I'm a professional freerider, climber and certified mountain guide. I won the Freeride World Tour 2013 and 2014, twice in a row as the youngest rookie. Later, I took up climbing and mountaineering, curious to explore the mountains in a different way. These roots were already ingrained in me at an early age, my father being a mountain guide. My heart beats for mountains, snow and skiing. Combining all my skills makes my skiing even more complete.
Nadine Wallner: I'm a professional freerider, climber and certified mountain guide. I won the Freeride World Tour 2013 and 2014, twice in a row as the youngest rookie. Later, I took up climbing and mountaineering, curious to explore the mountains in a different way. These roots were already ingrained in me at an early age, my father being a mountain guide. My heart beats for mountains, snow and skiing. Combining all my skills makes my skiing even more complete.
My motivation for the OFFLINES Next Generation Freeride Camp is to share. I felt and still feel a lot of gratitude for all the amazing people I've met so far who have shared their knowledge and experience with me. I want to give something back to the community, bring young riders together, share all my knowledge and experience with them and live the passion of freeriding together.
What is the spirit and philosophy of the camp?
NW: It's a camp for the next generation and an opportunity for talented young riders to be heard and seen. It's also a chance to meet other like-minded riders and make friendships that may last a lifetime.
NW: It's a camp for the next generation and an opportunity for talented young riders to be heard and seen. It's also a chance to meet other like-minded riders and make friendships that may last a lifetime.
The program takes place over three days, allowing us to get to know each other better and work as a team in the mountains. We spend a few days off-piste, skiing and exploring new terrain and lines. We teach young people to make smart freeride decisions and improve their skills on snow and beyond. In addition to freeriding, we organize a winter camp in the mountains, which is a great experience in itself.
The bivouac Samaya enhanced the weekend experience by pushing the boundaries of our respective comfort zones a little further. There was a lot to think about - before, during and after the camp. It required real teamwork and cohesion. It was great to see them all pulling together.
What advice would you give to young people aspiring to follow in your footsteps in the world of freeride skiing?
NW: The more experience you gain in the mountains, the more you can optimize your decision-making and therefore minimize your risks.
NW: The more experience you gain in the mountains, the more you can optimize your decision-making and therefore minimize your risks.
What impact do you hope the camp will have on these young freeriders?
NW: To keep them in the mountain spirit and inspire them to keep exploring further and further. The best thing about the camp was definitely the group itself! It was so cool to see that same passion and fire for skiing shining in their eyes, as it still does in mine. It gives you so much energy.
NW: To keep them in the mountain spirit and inspire them to keep exploring further and further. The best thing about the camp was definitely the group itself! It was so cool to see that same passion and fire for skiing shining in their eyes, as it still does in mine. It gives you so much energy.
Photos by @timmarcour & @mkm_eu
