Manon Loschi on The Art of Not Planning Ahead

Featured Image: Tal Roberts | Skier: Manon Loschi

Style is an elusive thing. Try to pin it down, and it'll slip right through your hands. Too vague in your search, and you'll never truly find it. The debate over style goes back thousands of years, but any definitive definition of it has eluded us humans. But one thing remains true: we know it when we see it. And there's no doubt that Manon Loschi has it.

The young French freerider is just 24 years old, but her career already includes film segments, Freeride World Tour podiums, back-to-back Natural Selection Ski wins and a bag of tricks that has many of her peers dumbfounded. But it's not what she does on skis that has many trying to emulate her; it's how she does it. Her smooth approach to aggressive freeride lines and big tricks certainly sets her apart from her peers.

While many in her line of work aim to tackle the baddest line with as much speed and ferocity as they can, Loschi is bringing a calm and calculated approach to the biggest mountains around. After becoming a freeski staple over the last two years, we figured it was time we got Loschi on the phone for a proper chat. From the wild last-minute venue switch at this year's NST Ski to the importance of her home in La Clusaz, new K2 skis to the 2030 Winter Olympics, we cover all the bases in the conversation below.

FREESKIER: Thanks for taking the time, Manon. How's it feel to be fresh off your second consecutive NST Ski championship? Were you worried about defending last year's title going into it?

ML: I didn’t really think much about last year’s win going into it; I just took it all as a new event. The day itself was exhausting but so fun, with everyone just hitting jump after jump. The vibes were good, even though practically everybody had been shuttled back to Girdwood by the time we were finished, since we started so late in the day. It was just Astrid [Cheylus], Michelle [Parker] and me at the end, which was way different from the energy last year, but it was still special to share that with them. And when we all linked up in Girdwood, we had a great celebration. No complaints.

We’ve all heard by now that there were a lot of audibles leading up to the comp this year. Walk me through the 48 hours leading up to when you dropped in.

There were so many moving pieces, and the crew did an amazing job juggling everything. Basically, there were three days left in the weather window, and they said we were a go for the original face, called Spine Cell. We all woke up early the next morning, loaded into the heli for a warm-up run, and the avalanche danger was visible immediately. We waited for the guides to assess, and after an hour, they made the call and we headed back to Girdwood. 

The rest of us stayed at the hotel while Travis Rice, Markus Eder and the Guides spent all afternoon flying around searching for a new face. The riders all voted for Markus to be our delegate and pick a good face because, come on, he’s the GOAT! Around 5 p.m., they sent a few photos and said it could be sick with a few jumps. We were all just excited that they’d found something.

We had two hours the following morning to get the lay of the land and step out the jumps. Otherwise, we were so crunched for time that you pretty much had no time to prep a line. But I wouldn’t say anyone was super nervous or pressured. We all really wanted to win, of course, but I think the anticipation of skiing Spine Cell had us all tense, so to this felt more like a fun session.

I can only imagine how terrifying and exciting Spine Cell looks in person. Would you go back, given the chance? 

For sure. It was definitely a bummer when they canceled it, but that’s the way Mother Nature goes. We spent a week scoping it, and I had several lines I felt confident about, so I would love to return and try to put my stamp on such a legendary spot. I can’t imagine what the other riders would have cooked up. There’s never been a comp on a face like that, so if it ever happens, I’m sure it will be legendary.

We’ll be tuning in when that day comes. But back to your win this year, your dub back was certainly one of the most memorable moments. Were you scared going into that trick, or did it come naturally? It looked very collected.

I appreciate that. I’m always very critical of my riding, and there were so many things that day where I felt great on, and then, watching it back, I realized I wanted to make so many maneuvers a lot better. But while I was nervous going into the dub backflip, I wouldn’t say I was overly stressed. I had a good feel for that jump at that point, and I knew I could do it.

Manon Loschi on her way to the top at Natural Selection Ski 2026

Photo: Leslie Hittmeier (2, 3, 4), Chad Chomlack (1, 5)

After back-to-back wins, do you feel like stepping away from NST, or are you hungry for more?  

I’m still hungry, absolutely. I really love the event. Everything from the people to the format to the judging fits well with the spirit and values of freeskiing that I have. I feel very lucky to be coming up in an era of pro skiing when NST Ski is taking off, and even more lucky to be included in it. Last year, I was freaking out a little bit as we headed to Alaska because I was so excited.

What they’re building at NST, it just makes for an amazing atmosphere. The whole operations team is so talented, and they pour their hearts into their work. When I was growing up, I would always dream of one day being involved with Red Bull Line Catch, Cold Rush, or Supernatural, and that’s what NST reminds me of. I think [Natural Selection] is taking the flame, you could say… [laughs]. I’m not sure if that’s how you say it in English, but it makes sense in French. So yes, I want to be involved for as long as they’ll have me.

Many people have been wondering why there are only four spots for women skiers at NST Ski. As a two-time competitor and champion, what’s your take on that?

I guess the reasoning is that there aren’t as many eligible female competitors in [freeride] as there are males. But also, this is just the beginning, so to speak; NST Ski only started one year ago. It would be sick if they expanded the field, and I’m sure they will at some point. But they’re still figuring out all the details throughout these first two years, so I would urge people to keep that in mind. Trust me when I say that everyone in NST wants to see more women in our field; they’re working on it.

As someone who’s competed in both the Freeride World Tour and NST, what does each one offer the world of freeskiing? Do you think there’s space for both? 

I can only speak for myself, but I certainly think that NST aligns more with what I value within freeskiing. The general impression is what the judges are looking at, and crashing doesn’t hurt your score. I think that sends an important message to the riders, which is that it’s okay if you mess up. We want to see you trying new things and being creative! 

That being said, I totally think there’s space for both, and there are many aspects about the Tour that make it a great route for some people. Both of these events are very different, and that’s what’s cool about them. There are so many amazing skiers on the FWT circuit right now, and I love watching them and getting inspired by their lines. They’re obviously different competition formats, but I do think both can and should exist. An invitational like NST allows the skiers more freedom, whereas the Tour gives a pipeline for young riders and focuses on the performance side of freeskiing. It all gives people more freeskiing to watch, and who could complain about that?

You’ve managed to balance filming and competing very well, especially so early in your career. Do you view those two experiences in very different lights? 

Filming is always what’s captured my heart. I’ve met some amazing people through competitions, but I’ve always seen comps as a doorway to something else, not the end goal itself, if that makes sense. 

What if freeride became an Olympic sport?

That would be something I’m interested in, especially with the 2030 Games being held in France. That experience would be insane. But it’s hard to say right now, as we don’t even know if that will happen. 

I don’t have much of a five-year plan if I’m being honest. I know it’s good to think ahead like that, but I’m very focused on what I can do in the near future. A ski career can be fragile, so I want to make the most of the time I have right now. And if the Olympics happen, then I’ll turn my attention to that. Otherwise, I think I’ll be very happy putting my effort towards filming for the time being. Either way, I want to go after the experience, not just the label.

Loschi stacking clips in Japan (left) and Idaho (middle, right)

Photo: Theo Acworth (left), Matthew Roebke (middle, right)

Whether it’s competing or filming, you have a very distinguishable style on the snow. Benchetler, Kvivik and Abma were singing praises for that during the broadcast. Looking back, was there a specific trick or line that helped cement that confidence, or did your style just come more naturally over time? 

I’m sure lots of skiers have a moment like that in mind, but I really don’t. My style has adapted as I’ve become more confident with each trick; it’s unconscious, and you can’t rush it. I’m honored that those three noted that on the broadcast. I never enjoy watching myself ski in competition, though. I never think it’s very aesthetic. The times I feel the most in tune with my style are when I’m riding with friends, when I don’t have to think much and can just let my body and mind work together. 

In that case, did you watch the NST broadcast back? What surprised you?

I watched it, but yes, I thought my runs were better in my head, per usual. I was surprised by a couple of things. I didn’t realize that Hannah [Epsteyn] went so massive on her 360s! It’s too bad she didn’t land one because they were so sick. I can’t wait to keep watching her ski; she rips.

I was also surprised by Sam [Kuch]. I didn’t know he could do dub 10s that easily. You could tell there were some true freestyle skiers out there, and the new venue definitely played to their advantage, but Sam pulled it out and skied so well. He always does, so I wasn’t surprised, but definitely impressed. He’s probably my favorite skier out there today.

Between the two of you, the K2 team is looking stacked. Are you riding the Mindbender 111?

Yes, and I mean it when I say I am loving that ski. I really think people will appreciate the entire 2027 Mindbender collection. You can do so much with the 111; it’s become my new favorite. I used it at NST, but I’ve also used it in the resort, on groomers and on any type of snow conditions. It’s a weapon. The 101 is also awesome. I’ve had the chance 

Your home, La Clusaz, has quite the reputation. How did growing up there shape your riding today?

Technically, I grew up skiing at Manigod. It’s a resort near La Clusaz. But it’s fairly small, and when I was 14, I finally made the trip over. La Clusaz has such an aura around it, and it was intimidating at first! I had raced a little before that, and my parents aren’t pro skiers; they just do it for fun. They never forced me to pick a path. They were open to it all, so when I said I wanted to switch to the freeride club, they supported it. That’s where I met more friends, started jumping off more features around the mountain, and my coaches pushed me to try a competition. It went well, so I stuck with it. 

I never had a grand plan; I just took it as it came and kept following what was fun. I think the people were the part about La Clusaz that inspired me the most. The terrain is obviously amazing. Everyone’s seen the videos of Candide skiing there, but it’s the people and the culture that set it apart. Seb Michaud and the other coaches with the freeride club made it special. I totally credit them with helping me fall in love with freeskiing. The resort has a rich history of helping the sport evolve and move forward, and everyone carries that with pride.

Sunset sessions hit different in La Clusaz, and so do the sunsets; just ask Manon

Photo: Germain Favre-Felix

The place has produced some incredible skiers, yourself included. Where do you see your role in the grand scheme of freeskiing right now? 

That’s a hard question, and I definitely don’t have a good answer [laughs]. I’m just going with the flow. I feel confident in myself and in my skiing, and as long as I’m having fun and am proud of what I do, I’ll be good. I’m very much still figuring it out.

Good answer. Where do you see the sport and culture 10 years down the line?

Well, hard to say, but if you trace freeskiing back, there was a time when the industry seemed more in harmony. There were specific channels that brands and athletes went through, whether that was a ski movie or a magazine. Social media has definitely changed all that, and much of the exposure is really good for many people. That said, it dilutes certain areas of freeskiing, and it can be hard for athletes to get support for projects and beyond. But there’s still so much good, and I hope in 10 years we have remembered our roots and stayed true to the core ideals of freeskiing: to be creative and have fun.

Looking more short-term, what’s your summer plan? Are you chasing the endless winter?

This has been my favorite season yet, but I’m certainly looking forward to some time away from the snow. I love surfing and skateboarding, so I’ll be out of ski boots for a while trying to get better on a surfboard. But later on in the year, I think I’ll head to Chile or New Zealand to get back on skis. 

Send us out with one skier and one filmer or photographer you think everyone should have on their radar.

It’s so hard to pick one! I’m going to name a few. On the skier side, Max Palm, Toby Rafford, Ben Richards, Jonah Williams, Olivia Asselin… and I already mentioned Sam Kuch. I’m lucky enough to call them friends, and they all inspire me a ton. My favorite photographers and filmers right now are Mateo Challe, Baptiste Sjöström, Reid Ferguson, Ethan Cook and Felix Raffaelli. There’s so much creativity in skiing right now; it’s amazing. I can’t wait to see what next winter brings.