Austrian Volkl athlete Tom Ritsch on what It means to be a legend

Tom Ritsch grew up in Niedernsill, Austria: population 2,000, at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn mountain in the Eastern Alps. Known for his infectious positive energy, wacky style in the park, and hunger for the backcountry, the Völkl athlete has become both a local legend and an international inspiration. We caught up with Tom during his first heli-skiing trip, filming with TGR at the Mike Wiegele Heli-Skiing Resort in BC, Canada. Watch Tom’s episode of Legends in the Making.

What was it like growing up in Austria?

Growing up in Austria, you get put on the race program pretty early. I can't even remember when I started racing… but I did that for a couple of years, I got tired of it obviously, and then got into freesking because of both my brothers. Ever since then it's been a crazy ride.

Tom floats in the backcountry with Mike Wiegele's Heli outfit in BC. Photo: Jeremy Allen

Who were your biggest influences growing up?

My brothers were my biggest influences. They're both skiers and I've always wanted to do the same stuff they were doing. But then there's also so many local legends that no one really knows of, but who play a huge role in getting people into skiing. I want to give a big shout out to all the local legends out there… it wouldn't be the same without them.

You’ve centered your life around spending time in the mountains. What do you love most about them?

I just love being out there surrounded by nature, surrounded by good people that are interested in the same things that I am. And I just love the whole process of filming… you know, getting up early. Everyone is super eager to go and to get up there and come up with a plan, it's just my favorite thing to do. To go out and get shots… there’s nothing better.

Signature style air from Tom. Photo: Jeremy Allen

That moment when you get one of those shots. What’s that reward like?

It's a huge reward to get a proper shot because it’s just so much work to get it done. And to be out here heli-skiing…you can be super productive. It's insane because we have good lift access in Europe, so usually we just take a lift and try to get the job done. But here it’s a whole different game. It’s hard to process all the distance that we’re going… it's so far. It's hard to imagine, being from Europe, or being from the Alps because it's so small there compared to this entity.

Who are you riding with on this trip?

I'm riding with Army [Alex Armstrong] and Nick McNutt, which I'm really stoked on. 

In great company, Tom with Nick McNutt and Alex Armstrong flying with Mike Wiegele's. Photo: Jeremy Allen

Have you ever done a trip with Nick before?

This is my first time skiing with Nick, and I have to say that I'm really impressed by the way he's going after it. Obviously he's a great skier and I already knew he was good, but it was so sick to see it in person. How he goes about it, how he approaches stuff. He's super down to help out the other riders, and he’s been a great help with some things. He's a good guy to have on a trip, that's for sure.

What’s it like being out there with Alex?

Oh, it's sick being out with Alex. She's going hard. And I haven't met her before either, so. And I hope that her knee is not feeling too bad in the next couple of days. She had a bit of a crash there, but yeah, it should feel good and I am very impressed by the shots that she has already gotten. I'm looking forward to seeing her out there again.

What’s the vibe like with the crew when you’re up there in the mountains?

The vibe is just on another level. It just blows my mind. It's so insane that we get to be here and get this opportunity to get shots in this type of terrain and have so much access.

It's hard for me to find the right words, because I'm still… I don't know. I still feel like I'm dreaming.

Tom crushin' it in the BC backcountry. Photo: Jeremy Allen

How are the [heli-skiing] guides?

Our guide Bob, I want to say he's a legend. He's so calm, he's focused, he knows all his stuff very well, and he's helping us so much. And he's also so stoked all the time, watching us skiing. And then he gets a couple lines in for himself, which is awesome to see. It's just good talking to him too, you know, because he's got such an interesting occupation. It's got to be one of the sickest jobs out there to be a heli guy. And can you imagine, you get to go skiing all the time? I mean, I'm sure there’s also bad days, but the good days gotta outnumber those. Pretty sure.

The film, Legend Has It, is all about diving into different legends in the ski world. What does it mean to you to be a legend?

It’s not just these obvious legends where everyone is saying, “yeah, that's a legend.” Legend is a much broader term. Anyone that puts love into what they are doing is a legend to me. And anyone that is treating other people right… if you’re a nice person, you have the potential to be a legend.

Where do you want to take your skiing from here? What’s next for Tom?

I was thinking about getting into sledding somehow. I have no idea how I'm going to make this happen, but I think it’s realistic. And heli-skiing, of course. And I just want to progress as a skier… There's lots of stuff that I'm not as good as I would like to be, but it's good to have something where you can progress.

Anything else to add?

I’m just stoked that I found something I really love to do, you know?

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