The whole project was really important to me.
From the start I wanted to do something meaningful and something a little bit more than just skiing.
What was it like filming it?
That was the first time youve been to Ghana?
Ghana was a very interesting journey overall.
That was a very special moment.
The culture, people and country over there was a great experience.
What did your family in Ghana think of your job?
It was pretty funny actually.
I showed them some skiing on the phone/iPad and they were like no way!
This is staged or green screen!
They were pretty stoked on it though.
Its a very different way of life, because theres no snow there.
Its very hard to imagine.
They have surfing over there, so they understand the sport and what I do for a living.
Did you invite them over to Austria to ski?
Well, my dads been skiing, back in the day, but no one else has done it.
Did finding out more about your background and heritage, change your outlook on life in any way?
In a very positive way.
Im very happy that I did it, because I was never too sure that Id do it.
Like, going to Africa and meeting all of my family over there.
Im obviously happy that I did that.
A lot of questions got answered and seeing my dad after such a long time was very beautiful.
For me the whole thing just gave me a really warm feeling and Im happy that I did it.
Does Austria/Europe feel any more welcoming than it used to?
Definitely the younger generation is definitely more open and welcoming than it was back in the day.
Its a different state of mind now.
I still think the difference is still there and more there than it has to be.
Theres definitely room for improvement.
Its definitely better in some ways too.
Do you think skiing should do more about inclusivity?
If you dont feel represented, its super hard to imagine yourself doing it.
I think its important to have all different heritage, sexuality, whatever it is.
There should be something that speaks to everybody and no one should feel left out.
Everybody should feel welcome!
Do you have any idea about how we can go about doing that?
I think if you show it.
For example, in Europe, why not show more Asian skiing?
I think you just need to make people think about it and that makes them want to do it.
We talk about inclusivity, but do you think more cultures even want to ski?
I think a lot depends on what opportunities there are and where you grow up.
There might even be people who want to go skiing but think its not for them.
Maybe they think they should be playing football.
Thats what most people do who look like me.
If youre motivated to do something and it fulfils you, then theres no limit.
I think other peoples ignorance shouldnt limit you.
Thats something thats still very present.
I had a conversation with someone not long ago.
Thats still shocking to me.
I said I do a little bit.
Which skiers inspired you growing up?
I watched a lot of Tanner Hall movies.
He was a big inspiration.
Sean and Callum Pettit as well in Show and Prove, they were super young.
That whole movie got me so stoked to go skiing and try it too.
That whole crew was a big inspiration.
Have you had a chance to meet Tanner?
Yeah, I met him.
Its so cool to see the motivation that he still has.
In the movie, you tell us that your mum introduced you to skiing.
We saw pics of you racing, what was your introduction to freeskiing?
I actually had been snowboarding for a little while.
Me and my best friend back home would go through the woods and Id get stuck with the snowboard.
Everyone else had snowblades and big foots, so I switched to those too.
Then I could go through the woods and the freedom just stoked me out.
I got my first pair of skis that summer.
Then Ive just been skiing from then.
So, you started doing tricks on snowblades and just brought it over to skis?
We would build small jumps at our home resorts and just try 360s and stuff.
It would be cool, but I didnt get an invite.
Its a great event and I love to watch it.
Which current skiers do you like watching?
There are so many nice skiers now!
I really like watching Antti Ollila, hes one of my favourite skiers.
Joona Kangas, Dani Bacher, Sammy Carlson…
There are so many!
Its a never-ending list, because everybody just has their own style of skiing.
Its not good or bad.
I cant pick just one.
Its so cool to see.
What are your plans for winter 2024 and beyond?
I want to keep filming and producing movie parts.
I plan to film a part for this winter again.
Im just stoked to go out with my friends and see whats possible.
Hopefully some good snow will come to Europe!
Do you have an idea what you want to make?
I think well do mainly backcountry stuff.
