Erik Sunnerheim: The Demon Inside

When we did a story on the Swedish Freeride Phenomen and asked the crew about the future of Swedish freeriding, one name was continually mentioned: Erik Sunnerheim.

FWT: I’ve heard you came back from the ispo ski trade show with some good news.

Erik: Very good news! As you know, ispo is where everyone in the ski industry gathers. Everyone is there, and just like that … Elevenate clothes, Salomon skis, Scott helmets, goggles and body protection. In the house!

FWT: From what I understand you’ve had sponsorship offers before but you turned them down so that you could ride the gear that you want and not have any outside pressure. Is that true? If so, what has changed?

Erik: Yeah, that’s right. I thought I’d just ride a few FWQ races, so what would I need sponsors for? But when you have to travel half way around the world it’s good to have that backup from sponsors for extra travel money. So I’d like to send a really big thank you to Elevenate, Salomon and Scott for helping me do what I’ve been dreaming of!

FWT: Does this mean you no longer have to work on the oil rigs?

Erik: Ha ha, no no. I love life on the North Sea, so my plan is to fly out to the oil platform as soon as the snow has melted!

FWT: So, you’re from Åre, right? I’ve heard a story about a mysterious skier up there they call the Demon. Nobody’s ever seen him, only his ski tracks on super steep faces that no one has ever skied before. What do you know about the Demonen?

Erik: Yes, I’m from Åre, and yes, I’ve heard of the Demon. They say he skis like a bat out of hell, ha ha. A crazy skier who often skis alone, some people say he has horns as well... I don’t know if all that about the Demon is true. Perhaps he’s just a legend?

FWT: And is it true that nobody’s seen him but that he’s kind of like a yeti – really hairy and you can tell if he’s been around because of the horrible smell.

Erik: I’ve heard that the Demon is a nice guy with big muscles and a good heart, and he smells of perfume. But what do I know? Perhaps it’s just a Demon rumor…

FWT: So what’s going on up there in Åre? First there was Henrik Windstedt, then Reine Barkered, and now you. I thought it was just a bunch of cross-country skiers up there?

Erik: Maybe there are a lot of cross-country skiers in Åre. I think Åre has something special. It has hard, cold, icy and wind-packed snow! Tough conditions that breed tough skiers. Go to Åre, you’ll see and meet lots of tough, skilled skiers there! Tough mountains = tough skiers!

FWT: How is the relationship between all you guys? 

Erik: We hate each other! Nah, just kidding. We’re are really pleased at each other’s successes, and we help and support each other as much as we can... We’re kind of like a team – ski buddies!

FWT: A lot of the Swedish skiers on the FWT have racing backgrounds. What’s your background?

Erik: Yes, that’s right. I stopped racing early, when I was 14 or 15 because of the injuries. I think that racing has helped me a lot with the skiing that I do today! I really have to thank my club, Edsåsdalens skidklubb, for that.

FWT: How would you describe your riding style for someone who has never seen you ski?

Erik: Demon style, ha ha. I think that I ride creatively. People say that I’m fast. I like speed, and the tougher the skiing the better!

FWT: You’ve done pretty well on the FWT so far. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned that you didn’t know when you went in?

Erik: That’s a difficult question. I learn something new every day I’m on skis, every time I compete, so everything I learn is important to me!

FWT: After what you have seen so far, who do you think will fill the top three spots on the FWT11?

Erik: Top 3 to Sweden! No, anyone with a bib in FWT can finish in the top three!    

FWT: Dream session: Who? When? Where?

Erik: Dream session? Every day on skis is a type of dream session, though Alaska is naturally a big dream of mine!

FWT: What does skiing mean to you?

Erik: I think that skiing means everything to me right now. Skiing makes me happy and that’s why I love it!

FWT: What’s important?

Erik: There are a lot of things that are important to me... family, friends. The list could get very long. But in the end it’s all about being happy.