Young gun: Torgrim Vole

When Nissan Xtreme Verbier by Swatch 2010 winner Kaj Zackrisson retired we asked him who we should keep an eye on in 2011. He said Torgrim Vole, an up-and-coming Norwegian with a big heart and an aggressive, all-or-nothing style.

 

FWT: So where’s home?
Torgrim: I'm from Vågå, Norway. That's way up in the districts and the area is mostly dominated by mountains and wild terrain. A small village of 4000 people means short lift lines in our local resort, which has 400 vertical meters, tree runs, some exposed terrain and a pretty decent park.

 

FWT: How do you describe your riding style?
Torgrim: I dunno, I always try to keep in mind not to stop and remain fluid. I guess each kind of terrain needs its own style and the best always seem to adapt.

 

FWT: Are you in any videos this year?
Torgrim: I've got a part in Field Production's 'Side By Side' made by young gun Filip Christensen. At the age of 22 he's already made five full-scale productions and this year he won an award for Best European Film at the IF3 in Annecy, France. Really stoked to be a part of it although my part involved my biggest crash ever. My Mom wasn't too pleased to say the least.

 

 

FWT: What has been your best experience on the FWT so far?
Torgrim: Freeskiing in Krasnaya two years ago after competition was over and we got to violate the famous Russian larch forest all day. No tracks and massive amounts of snow.

 

FWT: How will you prepare for the FWT11?
Torgrim: I do my squats and try to keep my head straight. Hasn't really worked out for me thus far but third time's a charm!

 

FWT: Who will be your biggest competition on the FWT11 this year?
Torgrim: One less competitor now that Kaj took the decision to quit but all the other swedes are still charging. In competitions like this though every bib is a potential winner and I look forward to being one of them. People should also look out for the new Swede on the block, Erik Sunnerheim, who won a wild card at this year’s Røldal Freeride Challenge back here in Norway. He knows the drill and will hopefully make it happen in the World Freeride Tour as well.

 

FWT: What else do you have going on next season?
Torgrim: I did not plan on competing as much this season before I got the wild card and was sort of looking forward to having more time to film and maybe spend some time in Bansko, Bulgaria with my friend Ruben. I met him in Bansko six years ago and we both had our best season ever. This year he's kicking off a freeride camp over there with the Norwegian/Swedish surf camp company called Lapoint. They are trying to offer an alternative to the long lift-lines, expensive, skied-out terrain and oompa-oompa music of the Alps. Tell your friends!

 

FWT: What will be your attitude coming into the FWT11?
Torgrim: This year I'm going to ease up a bit. At least I hope so. I have yet to finish a run with a good feeling and if I lower my shoulders a bit and maybe cut a meter or to off my drops I hope I will be able to establish myself within the top ten.