The Chillfactor Podcast – Andrea Binning, Australian Big Mountain Pioneer, on Freeskiing, Chamonix, Risk Management and Family
Mountainwatch | Podcast Interview
In this episode of the Chillfactor podcast Reggae’s guest is Andrea Binning, Australia’s first internationally renowned big mountain skier, who went from learning to ski in Mt Baw Baw where her parents were volley patrollers to winning the World Extreme champs in Alaska.
The World Extremes were the pinnacle of big mountain competition and her win in 2000 led to Andrea securing solid sponsorship with Roxy, Red Bull and long-term ski sponsor Volkl, associations that enabled her to enjoy a successful 12-year career as a full-time professional freeskier.
It is a career that took Andrea to some of the biggest and steepest mountains in the world. Big mountain skiing is dangerous, and Andrea had her fair share of injuries and near-misses, including three ACL knee reconstructions, a knee cartilage repair, a broken collarbone, a broken wrist and surviving an avalanche in Canada in 2006.
As for the danger, Andrea says you just need to be “.. smart in the mountains. You can’t totally eliminate the risk, but making good decisions out there can definitely reduce the risk.”
In 1999 Andrea moved to Chamonix to hone her big mountain and freeriding skills, and there she met her husband, Norwegian pro skier Stian Hagan. She skied professionally until her and Stian had the first of their two kids 12 years ago, but skiing is still a huge part of her life.
A legend of Australian skiing, Andrea still lives with Stian and their two kids in Chamonix, skiing in winter, climbing in summer and working for long-term ski sponsor Volkl in marketing, looking after its international freeski team.
It is a long way from weekend skiing in Mt Baw Baw, but Andrea’s story shows that with desire, determination and commitment, you can realise your dreams.
The Chillfactor Podcast is available on Spotify, and Soundcloud
