Meet professional snowboarder Silje Norendal, who shreds her board everywhere from the snowy slopes at the X Games during the Women’s Slopes Style competition (which she won consecutively in 2014 and 2015 in Aspen, Colorado) to the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi (where she made it into the semifinals and snatched the 11th position). The natural born athlete first fell in love with the beautiful winter sport at a young age, which was the moment when she knew then and there that snowboarding was everything she wanted to do. Read the interview below as the incredibly talented and passionate Silje Norendal talks travel and of life on the slope.
What are you currently inspired by?
“The progression in women’s snowboarding, and the young riders coming up.”
You’ve competed in the Women’s Slopes Style during the Winter X Games, as well as the 2014 Winter Olympics at Sochi. So, what have been some of the greatest challenges in your professional career?
“I think one of the big challenges, but also why I love snowboarding is the need to constantly push myself and my body, to keep up with the top females in the game. The constant traveling and living out of my suitcase away from family and friends is also for me a challenge. I’m so thankful for all the fun places snowboarding has taken me, but I wish I was able to spend some more time with friends and family at home.”
You have trained in Boardercross, Half-pipe, and Slopestyle. That said, which freestyle discipline is your favorite and why?
“I only compete in Slopestyle and Big Air. I used to do a bit of everything when I was younger, but now my focus is on jumping. Slopestyle is my favorite discipline. Every course is different and I run into new challenges everyday.”
What first influenced you to take up snowboarding professionally? Was it an encounter with the sport during your childhood, or through family or school?
“It was actually through my mom. She both herself and I a snowboard when I was 4 years old, and we started learning together.”
Your local club Kongsberg IF has been famous for training all kinds of professional athletes since it was founded in 1899. How would you say your involvement there has given shape to your current snowboarding style?
“My local club is amazing and has giving me a lot. My local resort was also open everyday from 9am to 9pm, and I spend as much time there riding as my mom would let me haha.”
What was your first time on the slope like. Did you feel scared, exhilarated or a little bit of both?
“I actually don’t remember that first year. I was so young, but I do remember falling in love with snowboarding and all I wanted to do was to snowboard from a very young age.”
Do you have any advice for someone looking to get started in the sport?
“I would take some classes the first couple of times you go riding, or find a friend that can help you a little, and maybe give you some pointers. And remember to HAVE FUN, don’t get too frustrated straight away. Keep trying and you’ll fall in love with it.”
Being a frequent traveler, what have been some of your favorite destinations thus far?
“Hawaii by far! Hawaii is beautiful!”
Do you have any particular favorites when it comes to Luxury Ski/Snowboarding Resorts?
“Colorado is my favorite place and I try to spend as much time there during the season as possible. You have many great resorts all close to each other, so you can explore different resorts if you want to. (Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper, Vail and Aspen) All great resorts!”
Where can we follow you?
Instagram: SiljeNorendal
Facebook: Silje Norendal (athlete)
Where to next?
“After X Games I’m off to Portugal for a little surf vacation. Excited for some sun and warm temperatures.”
