5 mins with: Maisie Hill
We had lunch with GB snowboarder Maisie Hill last week, which was a real treat. Maisie is local having moved over to the Portes du Soleil when she was 10. Now 22 Maisie has spent the past year competing in competition, including placing in the top 10 at various World Cups and Europa Cups last winter. After suffering big life changing injuries in a crash which put a stop to everything and 2 months in hospital, Maisie was looking at potentially a very different future to the one she imagined. Maisie is now though back on the snow and has spent time in New Zealand to get her strong and ready for the coming season. In Maisies ‘own words, here’s a recap of whats happened and what’s next.
After breaking my pelvis in half, my spine, my ribs and lacerating my liver (and a few other things) in January this year, I spent the whole summer rehabbing. I put 100% into recovering and I’m so glad I did because when I was finally allowed back on my board again I felt so strong! I went to Cardrona, New Zealand to start my back to snow programme in September. I had hardly any aches or pains so I was really stoked about that of course! But it was just super fun to ride with my team again and feel the snow beneath my feet. I got all my tricks back by the end of the month too which is a massive bonus.
I’m starting World Cups again in January, which is crazy to think! We will be training mostly in Switzerland and Sweden this season and following the World Cup circuit in Europe. Not sure yet if we’ll have enough funding to go to the US for the World Cups but it’s not a big deal since it’s still not Olympic qualifying til next season. My goals this season is to podium at a World Cup and just really enjoy every bit of it because I know that’s how I perform at my best.
“ I ride the Salomon no drama. It’s perfect for all round riding and park for strong riders I love it. I wear Volcom gear which in my opinion is the best especially with the zip tech which joins the pants to the coat so you never get snow down your bum! “
We had to ask about riding here and her favourite spots too…
“I love Avoriaz, it’s where I learnt to ride. It taught me so much, it holds a real special place in my heart. When I was 13/14 I used to get my dad to drop me off early before snowboard club so I could go ride the fresh snow by myself when no one else was around down Arare, usually going as fast as I possibly could. I really love riding over the Chaux fleurie and Pointe de Mossette side of Avoriaz especially when there’s a couple fresh cm of snow!”
Wishing you all the best of everything Maisie! To follow Maisies’ adventures this winter click here : @zmaizz