Riders Spotlight: Arianna Tricomi’s Return to the Tour and the Journey That Shaped Her Career

Arianna Tricomi has become one of the most accomplished figures in freeride skiing. Born in Alta Badia, Italy, Arianna’s passion for skiing began at a young age, and whether it’s carving down iconic big mountain faces or hitting jumps in the park, skiing has always been her gateway to adventure. After transitioning from alpine skiing and freestyle, she joined the Freeride World Tour in 2016 and claimed three consecutive World Champion Titles by 2020.

In this interview, Arianna reflects on her journey from alpine racing to freeride skiing, sharing how her upbringing with a mother who encouraged unconventional thinking influenced her approach to both life and skiing. She talks about the challenges she faced early in her career, especially in balancing competition and self-belief. Arianna also discusses the importance of staying true to her instincts, focusing on enjoying the ride rather than stressing over the future, and the significance of community among women in freeride. Looking forward, she hopes to continue inspiring the next generation of freeriders while pushing her own limits on the mountain.

Early Inspiration and Challenges

What inspired you to start freeride skiing?

I guess my mom inspired me to start freeride skiing and to love skiing as much as I do. I grew up with my mom, who was a World Cup downhill skier, so skiing has always been a big part of my life. She introduced me to all types of skiing—telemark skiing, alpine racing, and of course, powder skiing. I remember we used to hike up with telemark skis and then shred off-piste. From the very first day, I was fascinated by fresh snow, and I always felt drawn to it. So, my first and biggest inspiration is definitely my mom.

What were your biggest challenges in your freeride career?

The biggest challenge in my career was definitely the injuries. A few years ago, I had a major knee injury, which was tough. Thankfully, I got hurt relatively late in my career, so I already had a good foundation to come back from it. The recovery was hard, but it also gave me time to reflect and figure out what I wanted to do. I think challenges like these usually help you grow, and it was definitely a positive experience in the end.

What’s a story about you that most people don’t know but defines who you are?

I don’t know if it’s a secret, but I really like to live far away from everything and everyone. Maybe that’s a bit strange, but it’s just who I am. I’m open about it, though—I don’t have too many secrets. I think I’m a bit of a weirdo, but I’m okay with that!

Preparation and Training

How do you prepare physically and mentally for the freeride season?

My preparation has changed over the years. I used to be pretty loose about it, but now that I’m getting older, I’ve realized I need to train more to stay fit. The injury also made me realize the importance of training. I studied physiotherapy, so I’m pretty efficient with my training—I know where I need to focus. I listen to myself and adapt my training to what feels right in the moment. Sometimes it’s about doing a lot of sport, and sometimes it’s about chilling and resting. Climbing has been my main off-season activity lately, and it’s been great for helping me deal with fear. It’s a completely different type of challenge compared to skiing, but it’s taught me a lot about staying calm and moving slowly.

Do you train alone or with a coach?

I train with a coach, especially for the gym sessions. If I train alone, I tend to get lazy, so I need someone to guide me and tell me what to do. I’m really thankful for the support I’ve received from BASEFIVE here in Innsbruck. They’ve been great in helping me recover from my injury and keeping me in top shape.

What’s a typical off-season training day like for you?

My off-season training has changed over the years. In the past, I used to bike a lot, but recently, I’ve shifted more towards climbing. A typical day might start with an early wake-up, then hiking to the wall, followed by a long multi-pitch climb. It’s physically and mentally demanding, requiring the use of your entire body and mind. By the end of the day, I’m usually exhausted, but it’s a great feeling. I don’t eat or drink much on these days because I don’t carry much with me. But once the ski season starts, it feels so easy compared to climbing, and I’m always hyped to get back on the slopes.

Risk Management and Mindset

How do you approach risk management and safety?

Risk management and safety are topics I’ve really focused on, especially after being involved in a rescue situation where unfortunately, someone passed away. It was a heavy experience, and it changed the way I approach safety. As professional riders, we have a big responsibility, not just to ourselves, but to the next generation. It’s important to show that there’s a lot of preparation behind the scenes, and that sometimes, you need to step back and not ski your line. The work we do in preparation for the season—especially avalanche safety and first aid—is critical. I try to be as prepared as possible because you never want to be in a situation where you're unprepared.

What’s your mindset going into a competition? Any rituals or routines?

I don’t have any specific rituals, but I try to stay calm and focused. When I’m heading to the starting gate, I just want to enjoy it. I try not to think too much about the competition and instead focus on how I feel that day. I’m not one to stress about the competition, but I do want to be hyped and ready. I always try to listen to myself and keep the vibe relaxed.

Do you feel any added pressure this season, given your impressive list of achievements?

I don’t feel added pressure, to be honest. I think I’ve already accomplished a lot, and I’m just happy to be back on the Tour. It’s great that the Tour offered me a wildcard to have another crazy season, and I’m looking forward to it. I don’t feel like I have to prove anything to anyone. For me, it’s more about enjoying the ride and having fun, knowing this could be my last season on the Tour.

How do you choose your lines during a competition?

I like to keep things simple when I choose my lines. I don’t train specifically for my lines, but when I’m there, I think about it in the moment. I try to stay present and take it day-by-day. I focus on finding a line that excites me and that I feel confident riding.

What’s your biggest strength on the mountain?

I’m not really sure what my biggest strength is. I’d probably have to ask my friends! But I think one thing I’m good at is staying calm. No matter what happens, I’m usually able to keep my composure. That could be considered a strength, I guess.

How do you handle the pressure of competing at such a high level?

I try not to think too much about the pressure. I’ve been competing for so long that it’s just part of the process now. I focus on staying relaxed and enjoying the moment. Skiing is always the same for me—it’s just about doing what I love.

Lifestyle and Personal Interests

What do you do to unwind when you’re not on the mountain?

When I’m not skiing, I like to take care of my garden. It might sound odd, but I really enjoy working with my hands and connecting with nature. I also love cooking—it’s another way for me to relax and take care of myself. Gardening is a simple, grounding activity that really helps me unwind after a busy season.

Is there a cause or issue you're passionate about outside of freeride?

Yeah, I think life itself is my biggest passion. If we were only skiing, it would get pretty boring. As I mentioned, I really love gardening and plants—that's a big passion of mine. My garden isn’t quite where I want it to be yet, but it’s definitely going to happen. I also love doing other sports. I’m definitely a sporty person. Climbing has been something that’s given me a lot over the past few years, both physically and mentally. The connection I’ve made with people through climbing has been amazing. When you're connected by a rope, there’s a strong bond there that I haven’t experienced in many other sports or in life.

Surfing is another one of my biggest passions. There’s just something about the connection with the ocean—the lineup, everything—though sometimes, the vibe in the surf community can be a little off, which has made me step back a bit. But still, nature in general is something very valuable to me, and that connection is really special. I also wish I could play the guitar better, but it's not quite happening, so I can’t really say it’s a passion yet!

What’s one thing you always bring with you on a trip, and why?

I don’t really have one specific thing that I always bring. Sometimes, I might take a necklace or a rock, but it’s always changing. I try not to get too attached to anything, you know? Because can you imagine if you leave for a trip or a competition and forget that one thing? You’d totally freak out. So, I prefer not to attach myself to material things. Instead, I focus on the feelings I have and the people I’m with, because that’s what really matters to me. I struggle sometimes with getting attached to material things.

Lifestyle and Personal Interests

What are your goals for this season? Any specific achievements you’re aiming for?

My main goal this season is to have fun again—that’s really the most important thing for me. I’d love to party as hard as I did back in the day, but we’ll see if my party performance is still up to par! Of course, I also want to ski well on the tour—that’s definitely part of it. I’m not going to hide that. I do have a few dreams and goals for the season, some things I’d like to accomplish in Iran, but I’m not going to say anything just yet. I’ll just keep working towards them and see if I can make them happen.

Are there any new tricks you're excited to debut?

I’m not planning to stomp a triple cork or anything like that, but it would be great to ski some new lines and try things I haven’t done before. We’ll see what happens!

How do you see the sport evolving, and what role do you want to play in that evolution?

Freeride is definitely growing, and it’s exciting to see how the sport is evolving. For me, it took some time to decide if I wanted to return to the scene, but I love the sport and the community, so I decided to embrace it and just enjoy the ride.

I hope the growth of the sport remains fair for everyone, no matter where they come from. When I first joined the Freeride World Tour, it was amazing because everyone had the same opportunity to make it, and that’s something I really value about freeride. I hope that vibe stays intact as the sport grows.

As for my role, I just want to be a good role model, especially for young girls in the sport. I’d love to share my experiences, particularly around safety, and encourage them to trust themselves and follow their instincts.

Where do you see your career in the next 5-10 years?

My dream is to become a mountain guide, and I’m working hard towards that. It’s a tough goal, but if I can make it happen, it would be amazing. I would love to still work with my partners, just in a different capacity, and shift my role while staying involved in the industry.

In the future, I’d also love to organize kids’ camps or girls' camps focused on freeride and safety. I want to pass on my knowledge, especially when it comes to safety. As for tricks, I think the younger generation will teach me how to jump! But in all seriousness, it would be great to help the next generation of riders.

Proudest Moments and Advice

What’s been your proudest moment in freeride so far?

One of my proudest moments was winning my second world title. It was really special because I made a deal with Elisabeth Gerritzen—we agreed that it would be perfect if she won the Xtreme Verbier and I came second. That way, she would be the champion in Verbier, and I’d be world champion for the second time. Exactly that scenario played out, and I’ll never forget the hug we shared on the podium. It was such a powerful moment because I truly felt the bond of friendship and community.

Securing my second world title wasn’t easy, though. There was a lot of pressure, especially in the second year, with people expecting me to win again. But it wasn’t about proving anything to anyone—it was about sharing the moment with my friends and really enjoying the experience. That’s one of the most memorable and meaningful moments of my career.

What’s the best piece of advice you've received in the sport?

The best advice I’ve received is to listen to myself. People who know me well have always reminded me to trust my own instincts. Sometimes, I’ve found myself making decisions that weren’t truly coming from my heart—they were influenced by my head, sponsors, or external pressure. The advice was always to listen to my heart, and that’s what I’ve tried to do. Whenever I’ve been in doubt, tuning into my heart has always guided me in the right direction. That’s definitely the best advice I’ve received.

Environmental and Cultural Impact

What role do environmental issues and gender equality issues play in your life and sport?

As for gender, I wouldn’t say I’m a super advocate, but I always try to give my best. I’ve never felt less than the boys; I’ve always worked hard to be the best I could be. Of course, I’m aware that there are still many gender differences out there, not just in our sport but in the world in general. For me, the key is to work hard, give everything, and trust that life will reward that effort.

When it comes to environmental issues, it’s a bit of a tough topic because, as a professional skier, I travel a lot. I try to be mindful of it, but I don’t want to be boxed in as someone who is only defined by their environmental stance. I don’t want people to think, “She’s a skier who cares about the environment, so she shouldn't drive a car.” But I do my best to make small changes—like supporting local food, planting flowers for bees in my garden, and focusing on the things I can control.

Since COVID, I didn’t travel much, and it was actually a nice excuse to explore places close to home. I discovered spots just around the corner that I never knew were there, which was really cool. After almost four years of not traveling much, though, I do feel this desire to get back on the Tour and travel again. I think we all have to do what we can in our own way. I may not be the most environmentally conscious right now, but I try to do small things that make the world a better place. Maybe one day I can be more environmentally friendly, but right now, I’m just taking it step by step.

What does freeride mean to you on a personal level?

Freeride means so much to me. I don’t even know where to begin. It’s incredible how skiing has brought me into so many different places in life— from the biggest mountains to the nicest beaches. It’s funny how it all happened, but I’ve always loved skiing so much, and that love never fades.

Every time I click into my skis, it feels like the same moment as 20 years ago. That feeling never changes. It’s like when I went skiing last Monday— clicking in, and just thinking, “Yeah, this is where I belong.” Freeride is my life, and I’m incredibly thankful for everything I’ve experienced through it.

How do you think your cultural background influences your style or approach to freeride?

I definitely think my cultural background influences my approach to freeride. I grew up with my mom, who’s always thought outside the box. She was the one who took me out of school when I was young so I could go skiing. She didn’t care about the conventional path. She always said, “School is nice, but the school of life is just as important.” So, I grew up with this mindset that was a bit different from the norm.

My mom has always gone with the flow, sometimes maybe too much! But that’s definitely impacted the way I approach everything in life—keeping things simple and enjoying the moment. I try not to stress about the future too much and instead focus on being thankful for what I have right now. This mindset has definitely influenced my style of skiing and the way I approach freeriding. I think it also helped me succeed in competitions, as my focus was more about enjoying the experience rather than stressing over the outcome.

Growing up, I’m sure my mom questioned whether she was doing the right thing, but I think it worked out well in the end. Parenting is not easy, but I appreciate how I was raised. My dad took a little longer to understand my approach to life, but now he’s one of my biggest supporters and always there with the right advice when I need it. Of course, the place I grew up—Alta Badia—and the people around me, including my close friends, all had a huge influence on the way I live my life. I’m super happy and thankful for everything.

Watch the video