Rider’s Spotlight: Núria Castán Barón’s Story of Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Way for Women in Freeride

At 27, Núria Castán Barón has emerged as one of the leading figures in Spanish freeride snowboarding. Her journey from a non-mountain background to competing on the Freeride World Tour has been marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering passion for the sport. In this interview, Núria shares how she overcame the challenges of being one of the few female freeriders in Spain, her experience with mental and physical preparation, and how joining the Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation (RFEDI) has given her a new perspective on the sport. She also discusses the evolving landscape of women’s freeride, the importance of community, and her dedication to sustainability. As a role model for young riders, Núria continues to push the boundaries of the sport while contributing to its growth in Spain and beyond.

Getting Started in Freeride

What inspired you to start freeride snowboarding?

I come from the coast, from a little village called Almoster near Tarragona. I definitely don’t come from a family with a mountain or skiing background, so I’m the black sheep of the family. I started skiing when I was three because my parents would take me, but we would only go a few days a season, just as tourists. Over time, the number of days we went increased. When I was eight, I switched to snowboarding. I started seeing people doing it and thought, "What’s this? I want to try it." I really liked it, and from there, I didn’t stop. In fact, I stopped skiing completely. Snowboarding just felt more playful, and when I was a kid, I was learning with snowboard instructors.

Then, I joined a freestyle club, and we were just a bunch of kids, enjoying learning and progressing together. When I was 13, the first Freeride Junior Tour started. My club asked me if I wanted to try it, and at that time, I was doing both Freeride and Freestyle, so I thought, "Why not?" I was young and curious. I loved it immediately. It was definitely a big challenge because, in Spain, we have great mountains, but the snow isn’t always as good as in other places. But it opened up opportunities to travel, compete, and meet new people. I loved it and focused on snowboarding. I started competing in FWT Qualifier, and after three years, I made it to the Freeride World Tour. It’s been 13 years of competing now, and I’m excited to be where I am today.

What were your biggest challenges early in your freeride career?

In Spain, there’s not as much of a snow culture, and when people think of Spain, they think of the beach and warm weather, not snow. So, when I started, there wasn’t a big community of freeriders. Also, the knowledge of freeride sports was not as developed. For example, I would have to explain to my teachers what I was doing and why I needed to miss school to compete. They didn’t understand, and the documents my parents would provide to justify my absences were not enough. It was hard to balance school and travel.

Another challenge was that the access to freeride terrain in Spain is not as easy as in places like the Alps. You can find great places, but they are harder to access and the snow conditions aren’t always ideal. Unlike in countries like France or Austria, where you can quickly find amazing freeride lines, in Spain, it’s much more of a challenge to find spots. But the Pyrenees have incredible terrain for freeriding, and once you find the right places, it’s amazing.

Also, there were no coaches for freeride at the time. My dad wanted me to be safe and learn in the best way possible, so he had to find coaches himself. It was really tough to find someone who could properly guide me in freeride, as there weren’t any clear systems or clubs to support freeriders in Spain back then.

How did your dad manage to find the right coaches to support your development?

It was really difficult. My dad, being from a non-skiing background, wanted to make sure I had the best training, but he didn’t know who to turn to for proper guidance. We had to find the right coaches on our own. I had a few different coaches along the way, and each one helped me in different areas. Some helped improve my snowboarding technique, and others were mountain guides who taught me about mountain safety. I think looking back, I now take the best from each coach and piece it together to get a well-rounded education in the sport and in mountain safety. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

Influences and Personal Growth

Who has been the most influential person in your career, and why?

It’s hard to pinpoint just one person because there have been so many people who have helped me along the way. My family was incredibly supportive, especially my parents, who trusted me and supported me even when the freeride scene in Spain wasn’t as visible. But there’s one person who had a huge impact on me, and that’s Estelle Balet. She was a top rider on the Tour, and I followed her closely. She was an amazing rider, and her level was something I really admired. Unfortunately, she passed away in an avalanche, and that had a huge impact on me. I was only 18 at the time, and it really made me realize the risks of freeriding and the importance of making smart decisions in the mountains. It also made me realize how precious life is and how we have to value every moment.

Estelle was also a beautiful person, not just a great rider, and her influence on me goes beyond just snowboarding. Today, I also look up to Marion Haerty, who I’ve followed for years, even before I was on the Tour. She’s an amazing rider and an incredible person.

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

I don’t come from the mountains and coming from a non-mountain background has made me appreciate the hard work it took to get where I am today as a professional snowboarder. For me, the journey has always been about putting in the work and making sacrifices. I value resilience—I've been through experiences that shaped me, and though some of those things were difficult and I wouldn’t wish them on anyone, they helped me grow. I’m really grateful that I was able to heal and become who I am today.

Preparation and Mindset

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

I always train physically before the season starts. I work with a trainer and follow a specific program, focusing on strength, mobility, and balance. But it’s not just about the body; it’s also about mental preparation. I work with a sports psychologist, which has been incredibly helpful for me. I’ve learned that having a strong mental game is just as important as being physically prepared. The two go hand in hand. For me, staying focused, confident, and calm is key when I’m on the mountain, especially in competitions. It’s about finding that balance between mind and body.

Why do you think mental preparation is important as a freerider?

Mental preparation is essential because when you're in the mountains, you're exposed to so many risks. Your mind needs to be clear, focused, and calm to make smart decisions. In freeride, you're not just performing tricks—you’re facing the natural challenges the mountain provides. It’s about understanding and reading the terrain, managing risks, and staying confident in your decisions. I truly believe that mental preparation is a crucial part of becoming a successful freerider.

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

During the off-season, I focus on a mix of work and training. Since I’m a freelance graphic designer, I spend a lot of my time working on design projects, which is something I’m passionate about. I studied graphic design and became a freelancer in 2020, so it’s something I can really combine with my love for art, design, and sports. It’s great because it allows me to stay creative while also staying connected to the sports world. I’ve been able to collaborate with people in the industry, which ties into my snowboard career as well. Of course, I also make sure to prioritize my training, so my off-season days are a balance between work, fitness, and recovery.

How do you approach risk management and safety?

When you're off-piste or on the mountain, there are a lot of factors to consider. It's important to be aware of every decision you make in those situations, and safety is key. For me, safety is one of the most important aspects of freeriding, aside from the actual riding itself.

Every time I head out or plan a line, I always check the snow conditions, the weather, and any potential avalanche risks. It's crucial to read the mountain and assess the environment. I've had the privilege of working with a mountain guide as a coach, which has taught me a lot about safety protocols.

When I'm preparing to drop into a face, I always have a Plan A and a Plan B. I also make sure to know the escape routes and how to react in case something goes wrong. The risk is always there, but knowing how to handle it is what’s important. It’s about having all of these thoughts in your mind and being with people you can trust, who are capable of rescuing you if needed. Of course, the goal is to never have to reach that point, but if something does happen, it’s essential to know what to do.

Competition and Performance

What’s your mindset going into a competition?

When it comes to competition day, I think it’s important to really study the face and the line you want to take. Once you’re looking at the face, I consider my options and decide which line feels right for me. I usually spend about two hours or so studying the line to make sure I’m confident in my choice.

I try to approach it with the best mindset possible, focusing on building confidence. I tell myself, "I can do this," and try to stay positive, keeping in mind that I’m doing something I love. When I’m confident in my decision and proud of the line I’ve chosen, everything else falls into place. The results will come when you're sure of what you're doing and you’re enjoying it. That’s my focus going into the competition.

Do you have any rituals or routines?

It might sound a little funny, but when I’m hiking up to the face, I constantly tell myself, "Nuria, you can do this," over and over. It’s something I do throughout the approach to just give myself that extra push. Even though I’ve already prepared mentally and physically, it’s like a little reminder to stay focused and confident.

I also always bring my foam roller to competitions to stretch before going out—it's part of my routine to keep both my body and mind in the right place. There’s nothing too special or complicated, but when I’m at the start gate, I usually just take a moment to say, “Thank you for the opportunity to be here,” and then I tell myself, "Okay, now I’m going down." It’s a simple way to center myself and focus on what’s ahead.

How do you choose your lines during a competition?

After 13 years of competing, I’ve developed a pretty good sense of what works for me. When I see a face, I instantly start visualizing a few lines. I’m usually looking for something that’s steep, technical, has some cool features, or maybe a big drop that I feel confident I can land.

Then, I study the line more carefully to make sure it's something I actually want to ride. My experience as a judge also helps a lot because it gives me insight into what the judges are looking for. But at the end of the day, it’s about choosing a line that I believe I can do, something I’m confident in. We’re not crazy; we know our limits and what we can land. For me, I really love steep, technical sections with cool features, speed, and big drops.

What’s your biggest strength on the mountain?

I really like to go fast, and I think every season I’m learning something new about how to handle it. I enjoy riding big mountain faces, especially when I can combine speed with a nice big drop. I feel most confident in steep areas, and I think I’m pretty good at navigating those sections. It’s all about flow and control, and I’ve learned to embrace the challenges that come with riding steep terrain.

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

When I’m in competition mode, I try not to think about the external factors that come with competing at a high level, like media, cameras, sponsors, or being live on TV. I focus solely on what I need to do in that moment. It’s easy to add extra pressure to an already high-pressure situation, so I work hard to block that out and concentrate on just enjoying the mountain. At the end of the day, my goal is to have fun, do my best, and that’s it.

Lifestyle and Well-Being

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

I would consider myself a creative person. I’m a designer, so I really enjoy doing creative things like working on design projects or playing the guitar. I also like to play with fire and float toys sometimes, which is a bit of a creative outlet for me.

Besides training and working on my body and mind, I think it’s important to have a balance. Freeride itself has a creative side, too—choosing your line is like creating something unique. I see it as an art form in its own way.

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

Through freeride, I’ve had the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures, which has made me more aware of global issues, especially around sustainability. Being in nature, on the mountain, has made me realize how important it is to protect the things I love. This has become a big part of my values, and I try to incorporate sustainability into my daily life, not just when I’m out riding.

I also work with brands that support and commit to making positive changes, like creating products with recycled materials or reducing emissions. I’m part of two organizations: Protect Our Winters (POW) in Austria, which focuses on protecting winter environments, and Good Karma Projects in Spain, which works on cleaning up beaches and fighting pollution, especially in the Mediterranean. These causes are close to my heart, and I’m not just an ambassador for these organizations—I actively participate in their campaigns, cleanups, and other initiatives.

As a designer, I also contribute by creating materials for these organizations. Being involved in these projects and taking action to help the environment is incredibly fulfilling and meaningful to me.

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

I’m not sure there’s one thing that’s absolutely essential, but I always make sure to bring my laptop. It’s not something super special, but it’s practical for work. I used to have a necklace that I always wore, but I lost it, so now I just have to get by without it.

Goals and Career Growth

What are your goals for this season?

For this season, my goal is to continue in the same direction I went last year—seeing where my limits are and pushing myself to do things I enjoy. I do have some specific goals, but I prefer to keep them to myself for now. The main thing is to do my best and see where it takes me.

How do you see the progression in the snowboard women category?

For sure, the female snowboard category has faced a lot of criticism in the past, and it’s tough when you see negative comments online. It doesn’t reflect well on the person making the comments, and it certainly doesn’t help the athletes mentally. But despite that, I think the level in women’s snowboarding has improved a lot in recent years, and it’s amazing to see the progression.

There’s still a lot of work to do, and when you compare it to Ski Men, especially in terms of tricks like cork sevens, there’s a clear difference. But the reality is that we’re jumping bigger cliffs now and doing more than we used to, which is a huge step forward. Grabs are becoming more common too, which was rare before. And we’ve seen tricks like 360s, which are becoming more common, even though there used to be only one person doing them.

The progression of the sport will really grow when there are more women riders. The more women we have in the sport, the more opportunities there will be for everyone to push their limits and try new things. If we’re only a few, you end up sticking to what you know because it’s safer. But the more of us there are, the more the sport will evolve.

How do you balance the competitive nature of freeride with fostering a sense of community among the women on Tour?

This ties into what I was talking about earlier. When there are fewer women in the sport, it naturally becomes more competitive. If you look at the Ski Men’s category, they’re always together, talking about their lines and sharing knowledge. In the women’s category, since there are fewer of us, the dynamic is different. Personally, I used to be more competitive, but now I don’t focus on that as much because, at the end of the day, it’s just you on the mountain.

I don’t have a problem with the other riders, though. There are some who are more competitive than others, and you can feel that, but for me, I enjoy spending time with the more relaxed riders. Last year, Erin Sauve was one of my closest friends on tour, and it was great hanging out with her. Michaela Davis-Meehan is another rider I enjoy spending time with, and I’m excited to see her again this year.

It’s all about sharing knowledge and supporting each other. Of course, some riders are more private about their lines or what they’re planning to do because, with fewer contenders, even a small change could make a big difference. But this kind of competitive dynamic is also present in other categories, like the Ski Women’s group. There’s always that drive to do better than the others. However, I think the real value is in the community we build—motivating each other to push ourselves, to try something bigger, and to have fun together while still keeping it individual.

Spanish Winter Sports Federation, Growth, and Support

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

The best advice I’ve received is when you’re doubting yourself or feeling like you're not enough, just remind yourself to do what you’ve already been doing. It’s just another day on the mountain, doing what you know how to do, but in a competition. Don’t try to do more than what you’re already capable of. Of course, you have to push yourself, but it’s important not to overdo it. Max Hitzig said you should aim for 97%, but for me, I’d say 85%. The key is to stick with what you know and have confidence in your ability.

How has being part of a federation changed your perspective on freeride?

I never imagined I’d be part of a federation, or that freeride would be recognized as a sport by one. I’ve been competing for 13 years in freeride, and it’s amazing to see how the sport has evolved, especially in Spain. At first, the idea of being part of a federation seemed so distant to me, but now I’m in that structure, and it’s great to witness freeride becoming more recognized and integrated.

It’s fantastic to see that the sport is evolving, and I’m proud to represent Spain in this new phase. I really hope that this recognition will spread to other countries as well. At the beginning, it might seem like a big change, but it’s a great opportunity for athletes, not just in terms of media exposure, but in many other ways. I now understand what it truly means to be part of a federation, and I’d definitely recommend that other athletes push for the recognition of freeride in their countries as well.

Being part of the federation has opened up many opportunities for me, especially after last season. It’s a great place for athletes to connect with their country’s Winter Sports Federation and push for the inclusion of freeride. Time passes quickly, and life is short—if you want to be a part of this, you have to try and make it happen. It’s a huge opportunity for any athlete.

How has joining a federation improved your visibility and support?

Integrating freeride into the structure of a federation has been really beneficial in many ways. One of the key benefits is the increased visibility it brings to the sport. In Spain, before this recognition, many people didn’t even know what freeride was. Now, it has a much larger presence, and we’re still a small community, so the visibility has grown significantly.

Personally, being part of the federation has greatly increased my visibility as an athlete, especially with the results I achieved last season. It’s also opened doors to more sponsorship opportunities. Before being part of the federation, I tried reaching out to sponsors, but they would often say they only supported athletes who were part of a recognized structure. Now, with the federation backing, it’s much easier to gain support.

The federation also provides a level of support I never had before, especially when it comes to training, travel, and organizing everything I need to focus on my career. In the past, I had to manage everything on my own, which was a lot of pressure. Now, having that support is such a relief and makes a big difference in my ability to focus on what matters most—competing and improving.

How have your recent awards and recognition motivated you to keep pushing forward?

For sure, in the federation, results are important, and at the end of the day, it's about what you achieve. The first year I joined the federation was actually my best season ever, and that recognition felt really rewarding. This season, I’ve already received two awards in Spain, which has been great.

These awards give me recognition for the hard work I put in, especially the work that isn’t always visible. It also motivates me to keep going because it shows that the effort and sacrifices I make are worth it. It’s a combination of everything—these achievements, the sacrifices, and the support—that makes me realize I need to keep pushing forward and continue working hard

Impact and Achievements

How does it feel to be a reference in Spanish freeride and contribute to its growth?

In Spain, I’d say I’m somewhat known in the freeride community, and it’s really exciting to see how much the sport is growing—much more than I ever thought it would. The fact that freeride is now integrated into the federation is a huge step forward. For example, snowboard and ski instructor training now requires the same hours for freestyle and freeride, which is a big change and a huge recognition for the sport.

I’m also going to be part of a coaching program for freeride in Spain, which is another way to contribute to the growth of the sport. More visibility and more opportunities like this will help future talents emerge, and it’s exciting to be a part of that.

For me personally, it’s great to be part of the history of freeride in Spain, especially since there weren’t many references before. I’m proud to be someone others can look up to, get inspired by, and be motivated to chase their own dreams. That’s really special.

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

I think my proudest moment was last season, looking back now with perspective. The year before, I was in a really dark place—I almost died in an avalanche in Verbier. The first competition of the Freeride World Tour that year happened to be in Verbier, since Baqueira and Andorra got cancelled. At first, I was thinking, "I need to go back there, it’s where it all happened."

I decided to face my fears. I told myself, "New year, new me," and I needed to go back to Verbier to confront those emotions, to free myself from the pain and close that chapter. I went there, and I cried, laughed, screamed—it was a mix of emotions. After that, I felt so much power and empowerment.

Two days later, I found out that the first competition was in Verbier, and I felt relieved. I had already dealt with the emotional side, so I could just focus on the competition. And then, I ended up winning. That moment was so much more than just a victory; it was about overcoming that internal struggle. After that, I didn’t really care about the rest of the season. For me, I had already won something far greater than a competition.

What motivates you to push through the toughest moments when you feel like giving up?

What really works for me is reminding myself that when you feel like you can’t go on, or when you're too lazy, tired, or just don’t want to do it, that’s exactly when you need to push through. It’s in those moments that you have the greatest opportunity to prove to yourself that you can overcome it.

When things are easy and you’re feeling motivated, it’s easy to keep going. But the real growth happens when you push yourself even when you don’t feel like it. Those tough moments will make all the hard work worth it in the end.

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