Rider’s Spotlight: Timm Schröder about his Rookie Season, Daring Lines & Teaching the Next Generation

At 26, Timm Schröder has already become a standout name in the freeride snowboarding world. Growing up in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, Timm’s love for the mountains began early, and his natural progression from skiing to snowboarding soon followed. His big break came when he earned his spot on the Freeride World Tour after impressive results on the qualification circuit. In just his rookie season, Timm has already earned a reputation for his fluid style and daring lines, showcasing his fearless approach to the sport.

Outside of competing, Timm is also deeply committed to sharing his passion for snowboarding with the next generation. As a certified snowboard instructor, he spends his off-season working with kids, teaching them the fundamentals of freeride and ensuring they understand the importance of safety on the mountain. In this interview, Timm opens up about his journey from local resorts to the Tour, his training regimen, and how he manages the pressures of competition while staying grounded and focused on his love for the sport.

Getting Started in Freeride Snowboarding

Where are you originally from?

I originally come from Bavaria in Germany, and I have some small home resorts there that are really sweet when there's snow. But I lived in Innsbruck for a long time, and the mountains here are much higher. It's not far from home, and now I live in Zillertal. There's a lot of different ski resorts in the valley, and a lot of good snow. So I’d say the whole Zillertal valley is my home resort right now.

What inspired you to start freeride snowboarding?

I think it’s more of a question of what inspired me to snowboard. My sister was always my idol when it came to snowboarding. She was the only one in the family snowboarding, and she always took me everywhere. I was always trying to be part of the older group, especially with my sister, who’s 10 years older than me. Being on the mountain with her and her friends was so cool and motivated me to start snowboarding. Back then, there weren’t many terrain parks, so jumping mostly happened on self-made jumps or cliffs, and I got into freeriding from the beginning.

Challenges and Growth

What were your biggest challenges early in your freeride career?

I started competing when I was 15, and I had the points to go to the 4-stars from the beginning. Every year, I could see I was progressing towards the top of the seeding list. But for three years, I kept getting second or third, and only the first place in the qualification moves up to the Tour. It was definitely frustrating, especially after the third year in a row being so close. Then, in the pre-season before the next year, I overshot the pearl line in Stubai and broke my hip. I was out for the season, and that really taught me resilience and how to come back stronger, training my body differently. Before, I was still youth and felt unbreakable, but that injury was a big life lesson.

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

For sure, my sister was the biggest influence, but also the pro riders around me, like Guigui and Flo Orley. They all had crazy style and amazing personalities, and they taught me some tricks. I looked up to them as professional snowboarders, and they were a big inspiration in shaping how I approach the sport.

Preparation and Mindset

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

I work with a professional freerunner who’s also a coach. He helps me with air elements and a lot of strength and mobility work. We do a lot of workouts together, including trampoline training and practicing with the paragliding gear. This helps me stay physically fit and mentally sharp, especially for filming, where you only get one shot at a line. It’s almost like a competition situation. My preparation sets the tone for how ready I feel when I’m on the mountain.

What’s your mindset going into a competition?

The best way to handle the pressure is to think of every competition not just as a competition but as a vacation trip. I try to have a good time and enjoy myself. I always take my best friends with me, and they help keep the vibe positive. That keeps my stoke high and reflects in the way I ride.

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

Getting onto the Tour was my proudest moment. I was working for it for so long, and just being on the Tour was a childhood dream. But staying on the Tour is just as hard as getting there, so I try to stay calm and focused. The pressure doesn’t amplify for me, because I’ve been competing for years before getting on the Tour.

Line Choice and Training

How do you choose your lines during a competition?

I spend a lot of time looking at the mountain, trying to figure out where to go. I look at the lines from every angle, including with drones. I usually go back to my first instinct after checking out all the other lines. It’s funny how often the first line I choose ends up being the one I stick with.

How do you train line scoping?

Filming is probably the best preparation for competition, as you only get one try to do it right. Line scoping involves looking at the mountain from different angles to see where the features are and plan the run accordingly. It’s important to have different perspectives, and that helps me feel more confident when it comes time to ski the line.

What’s your biggest strength on the mountain?

I think my biggest strength is being well-rounded. I’m not necessarily a specialist in one thing, but I can do everything pretty well. Freeriding is all about versatility, and I think I bring a lot of balance to my runs, whether it’s jumping, turning, or picking a technical line.

Goals and Future

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

My goal is to become Freeride World Champion. I’m focused on staying on the Tour and continuing to improve, and of course, winning the title would be amazing. I’m not too concerned if it doesn’t happen this year, but that’s my ultimate goal.

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

In the next 5-10 years, I hope to become a certified snowboard guide. I’m also really passionate about coaching kids, so I could see myself transitioning into that. For now, I’m focused on staying on the Tour and enjoying the process.

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

I think I’ll keep that a secret for now! The surprise will be better that way.

Freeride’s Impact and the Future of the Sport

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

The sport is definitely changing. Freeride is growing more popular, and with the Freeride World Tour expanding, there are more opportunities than ever. It’s exciting to see new spots like Georgia and Spain becoming more involved in the sport. I want to keep pushing the sport forward and help more riders experience the joy of freeriding.

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

Getting onto the Tour was my proudest moment. It was a childhood dream to compete at this level, and when it finally happened, it was a huge achievement.

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

The best advice I’ve received is to be patient and not take shortcuts. If you do, you might end up in the hospital. Staying in one piece and gradually progressing is the way to go.

What advice would you give to young riders starting out in freeride today?

Stay in one piece and don’t try to take shortcuts. It’s better to gradually improve and be patient rather than pushing too hard and risking injury.

Environmental Impact and Personal Meaning

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

I’m really big into Protect our Winters, which is a movement focused on climate change and the environment. As freeriders, we need to care about the mountains and our future. That’s a big topic for me, and it’s important to talk about the issues that impact us all.

What does freeride mean to you on a personal level?

Freeride is everything to me. It’s my form of meditation and stress relief. Without skiing and freeride, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. It’s shaped my life in so many ways, and I’m super thankful to be able to experience it.

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

I come from a family of ski racers, and while freeride is different, I still bring a bit of that racing technique into my skiing. It’s important for me to have a strong technique and use that to improve my freeride skiing.

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