Janina Kuzma

Freeride

My career started out on the free ride scene. I competed on the US freeksi circuit and also on the FWT. When Halfpipe got accepted into the Olympics I decided to qualify and ended up in 5th Place. I've also been filming with Shades of Winter since 2013. I feel so lucky to be able to do what I love as a job.

Facts

Date of birth: 17.09.1985
Nationality: New Zealand
Home mountain: Cardrona
Motto: You only have one body. Be good to it!
Disciplines: Freeride, Freeski, Halfpipe, NZMGA Ski Guide.
Hobbies: Hiking, SUP, biking
Website: Janinakuzma.com

Top results

3rd overall FWT 2011,

5th Olympic Games Halfpipe 2014,

1st Overall Halfpipe Grand Prix Champion 2015,

1st Copepr Grand Prix 2015,

2nd Overall FIS Halfpipe 2015,

2nd Overall AFP Halfpipe 2015,

3rd Mammoth Grand Prix 2016

Interview

1. Favorite Dalbello Boot: DRS Race boot
2. What do you use this boot for?: Skiing Halfpipe, Freeride
3. Why do you like this boot?: It's super stiff and responsive and it also fits my narrow foot.
4. Why do you like being a part of the Dalbello team?: Because the boots fit my narrow foot and is super responsive which is what you need when skiing pipe.
5. How long have you been riding for Dalbello?: Since 2012
6. What age did you start skiing?: When i was six years old.
7. Biggest breakthrough in your ski career: Competing on the FWT cicuit and then competing in the 2014 winter Olympic Games for Halfpipe.
8. Favorite Place to ride: Canada, New Zealand
9. Your Best Ski Trip you have done: Alaska with SOW
10. Ski destination where you haven’t been and would like to go?: Some exotic place in Asia
11. Ski Hero/Role Model Growing up: Ingrid Backstrom
12. What do you do when you are not skiing?: I'm always skiing!
13. How do you train to keep in shape for skiing?: Lots of strength work in the gym.
14. What can’t you live without: My husband Chris
15. What are 3 things we should know about you?: I love to ski! I have lots of energy! I love skiing!
16. Motto/Words you live by: You only have one body. Be good to it!
17. Most Humbling moment: Competing for New Zealand at the Sochi Winter Olympics
18. Future Goals and Plans and Ambitions: Finish my Masters, continue to film and compete the next Olympics
19. How did you become involved in Ski Touring?: I spent a lot of seasons in Fernie when I was younger. We used to tour out to some huts with friends. I was where we'd get the best snow!
20. What is in your pack when you go out ski touring?: Avi air bag, shovel, probe, transiever (wearing), water bottle, lunch, sunglasses, spare goggle lens and a extra layer.