German pro freeskier and all-round nice guy Sven Kueenle took to skis at age three, becoming a freeride and freestyle skier when he turned 16 a decade ago. He is currently competing at Red Bull Linecatcher and his documentary Aestivation is in the works. We threw him a couple of verbal snowballs.
'Koockley': My nickname. It comes from the American way of trying to pronounce my name. “Kjunlay” would be a more successful approach.
'Red Bull Linecatcher': A feast for freeskiers with style, which I’m really looking forward to. It takes place in Vars, in the French Alps, from January 9 to 16. I’ve been preparing for it very carefully.
'Travelling': That’s a really cool part of my job. You get to know various cultures and people around the globe which is fantastic. Still, I could do without long distance flights...
'Early starts': Really tough – especially in winter!
'Success': It’s all about the details and in the memories: things like the fluffy pillow line in the Canadian Rockies or a smooth landing – for me it’s rarely something that ends up in the public eye.
'Virgin snow': A rarity these days.
'Mortal danger': It’s a constant companion, but experience and expertise prevents it from coming too close.
'IF3 – International Freeskiing Festival': It’s like a family reunion for the worldwide freeski community. We celebrate past projects and talk about upcoming ones.
'Mausefalle': (or Mousetrap, this is a crucial part of the Streif racing track in Kitzbühel. Sven did a backflip into it as a sideshow): Did that in 2008 and gladly don’t have to do it again.
'Freeskiing in the Olympics': I have my doubts. Of course it would push our sport in the media and would help us to make a better living. On the other hand, it could steer the free spirit of it on too narrow tracks. For me, freeskiing is all about getting out in the great outdoors, I’m not sure it would stay that way as an Olympic sport.
'Girlfriend': That's a touchy subject because I recently learned what a broken heart feels like.
'Snowboarding': I give it a go once a year.'
'alpineinitiatives.org': A charity project, founded by my friends from the skiing. By building an orphanage in Africa we could help many kids to stay in their homeland under better living conditions. A lot of time and money has been invested in it – if you want to support us and donate, check out the homepage!
'Lindsey Vonn': Damn fast on skis! I’d love to know if she could keep up with me off-piste.
'Future plans': I’ve got Red Bull Cold Rush in March, I’m working with outfitter and ski film director Willy Bogner and I’ve got several other film projects in the pipeline.
Sven is currently taking part in Red Bull Linecatcher. Visit Red Bull Skiing.
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