Jana, you've had an exciting year, haven't you?

Yes! After deciding to specialise in freeriding in 2024, I was able to focus fully on my favourite discipline for the first time this year – and that was just awesome!

I competed in eight junior events and won five of them. I came third in another race. Unfortunately, I had crashes in the other two – but that's just part of freeriding. You can hit a hidden rock or – as happened to me – jump right into a landing hole left by another rider ;-).

My biggest goal – apart from personal development – was to qualify again for the 2026 Junior World Championships. And I did it!


What was your personal highlight?

This year, I set myself the goal of learning as much as possible. That meant, for example, landing my first double backflip in the snow – a huge milestone for me. My normal backflips are now big and controlled.

Another goal was to incorporate a 360° into each of my competition runs. That worked out almost every time. This development was my focus this year – and it was incredibly fun.

Was there a race that didn't go as planned – and what did you learn from it?

After becoming Junior World Champion in 2024, this year's fall was obviously not particularly fun. I was on my way to my two biggest jumps in the run. Then I came to the first cliff – and because of the fresh snow that had been blown in, I sank deep after landing. Both bindings came loose.

That's freeriding – it can happen, even if it wasn't a riding mistake.

Did it annoy me? Yes, of course. But in freeriding, you quickly learn that you can't control everything. Fortunately, the season continued well after that.

How has your training changed compared to last season – has there been anything new or surprising?

I train at the Ski Gymnasium Stams with the freestyle team. There, I work on my freestyle tricks and also do athletic training. From mid-November onwards, I train exclusively with my father's private training team. This team includes freeride world champions and top athletes from the Freeride World Tour – a perfect environment for me to develop my skills.

And, of course, I also shred with the freeride team from the Arlberg Ski Club in between – it's always fun and really enjoyable!

Which slope was the biggest challenge for you this season and why?

In Verbier (Switzerland), we had terrible snow conditions – it rained the evening before and then it got very cold during the night. This meant we had broken crust during the competition.

I still managed to do a big 360° and land it – but then I lost control and crashed, until luckily a small tree stopped me. Fortunately, everything turned out fine – I wasn't injured! But yes, that was definitely the most shocking moment of the season.

Which of your results are you particularly proud of?

The best junior riders competed against each other in Nendaz (Switzerland). I won the event with 96 out of a possible 100 points and had a clear lead over the rest of the field.

My line was named ‘Line of the Day’ – not only in the junior women's category, but in all categories, even ahead of the men. I was incredibly proud of that!

The feedback after the event was extremely positive and appreciative across the board.

How did you deal with pressure or nervousness – do you have any rituals or strategies?

There isn't always time for the same ritual at the start. Stress often arises because you see from the first riders that the snow conditions are worse (or sometimes better) than expected. Then you have to reschedule with your coach before the start and switch to plan B. I feel a healthy tension when this happens.

I work intensively with my mental coach at the Ski Gymnasium Stams. She has taught me many techniques that help me quickly get into the right competitive zone. It's working better and better, and I do my best to stay focused and confident every time I start.

Was there a situation in which you surpassed yourself – mentally or athletically?

My first double backflip this season was a real challenge. After my normal backflip during the warm-up, I knew: today is the day it will work. Two cameramen were already standing at the kicker, I was equipped with a microphone – and I immediately felt: ‘It's time to shine.’ That's my mantra in my head that tells me: ‘Let's go!’

So full throttle: approach, take-off, two somersaults in the air – and I landed it! That moment was incredibly cool.

How important was the team (coaches, family, teammates) to you?

In winter, we all help each other: my mum Geli and my dad Stefan manage the travel, training and all the organisational stuff. I take care of my social media channels, while my parents help me with filming.

In Stams, I attend the ski school, complete my athletic training there and meet regularly with my mental coach. So we are a big team – and it's fun to experience the sport together like this.

What would you say to yourself at the beginning of the season with the knowledge you have today?

Just ski well and go for it, then I'll always be at the front of the pack. Don't try to do too much.

What are your goals for next season?

Just keep doing what I've been doing, that's the most fun!