Marion Haerty was given her first snowboard at the age of ten; it was love at first ride. Since then, she’s put her all into the sport and won four Freeride World Champion titles along the way. Haerty sets her sights on exploring new horizons, finding the best lines, and experiencing new cultures, with a fair bit of shred mixed in for good measure.
Haerty breaks down the five destinations that shaped her career.
High Five
1. Chamonix, France
I automatically fell in love with Chamonix – I was unaware of these magnificent landscapes, surrounded by glaciers, in my home country. Humility and respect come quickly when you consider the scale of the mountains. The slopes and couloirs are steep like nowhere else. They definitely shape you as a big mountain rider but also as an alpinist. Thanks to the L’Aiguille du Midi lift, access to this special place is easy, but you need to develop your skills if you decide to go without a guide. The high altitude guarantees quality snow and a long season. You can ride until mid-June, depending on the snow conditions, and start in the middle of September if you are super motivated.
2. Lobuche, Nepal
The ascent of Lobuche was a combination of athletic challenge, cultural discovery and solidarity with your team. I’m the first person to have achieved this mountain’s 6,117-metre snowboard descent, pushing the limits of snowboarding and mountaineering. It was an exacting physical and mental challenge, requiring rigorous preparation and determination. A far cry from the competitions I was accustomed to, I embarked on this personal project to push my boundaries and experience something uniquely cultural, working exclusively with female Sherpas. The documentary – directed by Alicia Cenci and produced by The North Face – retraces this mission. Tackling Lobuche transcended the sport: it was a human adventure rich in emotion, inviting us to push our limits, discover other cultures, and champion a just cause.
Haerty shredding the backcountry
Robin O'Neill
3. Hakuba, Japan
Hakuba, nestled in the heart of the Japanese Alps, is a true snowboarder’s paradise. I went there for a photo shoot with Rossignol and realised how much snow you can get in one night! After a day of riding, you can go directly to the onsen – the natural hot springs typical of Japan – and relax and recharge your batteries while experiencing an ancestral tradition. Half of the reason I’m an athlete is so that I can eat what I want; Japanese cuisine is one of my favourites. In Hakuba, you can taste delicate local specialities such as ramen, sushi or shabu-shabu between discovering Shinto temples, visiting traditional villages, and enjoying the amenities of an international ski resort; not to mention buckets of champagne powder.
4. Gulmarg, India
Without a doubt, the trip that taught me the most about cultural diversity was Gulmarg, a destination of choice for snowboarders looking for adventure and discovery. Its breathtaking landscapes, abundant snow and rich culture make it a uniquely vibrant place to travel. There are tensions with Pakistan – when riding, you’ll often encounter soldiers camouflaged in the forests and trucks packed full of armed men at the lift stations. At the time that I visited, I was in my very early twenties, travelling solo… this trip opened my mind to the larger world.
5. Haines, Alaska
Alaska is an infinite freeride playground. Especially the city of Haines, which has become legendary among international snowboarders. Its wild landscapes, abundant snow and unique conditions make it a dream destination for powder lovers. The snow in Haines is renowned for its exceptional quality. Light and abundant, it offers perfect sliding conditions for much of the winter. In addition, the combination of Arctic and maritime climates guarantees dry and stable snow, which is ideal for freeriding. I discovered this place during the Freeride World Tour and then the area north of Anchorage with the Natural Selection Tour; it’s bucket-list riding.
