Stefan Häusl

Name: Stefan Häusl

Birthdate: 6/19/1976

Nationality: Austrian

Home Mountain: Arlberg
 
Genre of skiing: Freeride
 

Athlete talk

How and when did you start skiing, how has it evolved ever since and what got you into freeskiing?
I started skiing when I was three years old. The same as almost every Austrian growing up in the mountains. Since my first day I just wanted to ski all the time, didn't matter how bad the weather was. Even if there was just one hour left after school.

I started with ski racing and qualified for the regional skiing team. I was happy to get my first sponsorship at 10 years old. I got 4 pairs of skis a year. After some injuries I stopped racing at the age of 16. Then I became a snowboarder. It was much cooler than skiing at the time. When I was 20 I turned into a skier again and finished my ski instructor and ski guiding exams. I moved to the Arlberg. I started to love skiing offpiste.

Every free minute I went beyond the borders. On my lunch breaks, after teaching lessons…all the time. Then my wife Geli took me to my first Freeride Competition in Verbier. I absolutely loved it and since then I was lucky enough to be able to be a Freeride Pro. I am still loving it so much, I appreciate my job a lot! Yeahhh! 
 
Who were/ are your idols?
On the hill: Shane McConkey
 
What does skiing mean to you personally?
Skiing is absolutely my sport and my passion. My life is built around it. I live in one of the best Freeride resorts in the world, skiing is with me all the time!
 
What were your 3 biggest accomplishments on hill and why?
- skiing the Albonakopf, cause nobody skied this line before.
- skiing the Bec de Ross in a Freeride Competition, because I had starting number one and we had fresh powder over night. I was the first one in the Central Couloir. Scary but exiting! 
- skiing the Freeride world tour, because it is great to ski such good faces in safe conditions all around the world.
 
What aspect of skiing thrills you the most? 
Skiing a line I have prepared for more then one day. Standing at the "drop in" and then skiing the line as I planned it. Full on. That thrills me the most! 
 
In what conditions and what terrain do enjoy riding the most? 
End of season pow in steep and exposed lines! I like!
 
Any activities that aren’t ski related?
Mountain biking!!!
Climbing
Hiking
Traveling
Family time
 
How do you manage to combine family/ friends and job?
I don't think about that. I just live and try to take care of other people. Being nice to my family is my priority number one. They support me in my job (skiing) for 100%. They give me energy that I can put into my skiing. 
 
Plesae answer, if possible, with one word only. 
Trick/Move: Lines 
Band: Metallica 
Movie: Ocean's 11
Book: Stieg Larsson's books 
Drink: Beer
Food: Steak 
Country: Austria 
Resort/Place to ski: St. Anton am Arlberg 
Car: Mercedes Benz GLK
 
What do you like about SCOTT? 
Scott has cool products. From biking, running to skiing. They talk to their Athletes and then produce the products. Not the other way around. They do a great job!
 
What are your favorite SCOTT products? 
- Scott FIX goggle with light sensitive lenses
- Scott Roam Solid helmet
- Scott Team Issue pole
 
What SCOTT products are you using this year? 
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Ski Poles (normal and telescoptic)
- Protection
- Sunnies
- Backpacks (normal and avalanche bag)
 
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? 
Skiing as a Freeride Pro!
Enjoy life and be happy together with my family
 
What sponsors do you ride for besides SCOTT? 
Nordica
Frencys
Level
Mercedes Benz GLK
Sport Alber
 
People you feel you need to thank 
Thanks to my wife Geli, she understands my passion for skiing sometimes dangerous lines. Thanks to our daughter Jana to make our life even brighter then it was already. 
 
What’s playing on your iPod right now? 
Oasis live album