PRO OF THE MONTH: DECEMBER '22

By 23rd December 2022.

22|23 December Pro of the Month : Rasmus Wase

Our Pro of the Month column celebrates the remarkable individuals within The Pro Collective. Enjoy inspirational stories shared by your fellow mountain professionals and see how Faction Skis allow them to thrive on the front lines. To be featured as a Pro of the Month, fill out the form linked here.

Our December Pro of the Month is Rasmus Wase, a twenty-year-old Swede who works as a ski technician in a ski shop in Hemsedal, Norway. Read on to find out why Rasmus enjoys his profession and what makes him tick when he's not working. 

WHICH RESORT DO YOU WORK AT?

Hemsedal Ski Resort in Norway

WHAT’S YOUR JOB ON THE MOUNTAIN? AND WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL?

I work in a ski shop where we rent out gear and do equipment maintenance like mounting bindings, sharpening edges, waxing, and repairs.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THIS PROFESSION?

My ski journey began when I was only three years old at a small resort in Dalarna, Sweden. During my childhood, I skied a lot with my family on vacations. When I was eight years old, I began skiing more regularly. Not long after, my interests shifted toward the park and off-piste skiing. I've been hooked ever since.

I started to compete in freestyle events when I was 15 years old. I then got the opportunity to train and compete more when I joined Freeridegymnasiet in Malung-Sälen, a high school specialized in freeride skiing and snowboarding. During my time at Malung, I learned a lot about skiing and equipment. I found it very interesting and I wanted to further develop my knowledge. This led to an internship in my last year at school at a ski shop in Lindvallen, Sälen. I enjoyed working with skis and being in the workshop. Now I work at a small ski shop in Hemsedal, Norway. I spend my free time skiing.

WHAT ARE THE ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB THAT MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD TO WORK IN THIS ROLE, AND IN THIS INDUSTRY?

I feel proud to be able to help people and increase their enjoyment of this amazing sport. It's cool to see people discover different types of skis and bindings and understand the effects of different tunes on their skiing.

DO YOU HAVE ONE OR TWO SHORT STORIES TO DEMONSTRATE HAPPY OR NOTEWORTHY MOMENTS ON THE JOB?

It is mostly the small things that are noteworthy. Like when you help someone who is struggling with aching feet. Or when you can make someone's skis look like new again. Or when an old lady complains that her newly-waxed skis were too fast!

WHAT DO YOU SKI ON “AT PLAY”?

I ski the Faction Prodigy 2 and 3 in the park. The Prodigy 2 is perfect for icy days and bigger, more challenging jumps. I love the Prodigy 3 for slushy conditions when I want to have a softer and looser ski. When touring or hunting pow turns, I bring out the Dancer 3 - it's great!

WHAT KIND OF SKIING DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME AND WHY?

My favorite discipline is park skiing. I also love skiing with a playful style, looking for powder, and jumping off side hits. At the beginning and end of the season, I work on my carving technique on the piste.  

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR WORK DURING THE OFF-SEASON?

I do a lot of different things. I have worked as a freestyle instructor in the summer at a summer park with an airbag. I have also worked in the mining industry in the north of Sweden. It’s fun and a good way to earn money for winter.

LASTLY, WHAT SUMMER SPORTS ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I do a lot of skateboarding, both in the streets and in skateparks. I like the sensation of skateboarding. In many ways, it's similar to skiing. You're free to do tricks and go anywhere you want.

Have your own story to share with The Pro Collective? Apply to be featured as our next Pro of the Month!