A recreational skier all her life, Ingrid Backstrom didn’t enter her first big-mountain competition until she was 21, and even then it was on a whim. Lo and behold, she won it, and kept winning almost every contest she entered. More impressive, she captured the attention and respect of every athlete who’s ever laid skis to snow. Some people call her the best female freeskier in the world. Those who have skied with her or seen her in person call her the best freeskier in the world. And maybe it’s because she’s a woman, not in spite of that fact. She approaches big lines with patience and respect for risk. Her forte? Shredding huge, gnarly lines and making it look easy. You can too.

More Tips from the Pros:
Jonny Moseley–Flow
Glen Plake–Play