[Q&A] Simo Peltola Joins Icelantic Skis, Including To The Manufacturers Rising Freestyle Workforce

Featured Picture: Michal Prouza | Skier: Simo Peltola

Icelantic Skis has introduced they’ve added one in every of Europe’s most fashionable riders, Simo Peltola, AKA Speldo, to the roster. With the remake of their award profitable Nomad line, the model has made strikes not too long ago to develop past the backcountry and all-mountain classes for which they’ve garnered an excellent fame. With the addition of Peltola, they’ve added one other key participant to their staff, and proceed to carry their experience to a complete new viewers. If he wasn’t already in your radar, there’s little doubt that Speldo will probably be one in every of your favourite riders to observe from right here on out. His creativity speaks volumes, as he has discovered methods to interrupt exterior of the field that may typically accompany formal aggressive freestyle snowboarding. It’s spectacular, particularly contemplating his historical past of competing with F.I.S. To say Icelantic is happy concerning the new addition can be a large understatement.

“With the lengthy awaited revamp of the Nomad line lastly coming to fruition, we couldn’t be extra psyched about Simo becoming a member of our staff. Between his distinctive fashion, world class expertise, and his real pleasure, we are able to’t consider a greater individual to be flying the Icelantic flag within the freestyle world. We’re proud to assist him as he continues to push the artistic boundaries of freeskiing, and has rattling good time doing it.” – John Douthit, World Operations Supervisor at Icelantic Skis

He received’t be the one park-oriented rider toting Icelantic Skis on his toes this season. Whereas they won’t be the primary firm that involves thoughts whenever you consider shimmering rails or pristine booters, they’re certainly working their approach into the dialog. Peltola joins the likes of Calvin Barrett, Sam Winship and Parker Norvell because the freestyle minded skiers on Icelantic. However with all of the choices on the market, we wished to know, what drew Peltola to Icelantic? Their planks have lengthy stood out to numerous riders across the Rocky Mountains, however how did this Finnish born Freestyle guru discover his was to a Colorado ski firm? With no time to waist, FREESKIER hit up Peltola to get his ideas on turning into the most recent member of the Icelantic staff.

Thanks for speaking, Simo. What intrigues you as a skier and an individual about becoming a member of the Icelantic Workforce?

The thought with Icelantic sparked after attempting out my pal’s skis and immediately liking them, so shout out to Oli for that. I discovered myself preferring his skis over mine and noticed the potential for Icelantic within the park scene. Icelantic’s underground vibe within the freeski scene makes it a little bit of a mysterious transfer, which I like. It’s a model that I can see myself rising with, and I get pleasure from taking my very own route.

What’s your private favourite Icelantic ski? Are there any fashions you’ve gotten but to attempt however wish to?

My favourite pair of skis is certainly the brand new Nomad 100s. They’re only a good on a regular basis ski for me. I used to ski on a 91mm broad [underfoot] nearly full rocker ski, which was enjoyable however powerful in icy circumstances. The 100mm presents a playful really feel with sufficient rocker to get that feeling of freedom whereas being steady sufficient in wintery circumstances due to the 4mm camber. In addition they float higher in slush, so it’s a win-win for certain.

I’m fascinated by attempting the backcountry skis Icelantic has to supply. I’ve a pair of the brand new Nomad 112s however haven’t had a very good day to check them but since I acquired them fairly late within the season. I’m for certain going to attempt these skis out correctly as quickly as I get the possibility! I’m additionally hyped to attempt the Nomad 106s as properly, which must be a very good hybrid for aspect nation, park, and spring backcountry jumps. 

We first noticed you publish on a pair of Icelantic skis earlier this winter. What are your impressions after using the Nomad 100 for a couple of months?

I began using the Nomad 100s final September in Cardrona [New Zealand]. At first, I needed to regulate to the broader ski and bigger flip radius. We had been at a nationwide staff camp so I largely used the Nomad 95s for giant jumps since they had been extra just like my earlier skis. Initially, I assumed the 100s is perhaps too cumbersome for larger tips, however on the Copper Large Air, I made a decision to attempt them and I felt full. The swing weight was good, and I had no downside doing 16s with them. The brand new thinner tip and tail made spinning extra fluent, and perhaps even quicker.

Initially, I used the 100s for cruising, however they rapidly grew to become my every day drivers. Every single day on them has felt good, and I’ve caught myself smiling whereas snowboarding down the hill. In November, I posted my first clip snowboarding with Icelantic, which was nerve-racking since I used to be recognized for snowboarding Increase. Fortunately, the suggestions I acquired from folks was supportive, and making it official with ecook was the proper technique to announce the change.

How does the ski cater to your fashion within the park? 

The ski provides me extra confidence going massive and quick whereas nonetheless being playful sufficient for just about every part, even goofing round on small obstacles and doing butters on flat surfaces. It additionally makes snowboarding in icy circumstances way more pleasant.

What’s one trick that the ski does exceptionally properly? 

My favourite maneuver is hopping on the recommendations on flat and stalling for a second. They supply good assist, staying steady underfoot whereas largely bending on the tip. Simply butters for the soul! Additionally, they’re good for Ok-Fed’s.

Which skiers on the Icey staff encourage you essentially the most? How so?

I’m impressed by the Icelantic staff as a complete. They’ve such a large discipline of riders. I’m additionally hyped to pitch concepts for potential new European riders that might assist unfold the model.

Icelantic relies out of Golden, CO. What’s your favourite resort in Colorado, and the place would you like to go subsequent?

I’ve been to Colorado 4 occasions. My first go to was for the 2021 World Champs in Aspen, which was additionally my first time within the [United] States. I then went to Steamboat for the Large Air World Cup in 2021, and I’ve been to Copper twice, each for competitions. I’ve by no means had a correct expertise exterior of comps, however I’d be hyped to go there simply to ski and perhaps movie one thing. We’ve been speaking a few potential pow journey in the future, which might be the sickest!

What can be your dream undertaking with Icelantic sooner or later? Who would you like to work with on it? 

I’d be so hyped on a signature prime sheet, as a result of I spend lots of time designing graphics and it might be so rewarding to see my visions come to life. It could even be good to pair that with a movie half, perhaps that includes backcountry jumps and hopefully some avenue snowboarding. I simply must follow my backcountry abilities in personal first [laughs]. I actually like the best way Keeshlife movies their backcountry components. It’s very uncooked with out an excessive amount of further. That’s the inspiration, for certain! Hopefully sooner or later I’ll get a European crew collectively to movie and share the Icelantic imaginative and prescient with a brand new viewers.