INTERVIEW WITH MILA DE LE RUE

Mila, huge congrats on qualifying for the Freeride World Tour 2027! How does it feel?

Thank you !!!! I am sooo stocked. It’s been a dream of mine for some time now, and I’m so happy it happened now. It’s like the most perfect timing ever, as I am finishing school in June, I’m taking a sabbatical year to do only skiing (since I’ve never really done that) and of course really want to travel lots. It’s also so good it’s now because my uncle Victor is still doing the FWT and I’m so happy to join him because we get on really well and it’s I find it so cool to have the opportunity to share something that crazy with MY UNCLE !! Like who does that haha. ALSO my very best friend on comps, Mia, also qualified this year with me, and I’m so happy we’re doing this together because we built such a special friendship and I’m so happy to continue the adventure with her. They are also many of our friends on the tour right now so I’m just super excited to hang out with everyone and get the most out of the experience and just have as much fun as possible.

What does this achievement mean to you personally?

I feel super happy. I feel like my mindset changed quite a lot this year, I felt really good on my skis, had so much fun the whole season. And really tried to enjoy not just the results but the comps as a whole experience. Which led me to focusing only on what I could do to enjoy everything more. And I think this is a proof it worked and it was real. And I’m really proud of myself for that reason. I also feel it evolved a lot during this season, and I really tried to take all the comps as a lesson, and learn from them. Like at the beginning of the season, I felt really good mentally but couldn’t land a run, sent it a bit too much on the first one, and got unlucky on the second one (I caught a shark at the end of my run), so entering the 3rd one was the toughest mentally, because I felt like I had to land a run to get that confidence back in, so I was super tense and didn’t ski freely like myself. But in the end, I learned from all these lessons and I feel like the 4th, 5th and 6th comps were the result of this mental work.

What was the most challenging moment on your way to qualifying?

The 3rd one (see above) or the last comp. Of course there was more pressure in the last one, as I knew I had my chance to go on the FWT and knew exactly what I had to do in terms of results. But it was hard to decide exactly what to do. Like if I had to send it all or keep it in and do a safe run. I was dropping quite at the end so I could manage my run depending on the others. And I just skied like I usually do, I tried to smile and enjoy every bit (like my mum tells me;) and managed not to think about the result but really on my run and my skiing.

How do you handle pressure at the start gate?

I try to be super positive, and I listen to music that puts me in a good mood and makes me want to dance (shitty 2010 music). I talk with my friends but also take a moment to concentrate on my line and what I really want to do and how I want to it.

How important is mental preparation in your sport? Do you have any specific routines or practices?

I realized it’s one of the most important part of our sport, and this year for me is the proof of that. I see a mental coach who helps me a lot, and I also talk a lot with my mum and just try to find positive things about every comp and take them as an experience and a lesson and remember you have to enjoy every bit otherwise it’s not worth it.

Which riders inspire you the most and why?

Manon Loschi of course, she is crazy good and so inspiring, and pushes the level sooo much. I also find my friends from Verbier super inspiring, I really like their style and their mindset. Not a rider but Alysa Liu (figure skating) is so inspiring to me for her mindset and her way of seeing life.

What does a perfect freeride day look like for you?

The second day after it just snowed, good weather, with friends. I prefer the 2nd day, because the day after a snowfall I always find so hectic and stressful (with all the people going crazy), it scares me more than I like it. So 2nd day is best, I like having my friends using me to try new stuff in the fresh now and just enjoy every turn.

What are your goals for your first season on the Tour?

I just want to enjoy this whole experience as much as I possibly can. I really want to have fun, meet new people, discover new places. I’d love to pass the cut and be able to ride in Alaskaaa and Verbier at home !

How do you switch off and recover after intense competitions? What are your plans for the summer?

I don’t have a specific routine after a comp, I usually party that night, drive home and go riding with with my friends the next day or go to school if I have to YAY. But I just try like I said before to take some time just to reflect on the comp and think about the positives. I haven’t booked anything yet but my plan is to go to Indonesia to surf, then to New Zealand to ski, and on the way back stop in Vietnam to travel with my best friend. And probably train a lot bit before the season.

Any advice for young riders dreaming of following your path?

Just remember why you do what you do. Remember it’s a passion and be grateful to have a passion because it’s super special, and we’re super lucky to have one. Enjoy every bit, even the harder parts, it’s all part of the experience and it’s all learning. When you look back at it, it’s all super fun !! And I believe everything happens for a reason, so your time will come, and just enjoy all of it.