Ingrid Backstrom

Ingrid Backstrom

LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON

 

Ingrid’s first explorations were in her backyard and her first memory of independence was on a sled ride, with her family supporting from the background. By age four, she’d already discovered the freedom of exploration. By 26 she’d moved onto bigger hills, logging first descents in Alaska and quickly cementing herself as the most influential female freeskier of her generation.

 

Despite being one of the world’s best freeskiers and a true icon of her sport, Ingrid's most significant moment was initially considered a failure. Ingrid and teammates from The North Face were on an expedition to Pakistan’s infamous Gasherbrum II, when a fast-moving snowstorm trapped them at 23,000 feet for three days—exhausting their resources and energy. They never summited... 

 

On the harrowing descent, a tired and depleted Ingrid began to feel that she was capable of far more than she’d imagined. That powerful lesson would stay with her through the rest of her professional skiing career, motherhood, injuries, mentorship and the unexpected loss of her brother.

 

“I have a deep need to push.”

 

Throughout her career, Ingrid has pushed the limits of her sport—she’s skied spines in Alaska, soared off cliffs in Tahoe and landed atop nearly every freeskiing podium. For twenty years, Ingrid set the standard. Now she’s pushing others to be their best by teaching women’s avalanche clinics (SAFEAS) and shining the spotlight on up-and-coming skiers in her film productions,

 

Career Highlights:

  • First ski descents around the world including routes on Baffin Island, Greenland, Antarctica and 20,050’ Reddomain Peak in China.
  • More than 20 ski film appearances, including titles from Matchstick Productions, Warren Miller and Sherpas Cinema
  • Co-producer on The Approach (2022) and The Approach 2 (2023), selected for Banff Film Festival
  • Co-producer on Lineage (A Powder Magazine film about skiing and parenthood) (2017)
  • Reader Poll favorite, Powder Awards (2010-2015)
  • Fan Favorite, ESPN X Games Real Women (2013)
  • 50 Most Influential People in Action Sports (2013)
  • Best Female Performance & Reader Poll favorite, Powder Awards (2005-2009)
  • Breakthrough Performance, Powder Awards (2005)
  • Women’s 1st place, Canadian Freeskiing Championships (2004)
  • AIARE-certified Avalanche Educator

 

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