On A Roll: The Logan Pehota Interview
Logan Pehota has burst onto the Swatch Freeride World Tour this winter, with a fourth place finish in Vallnord, Andorra and a second place showing in Chamonix, France. The Canadian rookie is now sitting first overall as the FWT heads to a crucial stop in Feiberbrunn Austria, where results will determine the field for the already iconic Haines, Alaska event, along with setting up the athletes to be in a position to make it to the final FWT event of the year, held on the legendary Bec in Verbier, Switzerland. Forecast recently caught up with him for a quick chat on how he feels heading into the crucial stages of this year’s Swatch Freeride World Tour. —TOM WINTER
Well I just woke up from a good night of partying with the boys; it’s Noon! [laughs] We're in Chamonix right now about to go ski the Aiguille du Midi, it's a nice bluebird sunny day.
Europe seems to be treating you well. You scored a fourth place in Andorra and second in Chamonix. Can you tell us a bit about how that feels and what each event was like.
It's pretty crazy, I sure didn't expect it to be honest. It's a lot different skiing these competitions from what I used to do, but I think I've found my groove.
You know, I guess in a way it does, but I didn't doubt my skiing ability and knew I had what it takes to compete and perform at this level.
Last year George Rodney took the overall FWT title as a rookie. You’re in first overall now. Do you think there is an advantage to being a rookie, maybe coming onto the tour and competing with no expectations and no pressure?
I don't think there's an advantage of being a rookie. If anything it’s definitely a disadvantage. I made the rookie mistake of not even bringing binoculars or a decent camera [laughs].
Give us your thoughts on Feiberbrunn, Austria. What you do know about that venue and how do you feel going into that event?
I’ve actually never even seen any footage or pictures of the Feiberbrunn venue. I'm feeling good coming into it knowing that I already qualified for Alaska. I’ll either play it safe to get a solid top five result to try and keep my points up, or I'll just go for it knowing I made the next event already. I’ll probably just go for it though.
My mom and my dad. I wouldn't be where I am today without them and all their support.
Any final thoughts, thank you’s or shout-outs?
Just the classic big thanks to all the sponsors and the Swatch Freeride World Tour for all the work they've done, and of course I want to thank my parents for all their love and support.
