This year marks the second time Seppe Smits (34) will be at the start of the Poederbaas BK Freeride. Two years ago, he participated for the first time. Last year, he had to withdraw due to an injury, but he was present at the festival. In total, this will be his third time at the Poederbaas Freeride Festival.
'For me, it's really a relaxed week,' says Seppe. 'I'm used to competing in World Cups where there was a lot of pressure and where I really *had* to perform. Becoming Belgian freeride champion at the BK isn't necessarily the biggest prize for me. Of course, it would be nice, but that's not why I come to Kappl. I mainly come because this is the week when everyone gathers. All Belgian and Dutch freeriders. We snowboard together, do après-ski, laugh a lot. It's just a super fun atmosphere. During the competition days, we take it a bit more seriously, and I focus on my run, but without pressure. I try to support the others at least as much as I stand at the start myself.'
TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION
That relaxed perspective doesn't come out of nowhere. Seppe has stood on the highest podium multiple times at World Championships. In 2011, he became world champion in slopestyle in La Molina. In 2017, he did so again in Sierra Nevada. 'Those are, of course, events with a bit more pressure than the BK freeride. The top athletes from all over the world are at the start there. But even there, I always try to ride with as little stress as possible. I focus on my run, not on the result. But whether it's a World Championship or a Belgian Championship, I approach the start in the same way. I want to show the best of myself. If I can snowboard above my own level, then I'm satisfied, regardless of the result. Winning while everyone else falls is not how you want to win. It's much more beautiful when everyone lands their best run and you then excel.'
SHIFTED FOCUS
In recent years, Seppe has increasingly shifted his focus towards freeriding. 'Freeriding and splitboarding are, for me, the purest side of snowboarding. Climbing the mountain purely under your own power with a splitboard feels different. In recent years, I've also become more conscious of my ecological footprint. I work with Protect Our Winters Benelux to make people more aware of climate change and its impact on our mountains. For me, that's also part of freeriding.'
GOOD SNOW
His first participation in the BK Freeride was one that some people still remember. 'It was rock-hard snow, and I immediately went for the biggest drop on the flank. I just couldn't land it. I did a triple tomahawk down and ended up winning the crash of the day. So I still went home with a prize. I usually go for all or nothing. I want to show the best of myself and combine my freestyle skills with freeride. Just put on a fun show. And maybe also put a little pressure on the others if they know I'm going for the big tricks, so they can't take it easy either. That makes it more exciting for everyone. It would be nice to land down this year,' he says, laughing. 'But most of all, I hope for good snow for everyone. That we have a safe and awesome week.'
A BLESSED WEEK
What makes the Poederbaas Freeride Festival so special, according to him? 'The atmosphere. I never experienced that at World Cups back in the day. It's a week to let loose a bit. That was less possible during my top-sport years. Here, it is possible. On the slopes and off the slopes.'
And for those who are still in doubt? 'It's truly a blessed week. Even if the weather isn't great, there are so many side activities. You can take an avalanche course, test equipment, watch an epic competition, and especially experience really fun après-ski.' For Seppe, the BK Freeride is not about having to, but about being allowed to. Not about pressure, but about fun. And if he lands his big drop this year, that's a bonus.
Inspired by Seppe Smits' story and want to experience it yourself?
To participate, you need a ticket. Accommodation, lift pass, travel, equipment, and food & drinks are arranged by yourself. There are four types of tickets, depending on how intensely you want to experience the week:
Includes access to the festival grounds, the OutdoorXL Testcenter, clinics & workshops, participation in the Waterslide Contest, a Poederbaas goodie, and access to the closing party.
Includes everything from the Festival Ticket, plus participation in the NK/BK Vertical Skimo.
Includes everything from the Vertical Skimo Ticket, plus participation in the Dutch/Belgian Freeride Championship.
Sold out – only waitlist spots available.
Access to the ultimate closing party of the week. One last dance, one last toast, one last drop after a week full of powder, lines and good stories.