Dope Snow athlete Jesper Tjäder on style, creativity and progression
Inside the influences and moments that shape the way he shows up on snow.
Name: Jesper Tjäder
Bio: Freestyle · Dope Team Rider · Olympic Athlete
Age: 31
Hometown: Östersund
Based in: Åre
Jesper Tjäder has built his career on curiosity, creativity and a mindset that refuses to overthink the pressure. Growing up in the snow culture of Östersund, skiing became second nature, and the freeski pioneers before him shaped the style he brings to the mountain today.
Whether an idea takes a few hours or a few years to come alive, Jesper approaches progression with patience, instinct and a drive to try something no one has seen before. He pulls inspiration from everywhere, from athletes and art to architecture and other sports, and feeds it straight back into his riding.
As one of the first riders to link up with Dope Snow, he has helped push outerwear forward from the inside, championing lighter, stretchier and more functional gear that matches the way he skis. From the studio to the slopes, Jesper keeps leveling up the sport with ideas that stay true to who he is.
How did you first get into skiing?
It was really the snow sport culture back home that got me into skiing. Everyone I grew up with, friends and family, was skiing or snowboarding, so being on snow just became part of who I am.
Thinking back to your early days, who or what shaped the way you ride now?
The freeski generation before me had a huge influence. Jon Olsson, Jacob Wester and Henrik Harlaut were the skiers who shaped modern freestyle skiing, and they definitely shaped how I ride today.
The freeski generation before me shaped modern freestyle skiing, and they definitely shaped how I ride today.
Jesper
How would you describe your riding style in three words?
Curious, creative, nostalgic.
You are known for staying calm in high pressure moments. Where does that mindset come from?
In my mind, I try not to make it too serious. Whether I perform well or not, it does not really matter in the long run. No one is going to remember every result, and keeping that in mind helps me stay calm.
Whether I perform well or not, it doesn’t really matter in the long run. No one is going to remember every result, and keeping that in mind helps me stay calm.
Jesper
When you get a new idea, what usually sparks it?
Usually a mix of influences, other athletes, different sports, nature, art and architecture.
When you are working on something new, what does that process feel like? Do you plan it out or trust your instinct?
I plan things out for as long as necessary. Sometimes it takes hours, sometimes years. It really depends on the trick or the feature.
You were the first rider to join the Dope Snow crew. Looking back, what made that partnership feel right from the start?
It was a Swedish company that wanted to make the best outerwear possible, and that felt important to me. It was exactly what I needed at the time. Growing up, I was never fully satisfied with the outerwear I had. It never felt like it was made for freeskiing. So when I saw the chance to be part of the product development, I knew it was a real opportunity. It has been such a fun journey to get to where we are today, and I can proudly say the most recent kit is the best I have ever used for my sport.
Growing up, I was never fully satisfied with the outerwear I had. It never felt like it was made for freeskiing.
Jesper
You spend a lot of time in the studio with the Dope Snow team shaping your collection. What part of that process do you enjoy the most?
I love learning the small details that go into making performance outerwear. It is much more complex than I imagined, and I learn something new every season.
When you look back at the pieces we have created together over the years, is there a detail or idea that feels especially “you”?
I feel like the stretchy and lightweight fabric was really what took the kit to the next level! It's the most comfy, stretchy, and good looking texture I’ve ever seen on a piece of outerwear.
With the Winter Olympics coming up, what does progression mean to you this season?
Progression is always a priority for me every season! But with the Olympics ahead, it would be a cool feeling to bring something completely new to the biggest stage in the sport.
Off the mountain, what keeps you stoked and inspired? Music, people, places - what fuels you?
I watch a lot of ski movies, both old classics from the 2000s and all the new releases. I also follow snowboarding, skating, surfing and biking. I try learning those sports too, mostly to keep my mind active and inspired until I am back on skis again.
Get Jesper's signature look here:
Related reading: