From first backflip to X Games podium: The rise of freestyle skier and Dope Snow athlete Juho Saastamoinen

Name: Juho Saastamoinen
Bio: Freestyle · Dope Team Rider · X Games Podium Athlete
Age: 22
Hometown: Kontiolahti
Based in: Helsinki / Nurmijärvi

At nine years old, Juho landed his first backflip on skis, sparking an obsession with pushing limits that’s carried him from local slopes to the world stage. Now a multi-time X Games invitee and fresh off a dream-come-true podium, he reflects on the moments that shaped him - the injuries, the influences, the confidence that comes from failing forward, and the crew that keeps him grounded. In this interview, Juho opens up about his riding style, his progression process, and what it really takes to level up in freestyle skiing.

How did you first get into riding?

My parents took me to a local skiing resort every now and then when I was young. When I turned 9, I started going to the slopes more often. I would say the spark came from my first landed backflip on skis when I was 9 years old. I was super interested in all types of stunts, and when I realised that with skis the sky is the limit, that’s when it really took off for me.

When you think back to your early days, who or what had the biggest influence on the way you ride now?

When I started skiing I was looking up to my current girlfriend’s big brother - he’s three years older than me. Small world. Of course, I was inspired by the top riders in the world back then too: Henrik Harlaut, Tanner Hall, Jesper Tjäder. Crazy to think that Jesper and I are teammates now. Anyways, I would say that since 2016 my biggest inspiration has been Elias Syrjä.

How would you describe your riding style in your own words?

F*ck around and find out.

When you’re working on something new, what does that process look like? Are you more of a planner, or do you prefer to feel it out in the moment?

When I start working on something new, I’ve already done the thinking process. I have to be sure, and able to tell myself, that whatever I’m working on is something I can 100% accomplish. There are a lot of things I’ve worked on and didn’t accomplish (yet), but I have to trick my brain into the right mindset so I can put all my effort into it.

I try to break whatever I’m working on into steps that I just have to do to succeed, and I try to leave out every single unnecessary thing.

You’ve just had another call-up for X Games - that’s huge. How did it feel?

Amazing, of course. But after last year I wasn’t stressing out as much compared to the year before. I was pretty positive that after my performance last year I would get invited again.

Thinking about your last two X Games, from getting the wildcard to landing on the podium, what did you learn from those moments?

My first time at the X Games did not go how I wanted. Right before the event I had a herniated disc in my back and was off the slopes for about 1.5 months. The feeling was a bit off when I was shredding there, but I’m so happy I impressed whoever chose to invite me again.

When I got the invite to the 2025 X Games I was relieved and knew that this year I would give my all. Landing on the podium was a proper dream-come-true moment. I remember super clearly standing at the bottom of the slope after my last run and seeing my name on the podium. When the last skier came down I wasn’t thinking about it that much, but when I saw my name still there I was just thinking, “what.” I wasn’t even celebrating - I was just looking around thinking that I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I did my first backflip on skis.

Has being on bigger stages changed anything about your mindset or the way you approach your riding?

The first time did. I had never done anything with that many pairs of eyes watching it live. It made me think about a lot of stuff, like “what if I crash” or “what if I look goofy.” When I realized that I can’t give more than what I have, I started enjoying every moment of it. It gave me a certain type of self-confidence in every aspect of life.

How long have you been riding with Dope Snow, and what made it feel like the right crew for you?

I’ve been riding with Dope since December 2023. I’m once again glad that I listened to myself and not other people’s opinions and started riding with Dope. Intuition, I guess? At the time I couldn’t have even imagined how amazing the team is and how many amazing things I would experience with Dope!

Who are the people around you that help keep you grounded or push you in the right way?

My family and girlfriend. Especially my parents - they show they’re proud of me, but my dad has a perfect saying that I try to follow everywhere: “Ei pidä ylpistyä.” “One should not boast.” My dad is a big role model for me. He has accomplished pretty amazing things in powerlifting, a lot of first places in competitions, but he’s still one of the humblest people I know.

When you’re not riding, what keeps you busy?

When I get to use my body and body-control skills and get adrenaline in exchange, pretty much anything goes. I’m hitting the gym pretty consistently nowadays. And of course sometimes I just chill with my girlfriend and dog.

Looking ahead, what’s the next big challenge you’re excited to take on?

Being the best version of myself, a challenge that never ends but keeps me busy always.

Get Juho's look

Spartan Ski Jacket Men Moss Green

Big Ski Pants Men Black

Big Ski Pants Men Khaki