Alpine Pulse

Kalle Eriksson is no ordinary ski racer - and neither is Sierra Smith. Together, they make up one of para-alpine skiing’s most exciting duos, racing at breakneck speeds where trust and communication aren’t just important, they’re everything.

When Kalle was seventeen, his life changed in an instant. While helping at a ski training camp on a glacier in northern Sweden, he began losing his vision due to a rare case of solar retinopathy. Almost overnight, the mountains he had always known looked completely different.Instead of letting it stop him, he discovered a new path on the slopes - one that would take him to World Cup wins and the World Championship podium. But it’s not a story of solo perseverance: Sierra Smith, a former Canadian national team skier, became his guide, teammate, and partner, standing (and skiing) right out in front, her voice leading Kalle down courses that push both to their limits.

Their story is more than a tale of medals and races; it’s about overcoming setbacks, evolving together, and proving the incredible power of connection. This is the journey of Kalle and Sierra - a duo reminding us that sometimes, our biggest triumphs happen when we let someone else lead the way.

Alpine Pulse is a FIS Originals production by FIS – International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

Jesper Pedersen is one of the most extraordinary athletes in para-alpine skiing - and he just got his first Paralympic Gold Medal in Milano Cortina. A competitor whose story goes far beyond the medals and the records. Born with spina bifida and paralyzed from the waist down, Jesper was first introduced to the slopes at just two years old, sitting on his father’s lap. That early spark ignited a journey filled with resilience, drive, and an unshakeable sense of possibility.

Jesper speaks about the moments that defined his ascent: from becoming the most decorated male para-alpine skier at a single Paralympics, to winning seven consecutive overall World Cup titles, to facing personal heartbreak and channeling it into strength. Jesper opens up about the impact of his father and what it takes to remain at the top in a sport that demands everything. But this episode is also about using his platform to break down barriers, inspire others, and push for a more inclusive world.

Alpine Pulse is a FIS Originals production by FIS – International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

Dave Ryding is one of the most remarkable underdog stories the World Cup has ever seen. Hailing from Lancashire, far from the iconic snowy peaks of the Alps, Dave didn’t even ski on snow until the age of 12. Instead, his journey began on a dry slope, armed with nothing but grit, resilience, and a refusal to give up. In this episode of Alpine Pulse, host Nick Fellows sits down with Dave to explore how an unlikely beginning led to the ultimate breakthrough - becoming the only British skier ever to win an Alpine World Cup race in Kitzbühel.

From family road trips and innovative coaching to the challenges of self-funded seasons, Dave shares the highs and lows that defined his path. Drawing inspiration from British sporting legends while carving out his own chapter in history, he didn’t just win a race—he changed the perception of alpine skiing in the United Kingdom. He proved that a skier raised on plastic slopes could conquer Kitzbühel, reshaping what young British athletes believe is possible.

Today, his mission goes beyond results. Dave continues to push boundaries with the goal of showing that the impossible can, in fact, become possible - on snow, on plastic, and far beyond the mountains.

Alpine Pulse is a FIS Originals production by FIS – International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

River Radamus is one of the most creative and passionate skiers on the World Cup Tour—a bold athlete whose colorful hair and fearless racing have made him the new face of a generation daring to dream big. Host Nick Fellows welcomes River for a candid conversation about his journey from a ski-obsessed childhood in Vail, Colorado, to Youth Olympic champion and rising American star.

River opens up about what it means to grow up in a ski family, how his parents fostered both freedom and passion, and the lessons learned through early successes and setbacks. He reveals how creativity fuels his performance, why expression is at the heart of his skiing, and how he tackles mental challenges on the World Cup stage. Get ready for honest reflections, Olympic ambitions, and a look at the mindset that keeps River Radamus at the forefront of American skiing.

Alpine Pulse is a FIS Originals production by FIS – International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.

Kajsa Vickhoff Lie is the embodiment of courage, energy, and Norwegian spirit—an alpine skier who has turned pain into purpose and setbacks into history. She talks about her incredible journey: from her devastating crash in Val di Fassa, through the lonely road of recovery during COVID, to her triumphant return as the first Norwegian woman to win a World Cup downhill.

But Kajsa is more than her results. Her incredible energy and magnetic personality have made her the natural leader of Norway’s women’s speed group. She has helped shape a culture of speed built on trust, resilience and shared ambition — a culture she actively nurtures through her own speed camp in Norway. There, she passes on the principles that defined her career, inspiring young girls who are stepping into the world of downhill and super-G, and teaching them that courage can be learned and confidence can be built.

Along the way, Kajsa also found new passions beyond the slopes — opening her own Oslo pizzeria and co-authoring a book — proving that reinvention and creativity are part of her DNA. With heartfelt reflections on true friendship, the winning culture of the Norwegian women’s team, and playful rivalries with teammates like Ragnhild Mowinckel, this conversation is filled with grit, warmth and authenticity.

An athlete respected across the entire circuit, Kajsa Vickhoff Lie is not only a champion on the snow — she is a leader, a mentor and a friend to many.

Alpine Pulse is a FIS Originals production by FIS – International Ski and Snowboard Federation in cooperation with Maniac Studios.