Hedvig Wessel
Outdoor

Hedvig Wessel

Hedvig Wessel YETI Ambassador
Hedvig is a force on the mountain and as an entrepreneur. She’s a two-time Olympian and competed for several years in mogul World Cups and World Championships, but has since shifted gears to freeride skiing and has competed on the Freeride World Tour, where she graced the podium every time. In 2022, Hedvig co-founded Sister Summit, the first ever 100% female backcountry event and contest, with the vision of redefining the standard of the outdoor industry, and changing the feminine frequency. Her energy and zest for each day has her pushing boundaries personally and for the sport, using her influence to open doors for others. We’re proud to call her one of our own and look forward to seeing what she does next.

Q:

What goes through your head when you first wake up in the morning?

A:

I often wake up with loads of energy and my brain turns on as I open my eyes. I wake up and think about all the fun things I’m going to do that day, and my to-do list. I need to slow myself down by doing yoga, meditating, and journaling before jumping into the day. I think it’s important to take some time in the morning for myself, looking inward, with a strong morning routine. After my morning routine and breakfast I normally turn on my phone and am ready to go!

Q:

How do you up your game year after year?

A:

For me, pushing boundaries is a natural way of living. I love pushing myself and setting high goals. I’m a dreamer, and believe that anything is possible with hard work and determination. I want to see how far I can go, and stepping out of my comfort zone is a big part of it. I say to myself, “a good day is a day where I have been a bit scared.” Then I know I have pushed myself, which means I am moving forward and continuing to change.

Q:

If you could do anything better, what would it be?

A:

Probably having better food routines when traveling. I love food and I love cooking. Sometimes it’s hard to eat healthy and nutritious food when traveling. I guess I just have to plan better. Also, I want to meditate more often. I think I can really benefit from it, but I’m still struggling to set off the time, as I love moving and doing 100 things at once.

Q:

What part of you, or what you do, reflects a spirit of restlessness?

A:

I think continuing to travel the world and exploring the unknown says a lot. I get bored if I’m at the same place for too long. I love seeing new places and being surrounded by different people. I love changing environments, which I’m lucky to experience year after year.

Q:

If there is any love-hate relationship with any aspect of what you do, can you describe what that is?

A:

I think I love-hate traveling. I love traveling and seeing new places, but I don’t enjoy changing time zones and dragging bags all over the world. I’m also environmentally cautious, and it’s not easy having skiing as a job where travel and finding good snow is crucial, and at the same time trying to do something good for the world. It’s a huge dilemma, and I’m trying my best to have a low environmental footprint.

Q:

What sound or noise do you love?

A:

I love the sound of coffee in the morning.

Q:

I am happiest when:

A:

I am skiing powder with a good friend as the sun goes down.

Q:

What are the 3 most essential things you need?

A:

  • Skis
  • Boots
  • Helmet

Q:

If you could bring anybody in the world with you to do what you love (dead or alive), who would it be?

A:

  • My grandfather. I’d love for him to see how I’m traveling the world for skiing
  • Or a physio haha (physical therapist)

Q:

What does YETI mean to you?

A:

For me YETI is a community of people who love being outdoors. YETI is the product that connects us, doesn't matter the age, time, place or sex. YETI is the center of the outdoor world, with high quality products as core.

Q:

What does it mean to be built for the wild?

A:

For me it is all about being prepared when going out in nature, by having the products and equipment needed for the wild. For me YETI is built for the wild, as much as we humans are built for the wild. Together we can make the experiences in nature simple, meaningful, and memorable.

Q:

How would you explain what YETI is to someone who didn’t know?

A:

I would say that YETI is the brand for the outdoor lover. Someone who enjoys any season outside, and believes in products of quality. YETI is a brand with a lot of passion, love, and knowledge in the outdoor space, and creates an open and inclusive environment through their products and activities around the globe.

Q:

What is the YETI that you cannot do without?

A:

Rambler bottles and mugs.

Q:

What, if any, other YETI products do you use? How do you use a specific YETI product in your market?

A:

I love the Camino Carryall bags. I love that they are so simple, and easy to open and have a great overview, but at the same time have different pockets and dividers.

Q:

How has any YETI product changed what you do or how you do it?

A:

I think the bottle is helping me drink more water, either hot or warm. It’s always with me.