As part of their return as the presenting partner of the Laax Open, Zalando has been putting together a documentary featuring Mathilde Gremaud and Giulia Tanno. If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to press play, and then keep scrolling for a little interview with Giulia…

Hey Giulia, What do you look forward to each season when you start training?
What I look forward to most is finally being able to ski again after the long summer break, traveling to new places, and being back on the road with the whole team. I’m also excited to see my friends from the tour again.

What does a typical day look like for you when you’re preparing for a competition away from the public eye?When I’m preparing for a competition, I get up in the morning, have a good breakfast, do my warm-up, and try to be with myself without too much outside distraction. That way I can concentrate better before heading into competition training.

What rituals help you stay focused?
I try to breathe consciously and do different breathing exercises. To really get into my zone, I either listen to a relaxation audio or music — depending on what I need that day: more calm or a little push.

Is there something most people don’t know about the life of a pro?
I think a lot of people sometimes imagine professional skiing as too relaxed and easy, and don’t see everything you have to sacrifice. Others, on the other hand, only see the hard sides and overlook how beautiful this sport can be. So I believe there are people on both sides who only perceive part of the reality.

What’s your biggest dream or goal that goes beyond medals and titles?
I’d like to have a positive impact on women’s skiing. I want more girls to get excited about freeskiing, to discover this passion, and to see that women have a solid place in this sport too.

Get to know more about Giulia and the making of “Between the Lines” in TWIN 21. You can also find the gear she wore in Zalando’s Winter Hub, or by clicking on the images below.