ANNE-FLORE MARXER takes her sport to the limit and with her warm and lively personality has dazzled crowds around the world. Among the many titles she has won are the revered Freeride World Tour Champion (2011) and French Female Rider of the Year (2010).

In this exclusive interview she talks about her plans for the future and how her career began on the Swiss Alps at the age of one.

What was it like growing up around the Swiss Alps and was skiing always a part of your life?

All the members of my family are passionate about skiing. Most of my cousins ski raced on French, Swiss or Liechtenstein national teams. So I started skiing at the age of one and we’d go to the mountains every weekend and during holidays. Of course I loved it but I was a bit of a rebel already and always refused to compete. The blue/red flag thing was not for me – I needed more freedom, adrenalin and rock ‘n’ roll.

You are famous for your achievements as a snowboarder. When did the progression from skiing to snowboarding take place and was it a natural one for you?

I switched in my teenage years, it was the need of affirmation and independence I guess, but I was doing both for a long time, until 16 I think, I liked riding powder on my snowboard and going straight on the dirty slopes on skis. I left the skis aside when I started hitting jumps, which is funny as I hit my first park kicker on skis, which ended up being my last skiing day and my first step into freestyle which I did then on a snowboard only, until years later when it became a hobby to go skiing in the park at the end of the season for a giggle. I actually even hold a bronze medal at skiing half-pipe Swiss championship for fun from some some years ago.

You have gained titles such as Freeride World Tour Champion (2011) and French Female Rider of the Year (2010). What did it feel like to win these awards and what has been your biggest achievement?

My favourite award was the 2006 Rookie of the Year by Transworld Magazine, because it was the start of so many adventures, and probably the most difficult one to get, especially for a non-American kid who had just appeared on the snowboarding scene. My first year travelling around the world, crashing on couches, not speaking a word of English, hungry for fun and adventure! It had been voted by all the best snowboarders in the world and it meant a so much to me. I have never been fond of ranking and this one was not about one day but on the whole winter through events and photos and videos… all of it!

What are your specialities and favourite tricks on the board?

I love to go fast and steep and I love flying!I like hitting big kickers in the back country, I like simple tricks like BS180 as it’s the one that gives you the sensation of flying the most and you’re flying blind.. it’s funny how simple tricks can be way scarier than when there is more going on! My other trick I’ve loved forever is backside rodeo 540. And now that I’ve discovered big mountain riding that’s what I find most exciting! When it’s steep, when the snow is good, when you have to race your sluff down the mountain to avoid getting caught… I’m just hooked with feeling alive!

Are there times when you are still fearful participating in your sport and if so how do you deal with this?

I’ve never been scared, it’s the opposite in a way, I feel like I’m always looking for the excitement of pushing my own limits, reaching that line where you’re above what’s in your abilities, where you reach what you believe you can achieve, but you can’t predict if it will really work out in the end. It is a very exciting moment… if it doesn’t work out you might hurt yourself eventually but when it does it’s the most incredible powerful feeling of accomplishment.

You have appeared on 23 magazine covers. What is it that gives you so much appeal?

Appeal? All these covers were linked to my snowboarding, most are snowboarding pictures… I’ve just always been one of the only female riders sending it on bigger jumps etc but then I don’t know I work hard, like all the bits before and after the snowboarding I try hard at least… it’s all a learning experience. I remember telling myself, okay I didn’t go study, but what can I learn from what is what is around me? So I try hard to enjoy all the fun bits! I guess that really is the key to anything.

What are you like outside the world of snowboarding and what are your good and bad points?

I’m stubborn and unorganised, very messy, highly sensitive and I have a tendency to over react. I have strong values and a strong personality. I do have a big heart though and a big smile – I like to be outside and surrounded by friends.I talk way too much all the time but I can be funny too. I’m definitely not boring, my life goes up and down all the time, and that can be exhausting.. I’m trying to work on this.. I’m loyal and trustworthy. I’m curious and I have loads of energy… the most important part being that I have the best mum in the world!

Do you take part in any other extreme sports?

I love surfing, I’ll do anything fun and that gives sensations. I’m actually on my way to a surf boat trip in the maldives with www.perfectwaves.com with my friends including Aline Bock! I’m so excited!

What advice would you give to someone looking to take up snowboarding as a serious hobby?

That’s a good description of my job! I don’t know.. it’s hard.. like really hard, and it hurts a lot! I mean I’m so fortunate with all the things I’ve experienced and seen but everything’s got a price at some point. If I had an advice it would be not to let anyone tell you what your limits are. Go find out for yourself!

What exciting plans do you have for the future?

Our next movie is coming out soon! it’s called SEDNA. We went to Greenland on a sail boat in the fjords of Greenland navigating through icebergs. It was so so stunning! We have put together a crowdfunding initiative to be able to finish the project, you can support the film by ordering a DVD, or by buying my promodel BUFF neckwarmer or my pro model AFM Swatch… or come ride with me for a day!

I’d like to thank my partners without whomI wouldnt be able to do all these incredible things! Swatch Sosh, APO, BUFF, Level Crans, Montana.