Thanks for taking the time to chat to us Marion. First off, a massive congrats on becoming a three-time FWT champion! How does it feel?
It feels really good, as it was always my dream to achieve three world titles. For me, it opens up so many new doors and opportunities that I’m excited for, so it makes me optimistic for the future.

That being said, what I enjoyed most about this was the journey to get to this point. It really isn’t about having the trophies in the bedroom but embracing how I got there.

You bossed the competition this year taking three wins out of four events – did you have a favourite line of the Tour? Which was it and why?
I would say Canada because I found it fun and almost playful. I was the first competitor to drop and the surface felt really fresh. When competing here, I just felt super happy and it was my favourite place, especially when taking gold.

“It really isn’t about having the trophies in the bedroom but embracing how I got there”

You often look like you’re just having fun riding these faces, but obviously they’re big lines with heavy consequences. What goes into planning your line for each stage, and how do you mentally prepare for it?
When preparing I focus on strategy, riding fast and playing with the snow. I don’t want to injure myself so I take extra precautions when training. I enjoy being out of my comfort zone and am aware that my limit is going to be 5 years on the world tour, so I also ride to not be injured and I try to push forward every year.

Of course, when I’m scared the day before, I try to meditate and relax, so I am super happy when I’m on the snow.

The final stage in Verbier was due to be going off right now, before Europe went into lockdown. What was the vibe like among the athletes when you found out it was cancelled? And what makes this stage so different from the other ones?
I was not there when we got the news, I was actually stuck in Seattle but I agree it wouldn’t have been smart to ride in these conditions. The general vibe, from speaking to other competitors was sadness.

For me, Verbier is where the competition started and it is a legendary course. I enjoy the atmosphere as the fans get excited because it is the final and the mountain itself is a difficult challenge that I relish to compete on every time.

View this post on Instagram

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 TIMES – Freeride World Champion ! What a happy women’s day… After 5 years on the @freerideworldtour and a roller coaster of emotions, today I realize the dream I started to build when I got a wildcard. I never stop to learn, I never stop to discover this sport, it’s crazy what my board can bring in my life ! Thanks to my family, my friends and of course my boyfriend for the eternal support in my ups and my downs. Thanks to all my sponsors to believe in me : @thenorthface_snow @ca_des_savoie @rossignolfreeride @crosscallmobile @chamroussesunsetpark @vans_europe And big thoughts to all the riders not in the cut for Verbier ! #RIDEFORESTELLE❤️

A post shared by M a r i o n H æ r t y (@marion_haerty) on Mar 8, 2020 at 9:12am PDT

Asides from the FWT, how has the rest of your season been? What were some of your other highlights?
Between competition, I was on my way to film a video project in France with a friend, which I enjoyed. Otherwise, ice climbing in Chamonix on the Glacier between the races in Japan and Canada. I remember we didn’t get snow for two weeks, so we had to climb up to keep ourselves entertained and fit.

We’ve been testing a lot of FUTURELIGHT kit over the last year in the mountains and we’ve been super impressed with it! What are thoughts on FUTURELIGHT? 
I’m super stoked with it. I felt in competition it was just perfect, especially when competing on the French border. When wearing it I feel free because the texture and fabric are really light and this helps with transitions when moving at fast speeds.

Clearly everybody is now spending a lot of time at home, probably dreaming about getting back to the mountains! Are you starting to make plans for next season already? Will you be defending the title? What other plans are in the pipeline for next winter?
I am not saying goodbye to the FWT, I will be back and I am training in preparation for next winter. But, I am dreaming about what I can do next because that is what motivates me.
Ideally, I’d love a wild card invitation to Travis Rice’s Natural Selection event, as I want to do something different and challenging that will take me to the next level.

“When wearing it I feel free because the texture and fabric are really light and this helps with transitions when moving at fast speeds”

How are you keeping fit, healthy and sane during this worldwide lockdown?! Any tips for people trying to keep their snowboarding fitness up from the comfort of their own living room?
Every day I try a new exercise because I need to have fun and I get bored easily. With diet, I try to keep healthy by cooking lots of vegetables and eating less meat. Otherwise, I like to take my time with reading books, meditating and doing yoga.

Q: Thanks for your time Marion, hope your lockdown is going okay! 

Thanks! Take care of yourselves and keep safe.

For more information on what Marion and the rest of The North Face Team are doing to stay fit and active during the lockdown, as well as some of their latest films and adventure stories, head over to the Exploration Hub here.