When you're pushing limits in the halfpipe or navigating unpredictable mountain conditions, trust becomes everything. New Zealand Olympic freestyle skier and Helly Hansen ambassador Anja Barugh knows this firsthand. From her journey from a Matamata farm to the world stage, through injury and recovery, Anja shares what drives her, what the mountains have taught her, and why having gear you can rely on matters when you're in the air.
Where did your freestyle skiing journey begin?
I'm originally from Matamata, New Zealand, where I grew up on a farm. I now live in Wanaka. I first stepped on snow at the age of 6, but I didn't really get into skiing or start riding halfpipe until I was 17. Skiing wasn't always a big part of my family's life, but it definitely is now.
Growing up on a farm, the mountains weren't exactly on my doorstep. But once I discovered them, everything changed.
Why freestyle?
What drew me to freestyle skiing was the group of friends I had around me who were already involved in the sport. I naturally started spending more time in the park and pipe and trying new things. I was drawn to the relaxed atmosphere and the creative freedom it offered. It wasn't a big decision at the time, more of a gradual shift where I realised how much I enjoyed it, and it slowly became a big part of my life.
There's something special about the freestyle community. No pressure, just progression and creativity.
What happens at the top of the halfpipe?
Standing at the top of the halfpipe is a unique moment. Everything slows down, yet your mind races through the tricks you're about to throw. It's where preparation meets instinct, where hours of practice distil into seconds of pure focus.
What have the mountains taught you?
Spending so much time in the mountains has taught me to be patient and adaptable. The conditions aren't always what you hope for, and things don't always go to plan. You have to learn to work with what you've got, stay calm under pressure, and not let setbacks throw you. It's also reminded me how small we are compared to nature and how important it is to respect that.
"The mountains don't care about your schedule or your plans. They teach you humility fast."
How do you manage fear in freestyle?
Finding the balance between fear and flow comes down to trust and staying present. Fear is always part of it, especially when I'm pushing my limits, but I try not to let it take over. I take a breath, focus on what I can control, and let the rest go. There's a calm that comes when I'm not forcing anything, when I trust that I'm where I'm meant to be. That's usually when flow shows up.
What did injury teach you?
This season brought a few unexpected challenges, and going through injury has definitely given me a new perspective on skiing. It reminded me how much I love simply being out there, not just competing, but enjoying the mountains and the community around the sport. Taking a step back helped me appreciate the little things: the freedom of movement, the beauty of the environment, and the growth that comes from slowing down. It's taught me to trust the journey a bit more, even when it looks different than planned.
One of the hardest parts was accepting that rehab wasn't always straightforward, some weeks felt like progress, and then a small setback could throw things off. It definitely messed with my head at times. What helped was focusing on the small wins and staying consistent with what I could control. I had to learn patience and take things as they came, even if it wasn't how I imagined the season would go.
Why does ski gear matter in freestyle?
When you're pushing your limits on the mountain, the last thing you need is a distraction, especially from your gear. If your outerwear shifts, rides up, or fails in tough conditions, it breaks your focus. I need outerwear that moves with me, breathes well, and keeps me dry and comfortable no matter the weather. Confidence comes from knowing your gear won't let you down when you're in the air or in the backcountry.
"Confidence comes from knowing your gear won't let you down when you're in the air or in the backcountry."
When has your gear made the difference?
I've had comps in Calgary where it dropped to -25°C with serious wind chill, conditions that can wear you down fast. Having outerwear that actually handles that kind of cold meant I could stay out there, finish my runs, and not have to think about cutting corners to stay warm. Same in New Zealand, one comp went from sun to snow to rain in a matter of minutes. My gear kept me dry and comfortable the whole time, which honestly just made it possible to get through the day without being soaked or freezing between runs.
What keeps you motivated?
It always comes back to the feeling I get when I'm skiing, there's nothing quite like it. Whether it's progressing a trick I've been working on, skiing powder or just carving turns on groomers, it's something I keep coming back to. I've had to reset my goals and pace at times, but the drive to progress and see what I'm capable of hasn't gone away. I'm motivated by the idea that there's still more I can do in this sport, and I'm not done yet.
How has your skiing evolved?
My relationship with skiing has definitely shifted over time. I used to be all about pushing as hard as I could every day, constantly chasing progression. But after facing injuries and setbacks, I've come to appreciate skiing on a much deeper level. I don't take being on snow for granted anymore, every session feels like something special. I've learned that stepping back can be just as important as stepping up, and that listening to my body is part of staying in the game long term.
There's more respect now for the process, the risks, and the time it takes to come back. I've also become more aware of the mental side of the sport, how much mindset matters when you're standing at the top of a run. I've found myself more in tune with the parts of skiing that made me fall in love with it in the first place, and just being out there because I love it.
What do the mountains mean to you now?
When I first started skiing, the mountains were an exciting playground, a place to try new things and spend time with family. As my focus shifted toward competing, that original sense of joy and connection started to fade slightly, but recently, I've found my way back to it. I'm still focused on progression and pushing my skiing, but now I also see the mountains as a space to reset and reflect. They've become more than just a place to train; they're where I feel grounded, creative, and connected, and I want to continue to share that with others.
Ready to experience gear trusted by professionals like Anja? Explore Helly Hansen's ski collection designed for those who push limits in the harshest conditions. Follow Anja's journey on Instagram.