South America Spotlight | Esto es Freeride
This Is Freeride: A Glimpse into South America’s Thriving Freeride Community
“Esto Es Freeride” (Translated: This Is Freeride) is an engaging video blog series by Nacho Bertona and his friends, offering an intimate look into the Freeride Sudamerica competition circuit. Captured through the artistic lenses of Agustín Espósito and Leandro Bruni, this series goes beyond the competition, showcasing the heart and soul of South American freeriding.
About the Vlog Series
The “Esto Es Freeride” vlog takes viewers on an immersive journey across the Argentine and Chilean Andes. “We travel to different destinations… capturing the complete experience of South American freeriding, which is a spectacle worth witnessing,” explains Nacho Bertona.
The series explores the breathtaking scenic routes on both sides of the Andes, introducing viewers to friends, personalities, and key figures within the circuit. It delves into various ski resorts, meticulously documents the athletes’ preparations leading up to the competitions, and, of course, features the most exhilarating action shots from the events themselves.
A significant motivation for athletes in the South American circuit is the opportunity to earn a direct pass to the IFSA Challenger Series events in the United States and Canada. This serves as a crucial final qualifying stage for the prestigious Freeride World Tour. However, as Nacho emphasizes, “we do all of this for the experience, the friendships, and the collective motivation that arises every time this South American freeriding community comes together.”
The Special & Unique Freeride Sudamerica Community
What truly sets the Freeride Sudamerica series apart is its remarkable community. “In this emerging and actively growing discipline in South America, you can feel the support from your peers; everyone wants the other to do good and push the limits of the sport,” Nacho highlights.
This vibrant community spirit is evident in the shared experiences: “Sharing housing, discussing line options, skiing the resort with the locals, having ‘asados’ all together, and enjoying others’ success are some of the things that make this community so special and makes you want to go to every comp.” This deep sense of camaraderie is a core element the vlog aims to showcase, illustrating why athletes are drawn back to these events year after year.
Traveling with Friends: Building Core Memories
For Nacho and his crew, the best part of traveling to these competitions with friends is the opportunity to build core memories together. It’s not just about the competition; it’s about the shared journey.
“We share so many emotions with the group that you travel with that it doesn’t matter the results in the comps anymore,” Nacho shares. The focus shifts to the collective experience: “we are certain that we are going to have a good time and remember that trip forever.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of “Esto Es Freeride”—celebrating the passion, the friendships, and the unforgettable moments that define the South American freeride scene.