Red Bulletin: Hi Grete, how’s the training going?
Grete Eliassen: Training is good.

RB: Are there any special routines that you follow to prepare for this kind of event?
GE: Mainly I try not to think of skiing as training and I just go out and ski the type of features I want to ski on that day. However, once the X Games come closer it’s good to get in the pipe a little and hit some park jumps.

RB: So who do you see as your main rivals?
GE: In the pipe it’s Sarah Burke, and slope will be everybody. All the girls have gotten so much better at rails, I think that will be really exciting to see.

RB: What is it about the X Games that’s different from other ski contests?
GE: Everyone is there. It’s like a big reunion where you get to meet up with everyone. Also, it’s the one contest you can talk about to non-shredders and they’ll understand it’s a really big deal.

RB: You’re American-born but ski for Norway where you grew up, so how do European fans compare with US fans?
GE: Norwegian fans understand the importance of the X Game, but they don’t get as excited as US fans.

RB: So have you got any new moves that you’re bringing to this year’s event?
GE: (Mysteriously) I got some tricks.

RB: Does your background in ski racing help you out in any way? Or is skiing Superpipe a totally different mindset?
GE: I’m sure ski racing has helped me with halfpipe… probably a ton. Because pipe is a lot about edge control so I do have an advantage for sure.

RB: In 2007 you donated your entire $25,000 prize purse to charity. Is that something you plan on doing again anytime soon, and is charity something you’re passionate about?
GE: Charity work is definitely my passion. Anything that involves giving I could say. Yes, I would love to make more time and do something like what I did in 2007 again.

RB: What’s next on the horizon for Grete Eliassen?
GE: All I can say to that is check out my blog!