Tom Wallisch Says Red Bull Unrailistic Is A "Return" To Freeskiing's Roots

POWDER writer Ian Greenwood spoke with Tjäder about the origins of the competition last year, and while not much has changed regarding the format, I wanted to speak with Tom Wallisch, a first-time athlete at Red Bull Unrailistic.

Watch as Wallisch hits the new 'Jesper Twist Rail' at Red Bull Unrailistic 2024 during a practice session. Tap to play:

Wallisch is admittedly one of my favorite skiers. Seeing his name on the stacked list of athletes for this year's Unrailistic was exciting, to say the least.

The following is an excerpt from a short email exchange between Wallisch and I. For more information about Red Bull Unrailistic click here.

Tom Wallisch Q&A- Red Bull Unrailistic

How would you describe Unrailistic to a skier hearing about the comp for the first time?

"This event is basically just a rail session and rail Slopestyle event on the biggest and most technical rails possible. All from the mind of Jesper Tjäder who has been known to film the craziest park rail tricks ever."

We don't see you competing as much as you used to, why have you decided to jump back in for Unrailistic?

"I’m for sure over regular Slopestyle competitions. Just so much time and training to keep up with the level of skill everyone has. Plus the formats and courses are so specific.

I decided to jump back into this event, because I just love rail skiing so much still. I really love the format and the extended week of training, skiing with everyone and best trick jam. I’ve known Jesper for a long time and stoked to be here supporting his event and vision for rail competitions into the future."

Which feature(s) has been the most challenging on the course?

"Everything ha. There isn’t a simple or easy rail in the course. Some are big and scary. Others like the Jesper Twist S-Rail, are sooo difficult just to complete. I just really love that lots of the rails are really long. So different from many Slopestyle courses these days with shorter rails."

It seems, at least from the surface, that modern freeskiing/freestyle comps are moving away from intensity and towards jam sessions and community building formats. Can you explain how the competition vibe has changed since the beginning of your career?

"It's crazy to see the changes over the course of my ski career. When I was younger there were more community focused events and jam sessions. More park shoots and community gatherings. 

For a lot of years, competitions got more and more specific. Even parks over time have become Slopetsyle courses and straight forward setups. I think the athletes and community as a whole have started returning to the roots of Freeskiing.

I love seeing athletes like Jesper, and Kim Boberg create these events that bring people together for the love of the sport and progression together. No matter the result of the contest here in Sweden, I’ve had the most fun of my season skiing with everyone these first 3 days. It’s been such an amazing experience." 

You mentioned in a recent Instagram post that you've been riding with friends to practice for the competition. Who have you been skiing with and how are you helping each other ahead of the comp?

"Been skiing a lot with Andreas Hatveit and Henrik Harlaut. We’re the older guys here and been so fun to all ski together, reminisce on old times, and talk all things tricks and rails. Henrik Harlaut and I are staying together here. Couple of old boys trying to keep up with the kids.

Also so great to ski with all the younger guys I watch compete all season. Colby, Matej, Evan, Max, Hunter, Jesper etc etc. I’m constantly inspired by all the guys and gals here. It's the sessions together pushing and encouraging each other that makes it so fun."