Style, Progression, and Pushing Limits
That Gold Medal Moment
“That nose butter 1260 was something I’ve wanted to do in Knuckle Huck forever,” Rell says. “I tried it last spring and knew I wanted to bring it to X Games.” But for her, it wasn’t about chasing gold - it was about proving that women can throw down just as hard as the guys. “I think we get a lot of backlash in that event, and I just wanted to show what’s possible.”
The Knuckle Game
Knuckle Huck has cemented itself as one of the most exciting events in freeskiing, and Rell loves how it sets itself apart. “It’s so different from anything else I do,” she says. “Slopestyle and Big Air are amazing, but Knuckle Huck lets me put more style and creativity into my skiing.” She also sees it as a platform for more women outside the traditional comp scene to break through: “It’s an opportunity for them to showcase their amazing skiing at X Games.”
The Creative Process
When it comes to her unique flow, Rell doesn’t overthink it. “Honestly, most of the time, I just see it in the moment - it comes to me,” she says. “Of course, I have ideas for new tricks that keep me up at night, but the best ones usually just happen when I’m skiing.”
Pushing Limits
Progression isn’t always easy, and for Rell, one of her biggest battles has been the fear of plateauing. “It scares me to think I might never get better than I am right now,” she admits. “With a bit of a following, people are always quick to say you ‘fell off,’ and that pressure can mess with you.” Her solution? Staying present. “I take it day by day. If I just focus on skiing for the fun of it, I end up progressing without even realizing it. That’s when the crazy shit happens.”
Influences
When asked about her biggest inspirations, Rell doesn’t hesitate. “Henrik Harlaut, no question. He does everything with purpose - to make it look as sick and dope as possible.” She also gives a huge shoutout to Bella Bacon: “She’s pushing women’s skiing so much. I definitely want to bring that into my own skiing.” Olivia Asselin and Anni Karava round out her list, with Rell describing their style as “crazy sick” and “the smoothest lady on skis.” Outside of skiing, she pulls inspiration from skating: “I always say I’m trying to look as much like a skater as possible when I ski. No helmet, no poles, just a T-shirt—that’s when I feel the coolest.”
Knuckle vs. Big Air
Rell took home gold in Knuckle Huck and landed just off the podium in Big Air, two very different events that push her in unique ways. “Big Air definitely comes with more pressure - it’s such a massive jump, and the tricks have to be way more technical,” she explains. “On the knuckle, it’s more about style.” But for her, there’s no picking favorites: “I love them both equally and feel so lucky that X Games invited me to compete in both.”
Life Outside the Boots
When she’s not skiing, you’ll most likely find Rell thrifting. “I’m almost always thrifting,” she laughs. “I love finding unique things, and I think that definitely influences my ski style. I always want to switch up what I’m wearing on the mountain.”
Beyond the Podium
With an X Games gold under her belt, what’s next? “I’ll stay competing for a while, but I want to split my time with projects and sessions, too,” she says. “Right now, I’m filming for the Armada movie coming out this fall, but I’d love to do my own project in the next few years.”
She’s also stoked on the rise of nontraditional events in skiing. “There are so many cool jams and sessions now, and I’d love to keep attending them - or maybe even host my own one day.”
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Damn Good MAGAZINE is a celebration of life and artistry, blending the worlds of sport and cinema to capture the raw beauty, creativity, and passion that define both.
Rell