When a freeskier like Sam Baumgartner , known for his creative riding style and spectacular jumps, co-creates a product, there's more to it than just a beanie. Sam has a long-standing partnership with HAE, and now this collaboration has been taken to the next level: The "Sam's Fleece Beanie" – a limited special edition that reflects his personality.
To mark the release, we sat down with Sam and talked about the creation of the beanie, his personal style, and of course, his great passion – freeskiing.
What inspired you to design the “Sam's Fleece Beanie” together with HAE?
HAE was my first sponsor and therefore my first real partner. Therefore, I felt a special connection with HAE from the very beginning. It's been a long-time goal of mine to design my own product with one of my sponsors. Now, with HAE, it's been a perfect fit, and I'm so excited that the Fleece Beanie will be released tomorrow.
Which special features of the beanie reflect your personal style?
We deliberately limited the colors to black and white. On the one hand, because that's my favorite color combination—I love wearing all-black when skiing—but at the same time, I think the white contrast is fantastic. I'd say that reflects my personal style.
Are there certain situations or conditions under which you particularly like to wear the beanie?
We experimented a lot with the fabric and finally settled on a slightly thinner fleece fabric. This makes the beanie perfect for cold winter conditions, because fleece simply keeps you warm. At the same time, it's also great for warmer spring conditions, because the fabric isn't too thick. Therefore, I'd say the fleece beanie is truly a versatile winter essential.
How was the collaboration with HAE in developing the beanie?
The collaboration was really awesome! I approached HAE with the idea and said, "Hey guys, let's do something together!" After that, I sent a few designs and photos, and we experimented with prototypes. It was an exciting process, all about determining the perfect dimensions, the right fabric thickness, the colors, and the overall fabric selection. I loved being so directly involved in the development. A huge thank you to the entire HAE team!
You're known for your spectacular jumps and transfers, which often go viral. How do you develop new ideas for tricks or clips, and what motivates you to constantly try new things?
Generally, I really like the idea of "thinking outside the box ." When you enter a snow park, there are certain lines you can ride—the ones the park is designed for. But when you look at it from a different perspective, you discover new possibilities and variations. That's exactly what's so cool about freestyle skiing: everyone can ride their own style and do what feels right for them. That's how my ideas for transfers and clips come about.
What motivates me to constantly try new things? I think it's simply the drive to be on skis every day and enjoy that freedom. The opportunity to ski every day is something unique, and that's exactly where I draw my motivation to continue developing myself and my skiing.
How do you prepare mentally and physically for particularly challenging jumps or competitions?
New jumps often occupy my mind for months before I actually try them. I visualize them again and again, drawing on movement patterns I've internalized over the years. This gives me new ideas: Okay, I could fit a somersault here. Maybe I could do a 180 or a 360.
This doesn't just happen consciously—I also have these thoughts just before falling asleep or in the middle of the night. Sometimes it's dreams or sleepless periods when I think about possible jumps. These ideas stay with me for a long time until the conditions are finally right, the right jump appears—and then it's time to actually try the trick.
You've struggled with injuries in the past and returned after multiple surgeries. How did you overcome these challenges, and what helped you get back on the slopes?
The most important thing for me is: skiing is my life. I would do anything to get back on skis. Sure, the rehab and all the work in the gym aren't nearly as much fun as skiing itself—but they're simply a means to an end.
Whenever motivation wanes, it helps me to remember why I'm doing this: to get back on my skis soon. And with that goal in mind, things actually go quite well.
Do you have any goals or projects for the current season?
Since I'm just returning from an ankle injury, my main priority right now is to ski pain-free again and stay healthy. My focus is on spending as many days on the snow as possible.
That's why I don't have any major competition goals for this season. My focus is more on next season—especially the Olympic Games. That's a big goal of mine. But for this year, the motto is: ski, have fun, and enjoy.
Freeskiing, style and passion – that’s Sam Baumgartner.
The "Sam's Fleece Beanie" is more than just a winter accessory. It represents creativity, individuality, and the freedom to go your own way – values that Sam lives by every day in his sport.
We are proud of this special collaboration and look forward to finally sharing the beanie with you. Get the limited special edition now and bring Sam's spirit into your own winter!