Markus Eder

Markus Eder is the first Italian new school freestyler to reach international recognition.

At first sight, Markus Eder is a typical Italian from Southern Tyrol. He was born in Bruneck and raised in Luttach in the nearby Ahrntal valley, where he still lives today. He started skiing at the age of four, was an alpine racer for many years and enjoys rock climbing in the summer. The 20-year- old even loves pizza and ice-cream. However, a few winters back something diverted his typically Italian path. He discovered freeskiing! Five years later Markus Eder is the first Italian new school freestyler to reach international recognition.

A first exclamation mark was an impressive win of his qualifying heat at the European Freeski Open in Laax. Unfortunately for Markus, the finals had to be cancelled due to bad weather. Thus it took another two months of waiting until his break- through to stardom with the victory at the Nine Knights Big Air Invitational last year.

Markus Eder might not stay alone for long as an Italian freeski star, however. There has developed a lively freestyle scene in the land of soccer and pasta, with the funpark in Bruneck being one of the centres. In Bruneck and on the Schnalstal glacier is also where Markus Eder prepared for this season to eventually reach his big goal, the participation at the X Games which he has qualified for.  His highlight this season has been placing 2nd amongst the international stars at the Red Bull Line Catcher.