Stories
Tom Ritsch vs. Tom Granier
This article has been adapted from the Winter 2018 print issue of Downdays Magazine. Use the mag finder at the bottom of this page to find a copy in a ski shop near you.
Text: Mark von Roy
One is from France and one from Austria; one is tall, the other somewhat smaller. They share a first name and an authentic, no-bullshit love of skiing. Tom Ritsch and Tom Granier are both ultra talented skiers and underrated. They are the Toms that fly under the radar…
Tom Granier
Born: 18th of December 1994 in Grenoble, France
Sponsors: Dakine, Oakley, Ho5Park, LibTech, FullTilt
Home Resort: Les 7 Laux
Height / Weight: 165 cm / 60 kg
Tom Granier styling at the Spring Sessions in Crans Montana, Switzerland. Photo: Ruedi Flück
Tom Ritsch
Born: 21st of December 1993 in Mittersill, Austria
Sponsors: Völkl, Marker, Dalbello, Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn, Hotel Active by Leitner, Lead Fabrics
Home Resort: Kitzsteinhorn, Kaprun
Height / Weight: 186 cm / 78 kg
Tom Ritsch high over the 2017 Nine Royals feature. Photo: Klaus Polzer
Favorite Skier?
Tom Granier: Antti Ollila
Tom Ritsch: Tanner Hall
Favorite Trick?
TG: Backflip
TR: Cork 360
Favorite Ski Movie?
TG: “Mutiny” by Stept Productions
TR: “Yearbook” by Matchstick Productions
Favorite Austrian Food?
TG: Schnitzel mit pommes
TR: Schnitzel
Favorite French Food?
TG: Tacos
TR: Crepes
Favorite trick that The other Tom does?
TG: I'm in love with that bio 1080.
TR: Those switch 540s are beautiful.
Tom Ritsch - Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn 2017
Last season’s highlight?
TG: Top-to-bottom project in Les 7 Laux with JR Ceron.
TR: Man of the Day at Suzuki Nine Royals.
Describe the other Tom in one sentence.
TG: Tom Ritsch is a GOOD skier that likes food, smiles all the time and never says no to a beer.
TR: Tom Granier is a talented skier who lets his skiing do the talking; he can throw down in parks just as much as in the streets or the backcountry.
What is the weirdest thing you did as a kid?
TG: Something that my mom will be disappointed if I tell you!
TR: Went to Italy, didn’t eat pizza.
What is your biggest dream in skiing?
TG: Do what I'm doing until my death. I just want to enjoy every day of winter with my friends, around the world.
TR: Stay healthy and be able to ski for the rest of my life, because skiing brings me joy and makes me forget about everything else.
You'e stuck in a hut with a huge snowstorm outside and no electricity, what three things would you want with you?
TG: Cheese, wine and all my friends.
TR: A flashlight, a sleeping bag and my favorite snack.
