Every time I talk to Mattias Fredriksson I learn something new. It might be a ski resort I’ve never heard of, an underground athlete who’s been quietly crushing, a care I have to visit in western Norway, or a quiet mountain bike destination in the Alps. Whatever it is, it comes with the Swedish photographer’s trademark contagious enthusiasm.
It’s hard to have a conversation about ski media without Fredriksson’s name popping up. Known for his transportive, timeless images, Fredriksson has been working as a freelance photographer for the past 25 years, since leaving his role as Editor of Sweden’s national magazine, Åka Skidor, in 2000. From Japan to Lyngen, British Columbia to Engelberg, Fredriksson’s images all share a common thread—it’s impossible to look at one and not want to click into skis.
For someone who’s seen the industry through decades of ups and downs, the Swedish photographer still has a grasp on the initial joy and hunger for capturing skiing that he did when he started working for the sports section of a local Swedish newspaper at age 17. A smile on his face, skis on his feet and camera in hand—some things never change.
“I love to ski and shoot in Swedish Lapland. The solitude in this remote region is so relaxing, and the soft Arctic light is unique. This is where I started my career as a photographer many years ago, and I appreciate the opportunity to return almost yearly. This shot of Johan Jonsson was captured on a late-night shoot above Kopparåsen, as we skied down after a hut trip at Låktatjåkko Mountain Lodge, Sweden’s highest-located mountain station.” (Table of Contents, TSKJ 18.1)
The Ski Journal: Tell us about your background as a skier
Mattias Fredriksson: As a Swede growing up during the era when legendary ski racer Ingemar Stenmark was in his prime, skiing became a natural sport for me. I basically started skiing as soon as I could walk. Our neighbour was a ski instructor, so eventually, I got the chance to follow him to the local ski hills, and my interest grew from there.
How did you get into photography?
When I was 11 years old, I created my own fanzine about heavy metal and punk music and took my first photos. Later, I became obsessed with skiing, and the people featured in ski magazines became my heroes. Particularly Swedish photographer Lars Thulin, who eventually gave me the opportunity to be his intern. I was already interested in writing, having worked at the sports desk for the local newspaper on weekends, and I convinced them to let me go up to Riksgränsen far up north in Sweden to go interview him. Meeting Lars and writing a story about him is what really inspired me to pursue photography.
“Leo Ahrens late at night in Nallo, located in Stuor Räitavagge, a valley just a few miles from Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise. The mountains around Nallo are difficult to access because you must be prepared to care for yourself in any situation. The simple Nallo hut at 3,000 feet sits just below numerous peaks from 5,600 to 6,562 feet of height (significant for Sweden) in this remote and wild valley. With vertical drops up to 3,600 feet, the terrain is steep and challenging. Few people find their way here—it takes two days to reach by foot from the nearest road.” (Tips Up, TSKJ 18.3)
You’ve traveled all over the world to shoot skiing. What are some of your favorite places to shoot?
One thing I really enjoy doing is visiting a place and then returning. When you first go somewhere, you typically just scratch the surface. Over time, you meet a local and then another and then they show you more places. Engelberg, Switzerland, is one of those places for me. I first came in 1997 on assignment for a Swedish snowboard magazine, and since then I have probably been back over 50 times now. You can’t always plan or know the people you’ll meet, but if you keep coming back, the story always unfolds.
How would you describe your approach to shooting?
Most of my photography is driven by letting the environment and nature be the hero of the shot, and letting the athlete compliment that. If it’s a beautiful location and a beautiful photo, it should be a good photo even if you take out the action. I think that approach is a way to keep the images timeless, and never outdate the shot. I’ve shot in more than 200 ski destinations and spent many years traveling almost all the time. I wanted to be the guy who has shots from anywhere. The archive is basically any photographer’s pension fund.
Shot from the lift above, Henrik Windstedt slides a rail at Park City, UT, in 2005.
Is there a particular piece you’ve shot that stands out the most?
About 20 years ago, I took a photograph that I still consider the most outstanding of my career. It’s a rail shot, captured from directly above, in black and white. There’s only snow surrounding it, and the S-shaped rail, viewed from a bird's eye perspective, makes it very visually appealing. I believe this photo resonates with people differently than most ski shots because it’s unique and highly graphical. It was taken on film from a slow chair lift, long before drones and digital cameras became commonplace.
What was your first feature for The Ski Journal?
My first feature for The Ski Journal was in Lofoten [“Few and Far: Finding Isolation in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, TSKJ 16.1]. I shot and wrote the piece, and before that I had just contributed photos [to TSKJ]. I had been to Lofoten many times, but that trip was the best. We went a little further afield, explored more late in the season in all kinds of conditions—spring snow, powder and everything in between.
“Chad Sayers skis to the source off Haveren (2,651 feet). The seldom-skied peak on the island of Vestvågøya provided a glimpse of winter after days of warm weather.” (TSKJ 16.1, Few and Far)
Mattias Fredriksson on a deep day in the Shames Mountain Backcountry, near Terrace, BC. Photo: Yvan Sabourin
One thing you can’t go without on a ski trip?
My ski boots with custom made liners!
Tell us why you love print media!
I enjoy brewing coffee, sitting on the sofa, and browsing through a good magazine. The sensation of the paper, the vibrant colors, and even the scent of the ink truly appeal to me. I prefer reading one story at a time and returning to it later. It’s difficult to put into words, but print magazines and books offer a different experience, and I am a big fan of that.
“Seki-Onsen, near Myoko-Kogen on Honshu, is one of the snowiest places in Japan. Chad Sayers made good use of the hair dryer at the base area to dry his goggles.” (Tips Up, TSKJ 18.2)