- Minna Riihimaki
- From: Chamonix, France
- Ambassador since: 2009
- Outdoor activities: Skiing, Climbing, Rock climbing, Paragliding
Achievements:
- Being the first woman to ski the Frendo Spur (Chamonix, North face of Aiguille de Midi)
- First descent of Canale Rex-Max (Dolomites, Italy)
- Competing in European Cups in downhill biking
- My most recent accomplishment is the fight back from serious accident I had in 2016 that destroyed my left knee and leg
Minna Riihimaki is a force of nature who defies easy categorization. Originally from the flatlands of Lappeenranta, Finland, she followed her fascination with high peaks to the French Alps over 25 years ago. Today, she balances a life of extreme mountain sports in Chamonix with a career as a dental surgeon and an MBA holder—a testament to her belief that passion and discipline are the foundations of a balanced life.
Where did you grow up?
In Lappeenranta, Finland. I left my hometown to study in France when I was 20 years old.
Activity
Mountain skiing, enduro biking, alpinism, ice climbing, rock climbing, paragliding. I am also a dental surgeon 2 days / week and I have a MBA diploma.
What year did you join the Norrøna family?
2009.
What do you actively do to cut back on your carbon footprint?
Use my bike as much as possible in local traveling, recycle trash and I am currently looking for an electric car.
Career highlights/accomplishments (bullet points)
- Being the first woman to ski the Frendo Spur (Chamonix, North face of Aiguille de Midi)
- First descent of Canale Rex-Max (Dolomites, Italy)
- Competing in European Cups in downhill biking
- My most recent accomplishment is the fight back from serious accident I had in 2016 that destroyed my left knee and leg.
Was there someone or some event that inspired you to get involved in your sport/activity?
I came to the Alps already as teenager to visit and to ski. I have always been attracted by the high mountain (which doesn’t exist in my home country) and I love winters.
What advice would you give your 10-year-old self?
Always follow your passion, try out different options. Passion and hobbies are things that give a solid background to your life, you can always express yourself through them and they help to find a balance. Motivation and determination are also elements that can take you far in success.
If you were stranded alone in the wilderness, name 3 things you would want to have with you.
If I follow my reason, I’d take my ax, fire device and water filter.
What hobbies do you enjoy participating in?
Horseback riding, taking kids out for discovering different sports and culture, reading (especially when learning something new.)
What would be the theme song describing your life?
I haven’t heard a song yet that would describe my life in one song.
If you could have dinner with 3 people (living or deceased) who would they be and why?
Barack Obama (for his vision on the political world), Lynn Hill (for her career as a female athlete), Jean Sibelius (for composing such universal music).
What is/are your hidden talent(s)?
Tiling! I have renovated and tiled friends’ kitchens and bathrooms.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be and why?
I don’t believe in superpowers but I would like to have a super intuition. Intuition is something I try to follow and listen to.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Determined, smiley, logical.
What is a skill that everyone should master and why?
Goodwill. It would make the world friendlier and bring kindness amongst living creatures.
Minna Riihimaki in action
