That's why today, we're introducing the young association Ride Spirit Attitude!
Want to know more? Vittorio Mouret, the association's president, agreed to answer some of our questions!
Yumping France - When and how was Ride Spirit Attitude born, and how many members does it have today?
Vittorio Mouret - The association was founded in 2010, born from a desire to democratise action sports, inspire people to practice them, and help elite athletes gain recognition. Today, we have about thirty members, and we hope this number will grow quickly.
Y.F. - Which sports are practiced within your association?
V.M. - Blimey, the list is long!!! Joking aside, we aim to build a real community around action sports, so our goal is to include "all" of them. Currently, we offer skiing, snowboarding and snowscoot for winter sports, and surfing, windsurfing, SUP, skateboarding and mountain biking for summer sports. Each of these sports covers multiple disciplines like freeride, freestyle, etc.
Y.F. - What's your favourite sport? Any fun anecdotes to share?
V.M. - Well... truthfully, all of them... though obviously, I can't do everything – it’d cost a fortune! Since I was young, I’ve skied recreationally, and in recent years, I’ve taken up mountain biking to complement my summer passion. That said, whenever I get the chance, I try all the sports we represent!!! Always keeping that stoke and the ride spirit!!!! As for anecdotes, nothing specific comes to mind, but I’ve been lucky to meet great people at the right times. One story? When I was still a trainee ski patroller in Tignes, a mate challenged me to jump off a cornice – nothing huge, just 1.50m. I hesitated, intimidated by the landing and slope. Eventually, I said I’d back out... then he slapped my back, knocked me off balance, and I jumped. Stuck the landing and carved away... after, I was mad for half a second before feeling chuffed I’d done it – finally "got my act together," as we say in the scene.
Photo Andy Parant
Y.F. - Who can join the Association?
V.M. - Everyone! Action sports enthusiasts, whether they’re seasoned or complete beginners. The association exists to introduce people to these sports and get them involved. So, we’re genuinely open to all – whether to share a passion or simply discover one.
Y.F. - What values do you stand for?
V.M. - Our core values are diverse, so everyone finds their place, but the strongest are: Respect, Solidarity, Trust, Commitment, Passion and Freedom. Towards ourselves, our environment, and others. We also aim to instil these in our members. And as our name suggests, we always strive to keep a positive mindset and attitude. We lead by example.
Y.F. - You're based in Grenoble. Is the action sports scene lively in the region?
V.M. - Hugely! There’s a massive rider community and buzzing resorts nearby – Isère, Savoie, Haute-Savoie, even the Hautes-Alpes a bit further... Basically, the best mountain spots are right on our doorstep!!!
Photo Andy Parant
Y.F. - In terms of members, events, and the professionals you work with, what’s Ride Spirit Attitude’s reach? Do you operate locally, regionally, nationally, or beyond?
V.M. - Currently, we work nationally (the southern half, let’s say), simply because our members are spread across that area. Plus, with so many sports to represent – spanning mountains, sea, and urban settings – we have to cover ground... Last I checked, you can’t surf in Isère... But the Med? Absolutely. More on that later...
Also, Ride Spirit Attitude is still young. There’s real buzz around us... sure, potential members aren’t banging down the door yet, but I think people want to know us better before diving in. That said, many support the project, even big names like Andy Parant, a pro photographer, or Enak Gavaggio, a legend in freeride and ski cross.
Photo Andy Parant
Y.F. - Action sports often have tight-knit communities. Is it hard for beginners or newcomers to break in?
V.M. - Many think it’s tough to integrate, that practitioners are in a "cult" (a word I’ve heard when discussing us). True, each discipline has its codes, values, and reasons... but our job is to show this community isn’t closed off – our riders love sharing their passion. That’s our purpose.
That said, we manage this openness carefully. Our biggest fear is encouraging participation without responsibility. To thrive here, there are rules – safety first!
Y.F. - What’s Ride Spirit Attitude’s proudest achievement so far?
V.M. - Sparking interest!! We’re too young for a full track record, but our proudest moment was being main partners at the IDRAC SHOW, a student event.
Y.F. - What’s next for Ride Spirit Attitude? Any upcoming events or projects?
V.M. - We’re negotiating loads of varied projects – sadly, I can’t share details yet as nothing’s confirmed, but we’re hopeful! We’ll keep you posted!!!!
Y.F. - Cheers Vittorio! Best of luck to the whole team!
In the meantime, why not try an outdoor sport near you?
