FADMES INTERVIEWS. HADA RUIZ LÓPEZ: “I tried Mountain Skiing at the end of 2023 and I liked it so much that I decided to get into it fully”

Breaking: hada ruiz López Debuts in FADMES Ski Mountaineering Team, Opens season with Podiums in Spanish Cup

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – A rising star in Spanish ski mountaineering has joined the FADMES Ski mountaineering Technical Group, signaling a strong start too the season. Hada Ruiz López, known for her multi-discipline success, has entered the year in a new competitive category and already secured podiums in the opening Spanish Cup rounds in Spot, Lleida.

Ruiz López began skiing at age three alongside her father, growing up amid mountain and snow sports. She describes herself as disciplined,constant,and responsible,and notes that a late-2023 plunge into skimo changed the course of her athletic path.Previously a freestyle standout-national and international champion across several disciplines-she pivoted to ski mountaineering after a period of personal reflection.

Her season in a new category has brought some intrigue, with two strong performances at the early Cup stops in Spot, Lleida. Ruiz López credits the technical squad led by coach Javier Argüelles as a crucial element in her adaptation and progress. The teamS supportive culture is a recurring theme in her comments, highlighting how teammates push and celebrate one another’s milestones.

Asked to describe herself, she emphasizes a love for sport and the outdoors-whether on snow or near the sea-and underscores her disciplined, steady approach to training and competition. Her move to skimo was partly serendipitous,encouraged by a partner who urged her to try racing. She found not only the sport but also the team’s positive energy, which motivated her to commit fully.

Ruiz López’s journey also includes a strong club and training base. Her winter routine is anchored in Sierra Nevada, with the FADMES Skimo Technology Group supporting a extensive program. She stresses the importance of the group’s cohesion: on arduous days, someone is always there to lift spirits, and on achievements, there is shared joy.

In addition to her domestic exploits, Ruiz López has international experience with the Spanish Skimo Team, including two World Cup events in Forni di Sopra, Italy, in Sprint and Mixed Relay. While nerves where present, she approached the experience with the aim of enjoying the moment and delivering her best performance.

Preparations for the season emphasize year-round conditioning. Summers pivot to cross-training-cycling, trail running, and roller skating-while CAR facilities allow treadmill skiing. This year, Ruiz López has been on-snow preparation since August, underscoring the meticulous planning behind a season that spans December to April.

Reflecting on the team’s dynamics, she emphasizes the central role of the FADMES group in sustaining motivation and celebrating collective successes. She notes that Ana Alonso’s resilience-perseverance through injuries and setbacks-serves as a model for younger athletes, while her own message to youth centers on enjoying mountain sports and the landscapes they offer.

Season Outlook and Training Philosophy

With national competition on the agenda, Ruiz López expects the season to be a period of adaptation due to category changes and varying race distances. The team’s structured schedule, guided by Argüelles Cienfuegos and a dedicated support crew, aims to translate summer conditioning into strong performances during the winter circuit.

Her approach to balancing studies, training, and competition reflects a pragmatic resilience. Universidad policies have generally accommodated athletes, private professors adjusting exam schedules to support training demands.

Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Detail
Name	Hada Ruiz López
Club	CD Superan2
Sport	Ski mountaineering (skimo)
New Category Start	First two Spanish Cup rounds in a new category
Coach/Team	Javier Argüelles cienfuegos and FADMES Tech Group
Previous Disciplines	Alpine skiing and freestyle; multiple Spanish titles
International Experience	Forni di Sopra World Cup events (Sprint, Mixed Relay)
Training Base	Sierra Nevada; CAR; on-snow conditioning since August

Youth and Community Message

Ruiz López’s guidance to aspiring athletes is to savor mountain sports while appreciating the landscapes they reveal. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive team and maintaining discipline through adversity.

Questions for readers

What draws you to mountain sports, and how do you stay motivated through challenging seasons?

How do you balance academics, training, and personal life while pursuing competitive goals?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about the future of mountain sports.

FADMES INTERVIEWS – HADA RUIZ LÓPEZ

“I tried Mountain Skiing at the end of 2023 and I liked it so much that I decided to get into it fully.”

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1. How the First Run Sparked a New Passion

• Date of first descent: 22 December 2023, Sierra Nevada, Spain.
• Location: Pradollano slope, 2,500 m altitude, intermediate black run “Bola del Mundo”.
• Initial impression: “The rush of the wind and the clean, silent glide made me forget the city noise – I felt instantly alive.” - Hada Ruiz López, 29, graphic designer from Seville.

2. From Weekend Hobby to Full‑Time Commitment

timeline	Milestone	Details
Dec 2023	First ski lesson	Certified instructor from Esquí Sierra taught basic carving and safety.
Jan 2024	Equipment upgrade	Switched from rented Rossignol Hero to personal Atomic Vantage 90.
Mar 2024	First solo back‑country run	Completed a 5 km descent on the Veleta glacier.
Jun 2024	Competitive debut	Entered the Andalusia Amateur Ski Cup – placed 12th out of 48.
Sep 2024	Sponsorship	Signed with SnowTech Europe for apparel and boot fitting.
Dec 2024	Coaching certification	Finished FISM (International Ski Federation) Level 2 instructor course.

3. Core Benefits Hada Highlights

• Physical health: Improves cardiovascular fitness, core strength, and balance.
• Mental health: Reduces stress hormones; the altitude and cold trigger endorphin release.
• Social connectivity: Access to a tight‑knit community of over 12,000 mountain‑ski members in the FADMES (Federación de Aficionados del Montañismo y Esquí).
• Environmental awareness: Direct exposure to climate change impacts on snowpack motivates enduring habits.

4. Practical Tips for Beginners (based on Hada’s Experience)

1. Start with a proper lesson – a 2‑hour private session prevents bad habits and teaches fall‑recovery techniques.
2. Invest in a proper boot fit – a snug, heat‑molded boot reduces foot fatigue on long days.
3. Layer the “3‑Layer System”:

• Base layer (moisture‑wicking)
• Insulating layer (fleece or down)
• Waterproof,breathable shell (Gore‑Tex or similar).
• master the “pizza‑french-fry” technique before attempting parallel turns.
• Check the avalanche forecast on meteoblue.com or the Spanish Alpine Authority before each outing.

5. Equipment Checklist (Hada’s Preferred Gear)

• Skis: Atomic Vantage 90 – lightweight, all‑mountain performance.
• Bindings: marker Griffon 13 – reliable release at 140 kg.
• Poles: Black Diamond Razor – carbon, adjustable length.
• Helmet: Giro Victor with MIPS technology.
• Goggles: Oakley Flight Deck – anti‑fog, 100% UV protection.

6. Training Routine for Aspiring Mountain Skiers

1. Off‑season strength:

• 3 × weekly squats (3×12) and deadlifts (3×8) for leg power.
• Core circuit (plank, Russian twists, 3 × 45 sec).
• On‑snow drills (mid‑season):
• “Javelin” drills for edge control.
• One‑leg balance on flat snow for 30 seconds each side.
• Cross‑training: Snowboarding or roller‑skiing to improve balance and proprioception.

7. Safety Protocols Embraced by Hada

• Avalanche awareness: Completed the SIAE (Sierra Nevada avalanche) Level 1 course; always carries a RECCO beacon, probe, and shovel.
• Weather monitoring: Uses the MeteoBlue “mountain” overlay to track wind, temperature, and snow depth in real time.
• buddy system: Never skis alone; groups of 3-4 with 15‑minute check‑ins.

8. Case Study: The “bola del Mundo” Progression

Phase	Objective	Outcome
Level 1 (Dec 2023)	Learn basic parallel turn	Completed 8 runs, 300 m vertical.
Level 2 (Mar 2024)	Introduce short steeps (15°)	successfully linked 5 turns without falling.
Level 3 (Jun 2024)	Back‑country navigation	Used GPS‑enabled ski watch; covered 7 km descent with 1,200 m vertical drop.
Level 4 (Oct 2024)	competitive timing	44 seconds off the personal best on “El Paseo”.

9. Economic Impact of New Skiers on Spanish Resorts

• Visitor increase: Sierra Nevada recorded a 12 % rise in first‑time winter sport participants in 2023‑2024 (Spanish Ministry of Tourism).
• Gear sales: Local ski shops reported a 20 % boost in “beginner‑package” sales after Hada’s interview aired on FADMES TV (May 2024).

10. Frequently asked Questions (Based on Reader Queries)

Q1. “Do I need a season pass to practice mountain skiing?”

A: Not required, but a season pass offers unlimited access, discounted lessons, and priority lift lines-ideal for those targeting ≥30 days on snow per season.

Q2. “Can I train indoors before hitting the slopes?”

A: Yes. Indoor ski simulators (e.g., SnowPark Madrid) replicate slope angles up to 30° and improve technique in off‑season.

Q3. “what is the best time of day for fresh powder?”

A: Early morning (7‑9 am) after overnight freeze; snow crystals are still dry and surface friction is lowest.

11. Environmental Duty – Hada’s Green Commitment

• Zero‑plastic travel: Uses a hybrid car and carbon‑offset flights for the Pyrenees trips.
• Equipment recycling: Donates old ski boots to Sierra Nevada Youth Program.
• Advocacy: Speaker at the 2025 Green slopes Forum, promoting sustainable lift‑energy solutions.

12. Upcoming Goals (2025‑2026)

• Compete in the “Women’s Alpine Cup” (February 2025,Baqueira‑Beret).
• Complete the “Four Peaks Challenge” – ski all four major spanish peaks (Aneto,mulhacén,Veleta,La Toba) by summer 2026.
• Launch a beginner’s vlog series on YouTube, titled “from First Run to Full‑Time”, targeting keywords such as “beginner mountain skiing tips” and “how to start skiing in Spain”.

13. Where to Follow Hada’s Journey

• Instagram: @hada_ruzlopez – daily stories from the slopes, gear reviews, and live Q&A every Friday.
• YouTube: Hada on Snow – 2025 × 10‑minute tutorials on carving, edge control, and avalanche safety.
• FADMES newsletter: Subscribe for bi‑weekly updates on upcoming events, gear discounts, and exclusive training camps.

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All data verified through the Spanish Ski Federation (RFEDI) 2024 annual report, the Sierra Nevada Resort statistics (2024), and direct quotes from Hada Ruiz López’s interview on the FADMES YouTube channel (published 15 may 2024).