Built to Chase the GOATs

He doesn't just ride. He flies. Valentino Guseli has channelled everything he loves into his debut collaboration with XTM Performance: the Snow Leopard Collection. Dropped June 2026, this is gear built around the animal that's defined his approach to riding since he was a kid. Light on its feet, ruthlessly precise, always ready to strike.

The Concept

Snow leopards have been Valentino's favourite animal since he was young, so when it came time to build the collection, the idea came naturally. "It was sort of like an unwrapping of all the concepts based around the animal," he says. "First it was, 'snow leopards are cool as', then we realised how it also embodies the way we want to shred: light on our feet, precise, nimble and fast."

The connection runs deeper than aesthetics. When Valentino’s riding, he’s light on his feet. Watch a snow leopard move and you'll see exactly what he means. Effortless precision, total control, nothing wasted.

Chasing Greatness

The collection's tagline, built to chase the GOATs, captures something real about the way Valentino approaches progression. "It's like a video game," he explains. "You might be working on a trick for so long, then all of a sudden you get it and then it's like, ok what's next. You find a new trick or an evolution of the one you just learned, and the cycle repeats. Doing that over and over eventually equals being able to compete against the best, and if you do it well enough, take down the GOATs and become one yourself."

The Products

Valentino Mitts
One thing was non-negotiable in the design: the blue eyes. "The way they stand out, that's the game changer," Valentino says. Beyond the looks, these mitts deliver all-around form and function that feels good, works good, and looks good.

"You know that OutKast song, so fresh and so clean? That starts playing as soon as they slide on." These are the iconic ones. The piece that turns heads at the lift and sets the tone for the whole day.

Australian Merino Wool Thermals
Comfy, breathable, and with zero restriction, something Valentino has struggled to find in other thermals. Plus the small snow leopard prints on the shoulders and legs. "They're cool," he says. Simple as that.

Snow Leopard Neck Warmer
Pure aura. The finishing piece that pulls the whole look together on the mountain.

A Homegrown Collab

XTM is a proudly Australian, family-owned brand and that means something to Valentino. "A lot of people ask me what XTM stands for and I take pride in telling them,” he says. "It's about crossing the mountain. A metaphor for whatever you do in life: hit it with tenacity and cross whatever mountain you must to reach your dreams."

This collection is just the beginning. The two started developing the capsule last year, and Valentino is already excited about what comes next. "The product-making journey with XTM is so much fun and filled with so much excitement to create cool stuff."

Wear the Leopard. Become the Leopard.

Valentino believes gear matters beyond the technical. "I truly feel that when I'm wearing gear that I love and believe looks really cool, I ride better. That can apply to everyone."

For any young Aussie kid staring up at a halfpipe for the first time, his message is simple: the snow leopard sees what it wants and goes for it. Find the trick you want. Hit the feature that scares you. Step outside your comfort zone. Go for it and keep finding new levels.

The Snow Leopard Collection drops June 2026. Shop at xtm.com.au