Why do you love/hate Snowboarding?

Since about 14 years snowboarding is a big part of my life, a hobby, a passion, a job. When I was 15 years old, I startet with freestyle halfpipe competitions and changed to slopestyle some years later before mainly focusing on big mountain riding. It has always been fun to travel to different places, to be out in the nature and meet other riders with the same passion, to compete, take photos or film.

How do you keep your passion for Snowboarding alive after all these years? What keeps you coming back each season?

To me freeriding is about expressing myself in my riding style, being creative with chosing a line but also to be a professional athlete. Since two seasons I am competing in the Freeride World Tour Series and after becoming Vice World Champion last season, I am more than happy to have ended this season as Freeride World Champion 2010. But besides the professional part or tight competition schedule, there was and is nothing better than living the » snowboard lifestyle » and spending a powder day with friends at home. That keeps me still doing it...and I am still loving it ;)

Is filming/shooting a job or fun for you? Why?

I really like to film or take pictures as it´s pushing me to the limit. I have the impression that I always perform better when there is a bit of pressure on my back. And when I see the outcome, I am always stoked about what I have done and happy about not geting injured doing some crazy stuff, haha.

Do you have a special workout or training during off-season? How does it keep your snowboarding skills in check?

You learn how to free ride by freeriding. A lot of things happen in your head, and so I find mentally preparing myself to be very helpful. In the fall, I start my condition to make sure I have the strength and stamina to be able to compete. I started a special work out training programm at the gym back home in Innsbruck. But another very good work out and refilling energy sport is surfing. I've got to be in great shape to avoid getting injuries.

How do you deal with big slams? Any mental preparation?

I always try to avoid big slams, but I always fail, haha.

Do you feel fear? How do you handle it?

I have to admit that there is a lot of adrenaline in my blood just before I am about to drop in a line. But I have the impression that it makes me stronger as I am much more concentrated and focused on what I am doing.

Do you have any ceremony/ritual before you enter a big jump or rail or drop something?

Mhmmm…let me think about it….NO, not really! But I have a guardian angel in all of my riding jackets that my mum gives me at the beginning of every season.

Are you a blue bird shredder only or uphill in all weather conditions?

I love to ride when its dumping or in horrible weather conditions. There is always good visibility and no wind in the trees and I really love tree runs and pillow lines. Plus there is no queue at the lift. Perfect days !!!

How do you close your boots? Tight, loose, open?

Very tight…I sometimes have blue shins…

Sharp or round edges?

Both

Last word?

A big huge THANK YOU to my sponsors Deeluxe, Dakine, Roxy, Völkl, Ortovox…my mum and dad for always supporting me, my friends for being my friends ;)