Closing Time At the Escape Closing Cup 2025

The end of the season in Laax means that it’s time for another visit to the Closing Cup. The Escape crew organized yet another amazing gathering and contributing photographer, Jonas Gasser was there to document the action. He also linked up with Gian Sutter for a little interview…

Hey Gian, what was the idea for this year’s setup?
We tried to create a setup with a lot of different options, so everyone can find something fun to ride. The past years, we used the mini-pipe for the closing, but we thought, since we had done that every year already – and Luca did it again at the Drink Sexy Open – we should switch it up a bit. 

Is this gonna be the plan for the future? To reinvent it every year?
Yeah, we wanna deliver stuff that isn’t usually here. We wanna use the opportunity to build unique features, like the Challenge Rail – stuff that’s normally just too much for a regular park setup.

It looked like you had some struggles with the snow situation though…
Absolutely. Like, the quarter pipe, for example – it was supposed to be way bigger. But we just couldn’t get enough snow together. There’s a lot of planning that goes into the setups, but honestly, I’m just stoked that we managed to pull it off at all.

Sounds like a lot of work before the event even starts. What’s your part in all of this? Probably a lot of graphic work too, since you’re studying graphic design?
Yeah, I’m doing all of the visuals, branding, and sponsor integration. But we split the tasks pretty evenly in the team. I’m also involved in sponsor communications, which is sick because a lot of my personal sponsors are event partners now. Plus, there’s scheduling and coordinating with the resort – there’s always a lot going on.

Speaking of sponsors, does the Closing Cup interfere with your projects with them? Like, do you have to put other things on hold because of the event?
The sponsors actually have a deal with Escape independently of my personal contracts. It just worked out that I could connect some of them to the event too. In the end, Lou handles the deals.
The event is definitely time-consuming though. We always start super early, like in October already, and it’s kinda running in the background all season long. But it’s manageable since it’s spread out a bit.

It feels like the Closing Cup’s getting bigger and bigger every year. Is that the plan?
Yeah, it’s definitely growing. There’s more going into it every year and it’s getting more demanding. Especially compared to the first year… it’s on a whole different level now. But we always debrief after the season to check if it still makes sense for everyone to put that much energy into it.

Sounds like there’s a bit of hesitation for next year…
Yeah, we’ll see. I mean, so many people come up to us and say, “Next year again, right?!” – and of course we all love it. But right now, a lot is changing – like, there are no movies happening, and everything around Flo… So our priority this year was just to get the job done properly. What’s next will be decided in the off-season.

How was it for you, not having Flo around at the event?
It was really important for us to have that experience with the extended snowboard community. We already did a ride down in Laax in January with locals and friends, where I had so many beautiful conversations. We shared so many amazing stories about Flo and what he meant to people.
It felt good to take that time to appreciate the community and celebrate Flo together at this event – not mourn, but really celebrate.

You can really feel that there’s a lot of change happening. Plus, you’re studying too… How is it balancing both worlds?
Pretty intense, honestly. This season there was almost no snowboarding just for me. There was only school and trips back to back. It’s nice to have variety, but it’s also crazy intense. Feels like dancing at two weddings at once.

You’re known for being a perfectionist – both in your riding and your projects. Is it hard now that you sometimes have to compromise because of uni?
Nah, I’m not becoming less perfectionistic… haha. It’s just more stress. I put even more pressure on myself now. But the perfectionism stays. I’m just way more focused when I’m on the trips, to get the most out of them.

What was your personal highlight at this year’s Closing Cup? 
Honestly, the best thing about the Cup is that it’s all about riding. It’s not a contest or about who’s MVP. It’s just about the good vibes. That’s what makes it so special. We just want to see everyone come together in Laax before it closes.

And it’s funny how different people treat it. Some are trying to get as much snowboarding in as possible, and others you barely even see on the mountain, hahaha. There’s just way more going on with the parties than at usual events. Like, this morning I checked my phone and there’s a photo from Sparrow and the Vans crew – they were down at the river at 7 a.m. making a fire. I was just getting ready for the mountain, and they hadn’t even gone to bed yet. Those are the moments we live for.

Did you get some partying in yourself?
A little bit. But I had to chill because I needed to be back on the mountain early to set up the spots.

So no fire at the river for you tomorrow morning?
No chance, uff.

How will you celebrate the end of the Closing Cup then?
Honestly, just going home and chilling. After such an intense season, my social battery’s pretty drained. Just gonna relax and get ready for school. Uni goes until July.

What else is next for you?
First, chill. Then we’re heading to Mount Hood with Salomon, and after that, we’ll keep filming for the second year of our bigger Salomon project.

Any last words?
Big thanks to everyone who came out to The Closing Cup! Thanks to the resort, the sponsors – just everyone who made it happen. And if you missed it this year, you’re more than welcome to join us if we organize another one next year.

Big thanks to Gian for the chat, Jonas for the report and to the Laax Shapers for their hard work all season! Long live ESCAPE!