What the Reps are Riding Chapter 1

At the recent Try Days board tests, we were reminded of how many dedicated riders work in the Swiss snowboard industry. Sure there was plenty of business talk, but there were many more high-fives, turns, ollies and toasts. So we thought we’d take this opportunity to introduce you to some of the reps who bridge the gap between the brands and the shops, while spreading their love for snowboarding across our beautiful country.

Jonni Kriesi

Please introduce yourself.
Ciao! I’m Jonni, from the cozy Ticino and I love dipping my croissant in lemon ice-tea.

What’s your role at Nitro?
I was born into the Nitro Snowboard Family and have been the sales rep for Switzerland, from East to West, for the past eight years.

What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
I remember that first day, following my dad into the woods. There was so much fresh powder, at one point, while trying to keep up, only the pompom on my beanie was peeking out from under the snow. Today, nothing has changed — I continue to search for that beautiful snow to leap over soft pillows, glide through couloirs, or simply do the most graceful lines all over the Swiss Alps.

Snowboarding is like love. No matter where you go, raw emotions, powerful feelings and boundless energy will hit you like a burst of winter light — opening up new perspectives. And all of this keeps me from ever getting bored and constantly drives me to evolve. In the end, it makes me alive.

What’s your setup for next season?
One board that truly amazed me is the Alternator. It’s the ultimate versatile backcountry freestyle board that allows me flow in any snow conditions. In combination with the responsive Phantom bindings and the comfortable El Mejor boots, it gives me the perfect ride and the sensations that I’ve always been chasing.

Anything else that you’d like to add?
L’è cuma l’è.

Florian Weber

Please introduce yourself. 
My name is Florian, but everyone knows me as Floppy. I was born in the most beautiful resort in the Vaud Alps, and I live in Gryon. If you run into me, there’s a good chance you’ll end up following me into a wild après-ski adventure!

What’s your role at Jones?
I’m an ambassador and also responsible for snowboard test events for the Nidecker group… because you need a backup plan when you’re not quite good enough to be a pro rider! If you’re unsure which board to choose, I’m THE person who will find you the perfect toy.

What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment? 
I’ve been riding since I was a kid because, honestly, skiing just wasn’t fun enough! What I love most is shredding with my friends, pushing each other in the park, and constantly challenging ourselves. I also enjoy bringing an artistic touch to snowboarding, especially through photos and film.

What’s gonna be your main setup for next season?
I’m riding the new Jones Howler. It’s the pro model from Victor De Le Rue and Elena Height! I loved the Aviator, which I’ve been riding for years, so I immediately fell in love with the Howler. It’s basically an Aviator on steroids… but still super playful!

To go with that, I’ll be rocking a pair of Jones Mercury bindings with the new FASE fast entry system. They have zero downsides compared to regular bindings and they make you faster than everyone else when getting off of the chairlift! And for my feet, without hesitation, the Nidecker Rift Pro boots. They provide absolute comfort and insane durability.

Anything else that you’d like to add?
I’d like to thank the snowboard community! The brands and the media wouldn’t be a thing without all the passionate snowboarders out there. Our culture is living through this, so let’s all work together to keep it strong!

Dave Polce

Please introduce yourself.
I live in the central part of Switzerland, close to Lucerne and to the mountains… which is what it’s all about.

What’s your role at Burton?
I’m the Area Manager in Switzerland. I have been with Burton since 2015.

What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
Backcountry riding all the way.

What’s your setup for next season?
The development and performance of our new step on boots goes to the next level. There are no disadvantages in any terrain and the performance and feeling is insane.

Board: Counterbalance
Boot: Step On Waverange X Pro
Binding: Step On Genesis EST

Anything else that you’d like to add?
Let’s make snowboarding great again.

Nico Tille
Please introduce yourself.
I’m from the Col des Mosses. I grew up there and still love this peaceful place. I’m passionate about nature and traveling, so I’m always full of riding stories, from the top of the mountains to the bottom of the sea.

What’s your role at Never Summer?
I’ve been working as the sales rep in the Suisse Romande for 6 years now. But I’ve been riding for NS even longer. When Eric Baldeck went to Sideshore, he asked if I wanted to help with the sales. It’s more of a side job for me as I also work as a mountain pass maintainer in my valley.

What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
When I first saw the “Gettin Some” video 32 years ago, my life turned into snowboarding. All of it was just cool: mountain freeride, park, pipe and rails… but the most fun was backcountry kickers. Now some old injuries have led me to fall in love with the carving! I’m still searching adrenaline, but most of the time I’m just having fun with my friends.

What’s your setup for next season?
I just found the perfect board to enjoy every situation with the Noku 152. It’s funny how I ride it smaller than my other boards, but this board still rips in trees, is a carving machine and feels great on a powder day. I pair it with the CV bindings from Flux that are so confortable and allow you to lie down on snow with those higher heel cups.


Anything else that you’d like to add?
Nature is beatiful. She offers us the chance to play with her. With a snowboard, a skate, a surf… or whatever. Never forgot this chance that we have. If you love to ride, just put some nice turns into it.

David Lambert

 Please introduce yourself.
I’m from Châtel-St-Denis, the world’s best town for cheese fondue! I learned snowboarding in the ridiculously small ski resort of les Paccots, our local resort. I’m the black-sheep of my entire family, since they are focused on Alpine Skiing. Nevertheless, I’m the only one who became pro. Now Alexi Monney is the second pro from Châtel… but he’s not from my family.

What’s your role at WEST?
For the last 11 years I’ve worked as the president, co-founder, CEO and global sales & marketing manager at WEST Snowboarding.

What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment? 
All kinds of snowboarding! This is what I love the most about it – the diversity. Even downhill racing / carving on icy slopes, I love it all…. But the feeling of a huge airtime is what drove me through these many years of my career.

What’s gonna be your main setup for next season?
If I had to choose only one set-up it would be our OG Standard. Since I’ll shred so many different types of terrain it’s the best choice for a board that can do it all. It’s full camber and a super dynamic twin-directional board. It fits perfectly with the 32 Team Two boots and Salomon’s district pro shadow fit bindings.

Big thanks to Jonni, Florian, Dave, Nico and David for being a part of this story! Stay tuned as our we introduce you to more of our local reps in Chapter 2… coming soon.