There’s no question that Boris Mouton is one of the most naturally talented riders in his generation. He was pro before he could drive, with big tricks, big sponsors and big expectations. But by the time I met him nearly ten years ago, I could already tell that he was questioning the whole system. He wasn’t a hater, he was just sure that there had to be a better way. After taking a little step back from his pro career, he’s making a comeback with a new brand and a different approach. It seemed like the right time to catch up for a little interview…
Hey Boris, what are you up to these days?
Actually, I’ve been really busy lately! I’m in the middle of launching a new brand called Nuance. My apartment has turned into a garage. There are boards and boxes everywhere! But I couldn’t be more excited!!! After 3 years of hard work making and testing different prototypes in various weather conditions, our website went live, so now people can order the boards. This is insane for me, and we celebrated with a launch party in Lausanne.
Now we’re gearing up for winter. I can’t wait to hit the slopes and get back to riding. We’re also planning some Nuance events, which I’m really looking forward to. I think it’s more important than ever for riders to have spaces where they can express their creativity, and I truly hope Nuance can provide that.
That sounds amazing and it’s great to have you back because it seemed like you’ve been riding a lot less these past few years. What made you step away from snowboarding?
Snowboarding has changed a lot since I started, and in many ways, I feel like I don’t recognize myself in the Pro Tour of this sport anymore. I’ve been snowboarding since I was 12 and was very lucky to compete in major events like Superpark, the Laax Open, and Air & Style. Back then, it was all about having fun and pushing the boundaries with creative, funky tricks. I was obsessed with trying new tricks, and they even named one after me – the Mouton Flip, which is a shifty double cork.
These days, competitions seem to focus more on performance and sticking to a set framework rather than encouraging creativity. It feels like it’s more about following rules than breaking them. Nothing is wrong with that, it’s just not for me. That’s not the kind of snowboarding I’m passionate about. And this is precisely why I started Nuance. I believe everyone has their own style, their own “nuance,” and that’s what makes snowboarding special. I’m not entirely sure where Nuance will take us, but for now, my goal is to support creativity and freedom. We are just at the beginning for now.
Is there a story behind the name?
Absolutely. Nuance is all about celebrating individuality. Just like there are endless shades of color, every rider has their own unique style and personality. Sometimes, it’s even the small imperfections that make something stand out and look cool. Nuance is about embracing that, everyone brings their own vibe, their own flavor, and that’s exactly what we’re about.
There are already a lot of board brands out there. What makes Nuance unique?
I’m lucky to have an amazing team around me, including my partner Julian Zimmermann, who takes care of everything digital: website, design, and more. He’s the one making ideas come to life and I’m grateful to have him on board. For me, this isn’t just about business; it’s about finding a new way to approach things, one that allows for greater self-expression.
What really sets us apart is our philosophy. We’re not just building a brand, we’re building a community that celebrates individuality and creativity. Our mission is to inspire people to express their unique perspectives, and launching this is only the beginning. There’s so much more ahead…
Anything else that you’d like to add?
I would like to end by saying thanks to everyone that’s been supporting the project from the beginning; My family, my partner Julian, Mendu, Simon, Paul, Katia, Jeremy, Tim, Delil, Clémentine, Leonard, Hugo, Jimmy, Whiteout and all the 23bis team… honestly nothing would have been possible without you guys. THANK YOU SO MUCH…. Stay tuned for more.
Thanks to you Boris! I’m looking forward to trying your boards and seeing what comes next for you and Nuance.
Photos and interview by Ahriel Povich
