Ten questions for... Nicolas Huber, aka @hubercop
While many are looking forward to the last warm days of the year, Nicolas Huber, the Swiss freestyle snowboarder and ambassador of the Freestyle World Championships 2025 in St. Moritz, is already facing the start of the season. But how easy is it for the Zurich native to switch from relaxed summer mode to competition mode? In this interview, Nicolas Huber gives us an insight into his creative side, his love of music and reveals what superhero powers he would like to have.
The Indian summer is still in full swing. However, the Big Air Chur is already the start of the season. Is it easy for you to get into the contest mood, press the button and deliver, or do you always need one or two contests after the summer?
Nicolas Huber: Getting into the mood for competition at Big Air Chur is no problem. You can already feel the energy on the first day of training. The last two years, however, I had trouble performing at my best. This year I'm going into the competition with a different plan and I'm ready to go all out! ?
What do you want to be your highlights this season?
My big goal is World Cup podiums at the home World Cups, in other words in Chur, Laax and Corvatsch. So let's go!
Do you have THAT favorite trick?
Yes, at the moment it's the Double Back Rodeo 900 that's my favorite. But that changes from time to time.
What trends or evolutions do you see in the world of freestyle snowboarding in the next few years?
More and more riders have the tricks to get on the podium. But it also depends on the clean execution. One thing is clear: you have to keep pushing yourself every year, otherwise you lose touch.
Where do you get inspiration for your riding and social media videos?
I get most of my inspiration from other riders and my own imagination. I love to dream about snowboarding. My social media videos are mostly spontaneous. I also get crazy ideas in the shower or while doing the dishes.
Speaking of crazy ideas: You've already dressed up as the movie villain Joker in some Insta-clip. You seem to like superheroes. What Super Hero powers would you like to have and why?
I would like to be able to fly and heal myself. That would be very practical for my life, of course. ?
It seems like you're a creative kind of guy. After all, you graduated from high school about ten years ago with a focus on theatre, dance and music. What does music mean to you when snowboarding, and what kind of music do you like to listen to?
Music inspires me while snowboarding and gives me energy. I prefer listening to techno, hip-hop or heavy metal. ?
Speaking of inspiration, you inspire both on and off the snow. What advice would you give to young upcoming snowboarders who want to become pros?
The young guns need an incredibly strong will to become a pro. Don't let setbacks get you down, even if your family or friends don't believe in you, keep going! Fight for your dream!
Back to the Future: If you could go back ten years in a time machine and give yourself three advices, what would you tell yourself?
Be patient, don't try to always charge against a brick wall. Work on clean snowboard basics. And take full responsibility for all your decisions.
In about 16 months the Freestyle World Championships will take place at home in St.Moritz/ Engadin. Is that already on your mind a bit?
Every day! The World Championships at home are simply incredible. It motivates me every day anew, and I definitely want to be on the podium in 2025!