HAE Blog

As part of our COLLECTION BY HAE WOMEN, we are happy to share inspiring insights from strong female riders with you. Today, Celia Petrig introduces herself and tells us about the adventures and moments that shape her life and on the snowboard. She talks about her family, her love of nature and how she is inspired by her creative energy and strong will to always break new ground. Her story shows how the courage to make your own decisions creates new opportunities - whether in snowboarding, in the creative field or through her work with young talent. Which moment in your life – sporting or creative – has had the greatest impact on you? What comes to mind? A powder day with my family - my father Kurt, my mother Kerstin, my sister Ramona and my brother Artimus - in the Weglosen, the best valley run in my home resort Hoch Ybrig. It had snowed all night and we set off early in the morning. The energy in the car was already high because we all knew what to expect: the best powder snow runs with "15-minute gondola intervals." It was still snowing and that meant that we had fresh snow on every run! In the evening we had hot chocolate in thermal clothing. What does adventure mean to you and how does it influence your creative side? When I hear the word "adventure," my heart beats a little faster. The unknown and the new have always fascinated me. Whether it's snowboarding trips, surfing trips or just little adventures in the forest - they give me the chance to get to know myself again, break old patterns and gain new energy. Adventures show me that anything is possible. Celia Petrig likes to jib rainbows at sunrise. How do you feel when you're standing on your board, whether in the snow or on the water? Are there creative parallels to these moments? When I snowboard, I enter my "flow state" where everything feels free, harmonious, light as a feather and powerful at the same time. I also experience this feeling when I surf, skate, paint and draw. It's almost as if I have superpowers and can see things in slow motion - my senses are heightened and time doesn't seem to exist. Maybe that's why it's so addictive! How is your personality reflected in your style on and off the board as well as in your creativity? I am a very positive, energetic and playful person, but at the same time determined and calm. This shows in my snowboarding style and in my projects. When I set my mind to something, I pursue it with all my heart and dedication. Celia Petrig gets into the flow state through snowboarding. What makes you particularly proud of what you have achieved – athletically and/or creatively? This can also be professionally. When I look back, I am proud of my career. From successful junior contests and World Cups to perhaps my hardest decision, leaving the snowboard squad team, only to take 2nd place at the Laax Open and receive an invitation to the US Open. When I decided to stop competing in FIS competitions, video projects and team films started to take off. I also had success in backcountry contests, such as the final of the Freeride World Tour and winning Red Bull Infinite Lines. Thanks to my sponsors, family and good friends, I can live my dreams and I am very grateful for that. On the creative side, I am happy about some great collaborations: I was able to design a bikini for Saryta Bikinis, have my goggle pro model at Spy Optics and am currently working with Nitro on a design for the upcoming Ivy binding. Very exciting! Celia Petrig with her Goggle Pro Model. Is there a special woman, friend, artist or athlete who inspired you to follow your own path? Elena Könz has always inspired me. First because of her strong will and talent in snowboarding, then because of her big heart, humorous character and loyalty. When we were both no longer in the squad, we spent a season together in Laax. We shared a tiny studio with a friend and went snowboarding every day - it was a great time and we complemented each other perfectly. Her motivation to go filming and always do the best inspires me a lot. Some also knew her as "Mama Bear". Her art and creativity speak for themselves. How do you inspire other people (everyone, not just women) to follow their own path – be it through snowboarding, creative projects or simply in everyday life? I am open and willing to listen in everyday life. I am interested in the different paths that are possible and I try to support and encourage. Snowboarding offers many opportunities to inspire others. My latest project, "Laax Originals - Celia Petrig", gives an insight into my personality and philosophy of life. I am heavily involved in coaching and training, such as the Girls Shred Sessions with "Chixxs On Board", my own Shred Sessions or in training courses from J+S that I lead. This winter I worked in Australia and had my own team that I trained all season long. Celia Petrig also coaches young snowboarders. What does it mean to you to be part of the “Collection by HAE Women” and how did you bring your creativity into this project? It's incredibly exciting to be part of this project and team. HAE brings together an inspiring and strong team of women. Different styles and skills come together, and thanks to the openness of the brand, this year we were able to bring in all our ideas and input and create the new collection together. I love Daria's style on the snowboard and surfboard - I could watch her for hours! Lea's determination and skill in the backcountry are incredibly inspiring, and Jenni is a ray of sunshine who embodies the joy and passion for snowboarding. I already mentioned Elena... simply the best!

Léa Klaue by Jeremy Bernard Our HAE Women collection brings together inspiring snowboarders who, in their interviews, give insight into their philosophy of life and creative processes. Today, Léa Klaue , an athlete and social anthropologist, tells us about her adventures in the high mountains, her love of nature and the courage to face the uncertainties. She shares what it means to her to balance between artistic and athletic expression and how she experiences the power of community in the snowboarding scene. This story shows how versatile the connections between snowboarding, science and creativity can be. What does adventure mean to you and how does it influence your creative side? For me, adventure is about navigating uncertainty. It's about going to unknown places or doing things without knowing what the outcome will be. It also includes the motivation and excitement of the "unknown". I am particularly drawn to the mysterious or unknown, and that is what fuels my creativity and imagination. I couldn't be creative without adventure - and the same goes the other way around. How do you feel when you're standing on your board, whether in the snow or on the water? Are there creative parallels to these moments? When snowboarding, especially when freeriding or in challenging terrain, planning is crucial to minimize risks. As soon as everything is thought through and the line is prepared, I switch off my brain and follow my instincts. In these flow moments, I am fully concentrated and completely in the moment, with no room for reflection. This is exactly how my creative practice works: the most beautiful things arise intuitively from gut feeling, be it movements, lines, texts or ideas - but only after thorough preparatory work. Léa Klaue makes turns in the deep Val D'Anniviers. Photo by Jeremy Bernard Where do you get your creative inspiration from – whether on the mountain, at sea or in everyday life? I spend a lot of time in nature, whether it's trail running, cycling, splitboarding, climbing, hiking or walking. The natural elements, the weather and the mountains give me peace and clarity to organize my thoughts and create new ideas. I also consume a lot of works by other creatives: books, music, art, films, texts and mountain projects. I am very interested in what others are doing and absorb these impressions like a sponge. With this background, I then form my own ideas. How is your personality reflected in your style on and off the board as well as in your creativity? I see myself as a very spontaneous person who often just starts things and sees what happens. At the same time, I am determined and focused, and if something really motivates me, I do everything I can to make it happen. This process often starts long before I consciously notice it. Maybe that's why I often take on challenging projects, like expeditions to difficult mountain regions. The process is what I enjoy most: developing ideas and implementing them step by step, and then seeing what happens. Léa Klaue tiny in Kyrgyzstan. Photo by Jeremy Bernard Are there any projects outside of snowboarding where you particularly express your creativity? In addition to snowboarding, I work as a social anthropologist and work at the intersection of art and scientific research, using creative methods such as film and creative writing. I am committed to finding beauty in human activities, even when dealing with difficult or complex topics. The world is pretty absurd and humanity is not doing well at the moment. However, I try to remain playful while understanding connections and phenomena. For me, snowboarding is also a creative and playful way of dealing with difficult things. What makes you particularly proud of what you have achieved – athletically and/or creatively? This can also be professionally. I am proud that I was able to complete my PhD and pursue my snowboarding career at the same time, without one crowding out the other. The snowboard film projects that I have been able to complete have given me a lot of confidence. These processes have required a lot of perseverance and persistence, while at the same time opening up creative avenues that I would never have imagined. It is a wonderful feeling to realize that anything is possible. Léa by Thibault Montoni Is there a special woman, friend, artist or athlete who inspired you to follow your own path? As a young snowboarder, I was very inspired by the few professional female snowboarders I could see in magazines or films, such as Victoria Jealouse, Tara Dakides and Marie-France Roy. For me, it was huge to see that snowboarding wasn't just for boys, even though these women weren't given much space in the scene. In addition to these role models from the sport, I was also inspired by many female artists, directors, authors, activists, social scientists and philosophers who went their own way against the status quo - often in the face of great resistance from society. How do you inspire other people (everyone, not just women) to follow their own path – be it through snowboarding, creative projects or simply in everyday life? I teach at various colleges and universities and sometimes supervise students in their projects. I try to convey to them that they should listen to themselves first and foremost and not be influenced by the expectations of society, parents, friends or the world of work. It is important to find meaning and joy in what you do and not to forget to give yourself enough breaks. What does it mean to you to be part of the “Collection by HAE Women” and how did you bring your creativity into this project? It's great to be part of a team that comes from my region and is always evolving. I think it's really cool that HAE supports so many different and inspiring female snowboarders and I'm proud to be part of it. Each of us brings our own background and style and that shows how diverse snowboarding can be. Many brands have only one woman on their teams among many men and that's just not up to date anymore. After all, the snowboarding world shouldn't be like Smurf Village, where there's only one Smurfette. There are many different female riders who do cool things in their own way, just like the male riders. For this collection, we were able to bring our tastes and opinions together and create something that is as diverse as we are - precise, simple, bold and with a lot of style. Léa likes steep couloirs. Photo by Thibaut Lamp

Daria Fuchs by Kuno Egli This season, for the first time, we launched a small collection with our HAE WOMEN and conducted interviews with our riders, which we would now like to present to you in full. Today it's Daria Fuchs' turn. In her interview, the passionate snowboarder and surfer tells us how her first trip to Fuerteventura changed her life and ignited her thirst for adventure. She talks about the power of diving into the unknown, the joy of nature, and the importance of flow – in the snow, in the water, and in everyday life. With her creative energy, whether surfing waves or working on projects outside of sports, she encourages others to follow their own heart's path and be guided by their dreams.    Which moment in your life – athletic or creative – has particularly shaped you? What comes to mind spontaneously?When I traveled to Fuerteventura at 18 to try surfing, I immediately fell in love with the sport and got to experience life outside the Swiss "matrix" for the first time. After that, I finished my education, worked for two months, and then moved to the Canary Islands. Since then, I spend the summer months surfing and the winters snowboarding. That one week in Fuerteventura shaped my life. What does adventure mean to you, and how does it influence your creative side?For me, adventure means plunging into the unknown – whether it's a country whose language and culture I don't know, or discovering a new mountain or surf spot. Adventure means excitement and stepping out of my comfort zone. This step teaches me to remain flexible and open. Daria Fuchs' adventure  outside the Swiss "matrix".   How do you feel when you're on your board, whether in the snow or on the water? Are there creative parallels to these moments?I think I've experienced pretty much every emotion on a snowboard and surfboard. It can switch from frustration and fear to success and pure happiness within minutes. The best feeling is being present and in the moment. Then I feel in the flow and connected to myself, the board, and nature. This connection to the universal is probably the strongest and most beautiful feeling I strive for. Daria Fuchs surfs waves in various states of matter.  Photo: Aaron Schwartz   Where do you draw your creative inspiration from – whether on the mountain, in the ocean, or in everyday life?I like to be inspired in the moment and on location. Whether on the mountain or in the water – I love watching others and learning from them. If I particularly like a style, I focus on all the movements. By observing, I've learned a lot and found inspiration. How is your personality reflected in your style on and off the board, as well as in your creativity?Since I'm a person with a lot of fire, I'd say that manifests as power in my style. I'd also describe myself as a free spirit, because in the backcountry, I like to rely on my intuition and creativity. I love standing at the top of the mountain, freely imagining my line, and then riding it. Whether on the water or in the snow – I love dancing with the elements. Daria Fuchs by Kuno Egli   Are there projects outside of snowboarding where you particularly express your creativity?As a trained hairdresser, I've always been able to express myself creatively in my profession, which brings me a lot of joy. I love to let go and get into a flow while making music with friends, dancing, photography, cooking, and writing. What makes you particularly proud of what you've achieved – athletically and/or creatively? This can also include your career.In a few weeks, I'll be releasing my first self-portrait short film. The film is about snowboarding and surfing, and about bringing softness and tenderness into a harsh environment. I think the film is special and different, and thanks to the luck of being friends with Morgan Maassen, it has become an artistic masterpiece. Daria Fuchs by Morgan Maassen   How do you inspire other people (everyone, not just women) to follow their own path – whether in snowboarding, through creative projects, or simply in everyday life?I follow my heart, and I believe many people see that in me. I try to spend as much time as possible doing what makes me happy and not limit myself. No matter how big my dream is, I believe that anything is possible if I truly want it with all my heart. I hope to encourage those around me to follow their heart's path and not limit themselves. Daria Fuchs by Morgan Maassen

With our new COLLECTION BY HAE WOMEN we are celebrating the diversity and strength of our female riders for the first time. As part of this, we are conducting interviews with inspiring personalities who share their passion for sport, nature and adventure with us. Today the focus is on Jenni Albert , who takes us into her world of snowboarding and her special connection to the mountains. She tells us how her father influenced her, what inspires her about adventures in the snow and far away, and how she lives out her creative side. Her life path shows how important it is to leave your comfort zone and follow your heart - whether it's freeriding or through creative projects. Which moment in your life – sporting or creative – has had the greatest impact on you? What comes to mind? I still remember the skiing holidays in Engelberg very well. Every year, thanks to my grandfather's holiday home, we had the opportunity to spend the winter in the snow. After a few years of ski school, I wanted to switch to snowboarding - mainly because of my father, who claimed to have always been a "boarder". I can still see his old F2 board with hard boots in front of me and his bright yellow Barryvox, which didn't have a display back then. His style inspired me and I wanted to be as cool as him. While I was at the snowboard school in Gerschnialp, he often went freeriding. His favorite slope was "z Steibergli" or the "Laub" in Engelberg. I could watch him from class when he returned from the powder snow. These holidays in the mountains had a big impact on me. Since my father died a few years ago, the mountains have been a special connection to him for me. What does adventure mean to you and how does it influence your creative side? For me, adventure means letting go of the familiar and taking the step into the unknown. In the summer of 2023, I spontaneously decided to travel to New Zealand to work as a snow sports instructor. Without knowing anyone, I moved into a shared apartment with strangers and many good friendships developed. The culture in New Zealand was particularly inspiring for me. Nature has a different significance for the Māori than it does for us; they believe that the mountain has a soul and that people and nature should live in harmony. Nature speaks to them and imparts knowledge to them. This new perspective on everyday life and life is a source of creativity for me. After all, creativity thrives on different perspectives. Where do you get your creative inspiration from – whether on the mountain, at sea or in everyday life? My inspiration is a mixture of everyday life and the mountains. I am always fascinated by the contrast between the orderly everyday life and the rugged landscape of the mountains. I find the combination of danger and security that I feel at home on the sofa exciting. When I sit on the chairlift, I enjoy observing my surroundings and pausing for a few minutes. Jenni in a moment of freedom and enjoyment. Photo by Simona Schürch How is your personality reflected in your style on and off the board as well as in your creativity? In everyday life, I often notice that I like to be in control and worry about what other people think of me. On the snow, I can let go and worry less - or at least try to. You can probably tell by my riding style: some days everything goes perfectly, others nothing works at all. That's just part of it, isn't it? My goal for the coming season is to brake less! What makes you particularly proud of what you have achieved – athletically and/or creatively? This can also be professionally. I am simply grateful that I have been able to experience so much at the age of 23, and in many areas. My passion is now my job. After graduating from high school, I didn't want to go to university straight away, but wanted to change my environment completely and moved to Davos for my first season as a snowboard instructor. At the time, snowboarding was just a break for me before studying. But during the season, that changed completely and I didn't want to do anything else. Today, a few years later, I have found the perfect balance between practice and theory with my part-time job in the snowboard industry and part-time studies. I never thought I could turn my passion into a job. For me, snowboarders were always the "cool" ones on the mountain, and now working in this community is a real highlight. I grew up in Aargau, without mountains on my doorstep, and now I live close to the ski areas, almost where other people go on holiday. I am proud of that and very grateful. I also spend a lot of time in the snow as a J+S expert and at freeride competitions. The competitions gave me access to freeriding, which was previously unthinkable for me. Today I know how to respect off-piste terrain and how to handle it safely. Through the competitions I learned how important it is to leave your comfort zone. Jenni also likes the thrill of freeride contests. Photo by Hugo Schleicher Is there a special woman, friend, artist or athlete who inspired you to follow your own path? In my first season as a snowboard instructor, I met a lot of great people. I was particularly inspired by Katie Erdin, my team leader at the snow sports school in Davos. She encouraged us to sign up for the training courses and always pushed us, including through extra training sessions. With her, there was never a "you can't do it" - I found that extremely encouraging. Under her leadership, the snow sports school became like a second family and I learned that it's okay to wear a beanie all year round. Without Katie, I wouldn't be where I am today. Thank you, Katie! Katie Erdin from the snow sports school in Davos How do you inspire other people (everyone, not just women) to follow their own path – be it through snowboarding, creative projects or simply in everyday life? I think sharing is important to inspire others in a conversation. Sometimes it's difficult to go your own way because you worry a lot about what others think or you don't feel good enough - be it for a job, a tour or another goal. I try to show all the great opportunities you have to achieve something and that you should do it with joy and fun. Jenni in “send mode” Photo by Greg Ceas What does it mean to you to be part of the “Collection by HAE Women” and how did you bring your creativity into this project? Being part of the project with Celia, Daria, Elena and Léa is incredible. Each of us brings our own inspiration and individual story and I think the "Collection by HAE Women" represents diversity as we all come from different backgrounds. The different beanies created in collaboration with HAE represent our different paths well. What unites us is the passion for winter sports - and that's what matters!

Five years ago, we produced a strictly limited series of 30 hand-crocheted headbands using the unique wool of these fascinating Valais locals. After an intensive search, we found the wool we needed in Zermatt. The Julen family, who run the world's largest breeding program of Valais Blacknose sheep high up in the impressive mountains of Valais, supplied us with this precious material. The limited edition sold out within 24 hours. Demand was steady, and many people asked us when we would be making headbands made from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep again. These questions sent us on a new journey—a journey that took us deep into Alpine tradition and the heart of this region. And as it turned out, it was anything but easy! Wool from the Valais Blacknose sheep: From the mountains to your hands In spring 2019, we began our search again for the special wool that makes our headbands, beanies, and hats so unique. Our first port of call was, of course, the Julen family in Zermatt. Unfortunately, their wool, which they use for mattresses and pillows in their hotels, was no longer available as knitting yarn. This wool is rough and untamed—exactly what you need for life in the high alpine mountains. Last year, we were able to ensure that the rough fibers feel comfortable against the skin without losing their original strength by adding a soft polar fleece lining. Hat made from locally sourced wool from the Valais Blacknose sheep Our path to our own yarn production – An adventure between tradition and modernity Making our own knitting yarn from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep was like drawing a line in the mountains: it requires determination, perseverance, and the willingness to face the odds. We began our search for "raw" wool throughout the Valais, but time was against us. The shearing season was already over, so we had to keep searching. After many weeks, we finally found the perfect wool in Eastern Switzerland. It came from the Valais and was of the same quality we value so highly. Processing this coarse wool into wearable yarn was no easy task. The wool spinning mill we found in Eastern Switzerland warned us: This wool isn't normally used for clothing. But that's precisely what makes it so special for us. With a lot of patience and attention to detail, the yarn was finally spun, and we held the finished material in our hands in mid-August—a moment that showed us that a certain amount of tenacity and perseverance go a long way. The challenge of transforming wool into affordable products Just as every story in the Alps is fraught with challenges, the production of our headbands and hats wasn't an easy path. We wanted to keep these products affordable, but the complex craftsmanship made it difficult. A retail price of CHF 89.90 for a beanie seemed too high, but we knew the value of this product goes far beyond the price: It carries the story of the Blacknose sheep, the region, and our own dedication within it. The combination of tradition and innovation To reduce costs, we decided to work with our long-time producer Mateusz in Poland. Mateusz and his family, who have been producing high-quality knitwear since 1989, shared our passion for this project. Even though the machines initially struggled with the unruly wool, Mateusz and his family persevered. After many adjustments and trials, they finally succeeded in producing high-quality headbands and beanies from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep. Two exclusive winter accessories made from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep The result of our trip are two beautiful winter accessories: a beanie and a headband made from the robust wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep. Thanks to the soft polar fleece lining, they are comfortable to wear, and the thick, coarse wool offers excellent protection from the cold. These accessories are not only functional but also tell the story of the Blacknose sheep, which have adapted perfectly to the rugged mountain environment of Valais over the centuries. Our collection made from the wool of the Valais Blacknose sheep demonstrates that it's possible to transform this often undervalued wool into high-quality products that embody both the spirit of the Alps and the comfort of the modern world. With every headband, hat, and beanie, you bring a piece of the wild, pristine beauty of the Valais mountains into your everyday life—and we're proud to share this story with you.

This year we have made some headbands and hats from baby alpaca wool for our strictly limited special edition . In this article we want to tell you more about the origin, care and properties of baby alpaca wool.