When a freeskier like Sam Baumgartner , known for his creative riding style and spectacular jumps, co-creates a product, there's more to it than just a beanie. Sam has a long-standing partnership with HAE, and now this collaboration has been taken to the next level: The "Sam's Fleece Beanie" – a limited special edition that reflects his personality. To mark the release, we sat down with Sam and talked about the creation of the beanie, his personal style, and of course, his great passion – freeskiing. What inspired you to design the “Sam's Fleece Beanie” together with HAE? HAE was my first sponsor and therefore my first real partner. Therefore, I felt a special connection with HAE from the very beginning. It's been a long-time goal of mine to design my own product with one of my sponsors. Now, with HAE, it's been a perfect fit, and I'm so excited that the Fleece Beanie will be released tomorrow. Which special features of the beanie reflect your personal style? We deliberately limited the colors to black and white. On the one hand, because that's my favorite color combination—I love wearing all-black when skiing—but at the same time, I think the white contrast is fantastic. I'd say that reflects my personal style. Are there certain situations or conditions under which you particularly like to wear the beanie? We experimented a lot with the fabric and finally settled on a slightly thinner fleece fabric. This makes the beanie perfect for cold winter conditions, because fleece simply keeps you warm. At the same time, it's also great for warmer spring conditions, because the fabric isn't too thick. Therefore, I'd say the fleece beanie is truly a versatile winter essential. How was the collaboration with HAE in developing the beanie? The collaboration was really awesome! I approached HAE with the idea and said, "Hey guys, let's do something together!" After that, I sent a few designs and photos, and we experimented with prototypes. It was an exciting process, all about determining the perfect dimensions, the right fabric thickness, the colors, and the overall fabric selection. I loved being so directly involved in the development. A huge thank you to the entire HAE team! You're known for your spectacular jumps and transfers, which often go viral. How do you develop new ideas for tricks or clips, and what motivates you to constantly try new things? Generally, I really like the idea of ​​"thinking outside the box ." When you enter a snow park, there are certain lines you can ride—the ones the park is designed for. But when you look at it from a different perspective, you discover new possibilities and variations. That's exactly what's so cool about freestyle skiing: everyone can ride their own style and do what feels right for them. That's how my ideas for transfers and clips come about. What motivates me to constantly try new things? I think it's simply the drive to be on skis every day and enjoy that freedom. The opportunity to ski every day is something unique, and that's exactly where I draw my motivation to continue developing myself and my skiing. How do you prepare mentally and physically for particularly challenging jumps or competitions? New jumps often occupy my mind for months before I actually try them. I visualize them again and again, drawing on movement patterns I've internalized over the years. This gives me new ideas: Okay, I could fit a somersault here. Maybe I could do a 180 or a 360. This doesn't just happen consciously—I also have these thoughts just before falling asleep or in the middle of the night. Sometimes it's dreams or sleepless periods when I think about possible jumps. These ideas stay with me for a long time until the conditions are finally right, the right jump appears—and then it's time to actually try the trick. You've struggled with injuries in the past and returned after multiple surgeries. How did you overcome these challenges, and what helped you get back on the slopes? The most important thing for me is: skiing is my life. I would do anything to get back on skis. Sure, the rehab and all the work in the gym aren't nearly as much fun as skiing itself—but they're simply a means to an end. Whenever motivation wanes, it helps me to remember why I'm doing this: to get back on my skis soon. And with that goal in mind, things actually go quite well. Do you have any goals or projects for the current season? Since I'm just returning from an ankle injury, my main priority right now is to ski pain-free again and stay healthy. My focus is on spending as many days on the snow as possible. That's why I don't have any major competition goals for this season. My focus is more on next season—especially the Olympic Games. That's a big goal of mine. But for this year, the motto is: ski, have fun, and enjoy. Freeskiing, style and passion – that’s Sam Baumgartner. The "Sam's Fleece Beanie" is more than just a winter accessory. It represents creativity, individuality, and the freedom to go your own way – values ​​that Sam lives by every day in his sport. We are proud of this special collaboration and look forward to finally sharing the beanie with you. Get the limited special edition now and bring Sam's spirit into your own winter! 👉 Click here for the beanie.

Our team rider and contributor Levi Luggen recently released an impressive snowboarding clip. In Levi Luggen's "The Alchemist," snowboarding meets creative magic. Levi takes on the role of an alchemist and experiments with the elements in a laboratory: He melts ice, transforms water into steam, and plays with the different states of matter—just like the snow and ice through which he carves his lines in the clip. Levi's friend and snowboarding partner Gregor Betschon has created an inspiring clip from the best footage of the 2023/2024 winter season, which was further enhanced by Oli Schmocker's lab scenes. Credits: Editing: Gregor Betschon Creative Direction: Oli Schmocker, Charline Giebel Music: “Zwoelfachtel” by Bikini Beach Camera: Jon Ray, Gray Thompson, Gregor Betschon, Oli Schmocker, Dominic Steinmann, Rad Movie Production Photography: Silvano Zeiter and Frederik Kalbermatten Support: K2 Snowboarding, Volcom

Growing up in the Alps, you quickly learn what it means to respect the mountains and live with them. But as much as we at HAE love the mountains and share our passion with our community, we also know that it takes professionals to properly impart knowledge and skills. Even real-life situations need to be practiced. Felicitas Feller during a comrade rescue exercise. That's why we are delighted to announce our new partnership with the Bietschhorn Ausserberg Alpine School . Felicitas Jordan-Feller is part of the Bietschhorn Ausserberg Alpine School and has been one of our valued athletes for many years. Felicitas is a trained mountain guide and has already taken part in international sport climbing competitions and ice climbing world cups in her youth. Felicitas and the entire team stand for exactly what is important to us: a deep connection with the Alps, decades of experience and the goal of making it easier for people to access the mountains. Some of the mountain guides are real legends for us - they have not only opened up a lot of new routes and built one of our favorite huts, but have also shown countless people how to move safely, sustainably and confidently in nature. Listening and Understanding – The Needs of Our Community We have been in close contact with you, our community, for years. You are just as enthusiastic about the mountains as we are, but many of you have also told us that it is sometimes difficult to take the first step. Two pieces of feedback have particularly impressed us and have come up again and again: Easy access to knowledge: Many of you would like to learn more about safety in the mountains, but often lack the time or courage to deal with the complex topics on your own. A safe space for women: Some women in our community have told us that they would like more opportunities to learn the basics of mountain sports in an open, relaxed environment - without pressure and with enough space to ask questions and try things out. With this feedback in mind, it was clear to us: It's not about complicated techniques or extreme sports. It's about starting at the base, building trust and laying the foundation for safe and sustainable mountain adventures. avalanche courses for beginners and refreshers Together with the Bietschhorn Ausserberg Alpine School, we have therefore launched two avalanche course weekends that are specifically aimed at beginners and refreshers. We at HAE see our role very clearly: We are the mediators, the bridge between you and the professionals. The implementation of the courses is entirely in the hands of the Alpine School - because when it comes to safety in the mountains, you need experienced experts who know what they are talking about. Most likely, Mat, Sebi or Levi will be around with a few team riders on one or the other weekend. We might see each other probing, at the aperitif or during the evening climbing in the climbing hall of the shared accommodation in Salgesch. Tour planning is part of the course. For us, these courses are more than just an offer. They are another step to bring our community closer to the mountains and to live what defines us as a brand: independence, a spirit of adventure and a love of the mountains. FRI. 17 TO SUN. 19 JANUARY – 1st avalanche course (VS) This weekend, beginners and refreshers will learn the basics of avalanche knowledge, tour planning and companion rescue – in a practical way in the Valais Alps. Duration: Friday 17 January to Sunday 19 January Contents: Theory and practice in avalanche knowledge, orientation, tour planning and companion rescue For whom: For beginners or those who would like to refresh their knowledge. For more information and to register, click here . FRI. 7 TO SUN. 9 FEBRUARY - AVALANCHE COURSE ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN (VS) Especially for women who want to learn the basics of mountain sports in a relaxed and open environment. Duration: Friday to Sunday Contents: Theory and practice in avalanche knowledge, orientation, tour planning and companion rescue For whom: For beginners or those who would like to refresh their knowledge. Registration and more information can be found here . expanded offer Of course, it may be that the dates above do not suit you. That is why we would like to share with you the other offer from the Bietschhorn Ausserberg Alpine School: Date Event leader December 13, 2024 - December 15, 2024 Lötschental – Freetouring Rinaldo December 20, 2024 - December 22, 2024 Freeride - Lötschental Johannes December 21, 2024 - December 22, 2024 Snow Safety Basic Fredy December 28, 2024 - December 29, 2024 entry-level ski touring Fredy 04.01.2025 - 05.01.2025 entry-level ski touring Fredy 09.01.2025 - 12.01.2025 Best of Valais – Ski Touring Days Johannes 11.01.2025 - 12.01.2025 Snow Safety Basic Fredy 16.01.2025 - 19.01.2025 Val d'Anniviers – Freetouring and Wellness Rinaldo 17.01.2025 - 19.01.2025 avalanche course in Upper Valais Simon 20.01.2025 - 25.01.2025 Alagna-Monte Rosa (I) – ski touring week Egon 07.02.2025 - 09.02.2025 avalanche course in Upper Valais Simon 08.02.2025 - 09.02.2025 entry-level ski touring Fredy 06.03.2025 - 09.03.2025 Simplon – Plaisirskitouren Fredy March 17, 2025 - March 20, 2025 Rotondo – Ski Touring Days Beat 07.06.2025 - 09.06.2025 climbing weekend Wiwanni Egon 16.06.2025 - 20.06.2025 "Rock and Ice" – Training Week Beat 20.06.2025 - 22.06.2025 climbing weekend Wiwanni Egon 06.09.2025 - 07.09.2025 Wasenhorn Fredy

With the fourth season of the cult series Tschugger, HAE and Tschugger present an exclusive collection that goes far beyond simple fan articles. The collaboration between the HAE and Tschugger brands creates a homage to the Valais - humorous and with a lot of attention to the small details. Let's take a look at the collection and its meaning, which goes far beyond the design. 1. Common roots in Valais HAE and Tschugger not only share the same origins, but also a deep connection to Alpine culture and the Valais way of life. The collection includes a few "normal" fan items as well as a few insider jokes and makes them tangible for real fans and locals - be it partly through the unmistakable Valais dialect on the products or the use of insider jokes that sum up the local humor and mentality. The A3-format wall calendar is a prime example of this: with pictures from all seasons, it combines nostalgic moments and the unique charm of the Valais. The discreet dates and high-quality individual pages simultaneously make the calendar a poster that tells the story of Tschugger . 2. Strengthening the sense of community The HAE founders and Tschugger creator David Constantin have been friends since high school, and this is reflected in the entire collection. What has been created here is not a commercial collaboration, but a project that comes from the heart and reflects the connection the three have to their Valais homeland and to each other. This is the spirit that makes this collection so authentic and strengthens the feeling of the local community. For Mat and Seb, it was always clear that pure logo stories certainly work best. But it was always extremely important to them to really create a collection that does justice to the uniqueness of the series. This collection is an invitation to everyone who loves and appreciates the region and its characters - and it expresses that HAE is more than just a brand: HAE is a family that has grown and is constantly growing through shared experiences, creative projects and local partnerships. 3. Appropriate humor and down-to-earthness The subtle but fine humor that made the Tschugger series so popular also runs through the collection. Products like the Tomba La Bomba shirt pick up scenes from the series that are only known to the most attentive viewers - like the story that the Italian ski star once allegedly drove his Ferrari through the car-free Saas-Fee to get to the lift. This humorous and self-ironic tone from Tschugger fits perfectly with HAE, which sees itself as a high-quality, but at the same time down-to-earth and approachable brand. The collection appeals to people who love alpine quality and still appreciate a relaxed, humorous style. 4. Symbolic addition to the spirit of adventure The Tschugger series may not be an adventure in the classic sense, but the lives of the characters around Bax Schmidhalter embody the alpine fighting spirit, the down-to-earth attitude and the challenges that are also at the core of the HAE philosophy. The specially designed belt in this collection is reminiscent of Bax's heroic deeds and symbolizes the balance between risk and down-to-earthness - a theme that has always accompanied HAE. Life in the mountains demands courage, determination and flexibility on a daily basis, values ​​that are celebrated in this collection not only as a tribute to the series, but also to the "inventor" David Constantin and the region. In retrospect, it is clear that a series like this triggers such a success. But we know how much energy David and his colleagues put into this project years before the premiere of the first season. They invested an incredible amount of time, suffered many setbacks, always believed in their project, sometimes even financing scenes and trailers for the next pitch without financial support. When we think back to all of this, we get a bit of a sigh of relief as we write these lines. David and his friends have shown a lot of perseverance, courage and determination and they simply deserve it and we at HAE are extremely proud of them and everything they have done for our region and also for HAE - big up! David Constantin in the HAE office before the start of the very first season. - None of us would have thought that Tschugger would be so successful. A must-have for real Tschugger fans and lovers of Valais culture This collection is a declaration of love for the Valais and an absolute must-have for anyone who carries the humor, culture and spirit of adventure of the Alps within them. The A3 calendar, the Tomba La Bomba shirt and the Bax belt are more than just products - they tell stories and invite you to be part of this unique Alpine world. The entire collection was created with a lot of heart and attention to detail , and you can feel that in every single piece. It shows that true passion, local ties and a touch of humor make a brand unmistakable. They also show that you simply have to watch the series several times to really recognize the depth of Tschugger . For HAE fans and Tschugger enthusiasts, this collection is a unique opportunity to celebrate the alpine heritage of Valais in style and with a wink.

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 we launched a small collection with our HAE WOMEN for the first time and conducted interviews with our riders, which we would now like to present to you in full. Today it is Daria Fuchs ' turn. In her interview, the passionate snowboarder and surfer tells us how her first trip to Fuerteventura changed her life and sparked her thirst for adventure. She talks about the power of throwing yourself 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 or in projects outside of sport, she encourages others to follow their own heart's path and be guided by their dreams. Which moment in your life – sporting or creative – has had the greatest impact on you? What comes to mind? When I travelled to Fuerteventura at the age of 18 to try surfing, I immediately fell in love with the sport and was able to experience life outside the Swiss "matrix" for the first time. After that, I completed my training, worked for two months and then moved to the Canary Islands. Since then, I have spent the summer months surfing and the winters snowboarding. That one week on Fuerteventura shaped my life. What does adventure mean to you and how does it influence your creative side? For me, adventure means throwing myself into the unknown - whether it's a country whose language and culture I don't know, or discovering a new mountain or surfing spot. For me, adventure means excitement and stepping out of my comfort zone. This step teaches me to stay flexible and open. Daria Fuchs' adventure outside the Swiss “Matrix” . 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? I think I have experienced pretty much every emotion on a snowboard and surfboard. It can change from frustration and fear to success and pure happiness within minutes. The best feeling is to be present and in the moment. Then I feel in the flow and connected to myself, the board and nature. This connection with the universal is probably the strongest and most beautiful feeling that I strive for. Daria Fuchs surfs waves in different states of matter. Photo: Aaron Schwartz Where do you get your creative inspiration from – whether on the mountain, at sea or in everyday life? I like to be inspired in the moment and on site. Whether on the mountain or in the water - I love watching others and learning from them. If I particularly like a style, I concentrate on all the movements. I have been able to learn a lot and be inspired by observing. How is your personality reflected in your style on and off the board as well as in your creativity? Since I am a person with a lot of fire, I would say that this manifests itself as power in my style. I would also describe myself as a free spirit, because in the backcountry I like to rely on my intuition and creativity. I love standing on top of the mountain, freely thinking up my line and then riding. Whether on the water or in the snow - I love dancing with the elements. Daria Fuchs by Kuno Egli Are there any projects outside of snowboarding where you particularly express your creativity? As a trained hairdresser, I have always been able to express myself creatively in my career, which gives me a lot of joy. I love letting myself go and getting into a flow by making music with friends, dancing, taking photos, cooking and writing. What makes you particularly proud of what you have achieved – athletically and/or creatively? This can also be professionally. In a few weeks I will release my first self-portrait short film. The film is about snowboarding and surfing and bringing softness and tenderness to a harsh environment. I think the film is special and different and being lucky enough to be friends with Morgan Maassen has made it an artistic masterpiece. Daria Fuchs by Morgan Maassen 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 follow my heart and I think a lot of people see that in me. I try to spend as much time as possible doing what makes me happy and not limiting myself. No matter how big my dream is, I believe that anything is possible if I really want it with all my heart. I hope to encourage people 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!

In our series of interviews with the HAE Women , an inspiring athlete gives us insights into her journey through the highs and lows of snowboarding. Elena Könz talks about formative experiences in the mountains, the creative power of nature and the courage to get back up again after setbacks. With a unique combination of athletic determination and artistic sensitivity, she gives insights into her creative side and tells us what makes her particularly proud about her gold FIS medal and her successes. Which moment in your life – sporting or creative – has had the greatest impact on you? What comes to mind? A defining moment in my life was an accident in the backcountry a few years ago. Strangely enough, nothing happened to me - but it was definitely a fine line of luck. This experience made me question my passion for snowboarding and even considered quitting altogether. In the end, however, it helped me a lot to get back out there and face my fears in order to process what had happened. This process led to me being out in the mountains today with a different awareness and a deeper appreciation. Handplant by Elena Könz by Kevin Cathers What does adventure mean to you and how does it influence your creative side? For me, adventure means that which cannot be planned. This uncertainty, which is of course estimated and minimized as much as possible when planning tours, triggers a sense of anticipation. Perhaps an adventure also feels good because it requires you to be present with all your senses in order to be able to react to the unplanable. 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? It's the most beautiful way to flow through time. When I was a teenager, I once tried to explain to my great uncle, who is an artist, that snowboarding can also be an art form - but he couldn't understand. Maybe you can understand? Elena Könz jumps into the lake with a backflip. Photo by Kevin Cathers Where do you get your creative inspiration from – whether on the mountain, at sea or in everyday life? Paradoxically, I am very systematic when developing creative ideas. For this reason, I only become creative when I really want to or have to, and often develop project-related ideas. I am influenced by the images, shapes and colors that become deeply "burned in" when I am out in nature. Are there any projects outside of snowboarding where you particularly express your creativity? Yes, in addition to snowboarding, I love painting, drawing and taking photographs. However, I often don't have the time for it. A personal wish is to change this in the near future and give art more space in my life again. Elena Könz loves to express herself creatively. What makes you particularly proud of what you have achieved – athletically and/or creatively? This can also be professionally. I am particularly proud of my medal as World Champion in Big Air. The further away I am from this success, the cooler I think it is to have such a gold FIS medal. The commitment and willpower that I was able to muster to follow this path impresses me even now. Elena Könz Art Elena on YouTube