This the third and final round of our Try Days interviews featuring our local reps. If you missed chapters 1 and 2, be sure to check those as well. It’s the same five questions for everyone, but once again, the responses were quite different…
Eric Baldeck
Please introduce yourself.
I live in Nendaz and I’ve been passionate about snowboarding for over 30 years. I’ve got two complementary jobs in the industry which gives me a well balanced view of the current snowboard market. On one side, I’m a sales rep for Sideshore, on the other, I work at Neige Aventure in Nendaz.
What’s your role at Sideshore?
I’m the rep for Bataleon, Rome, Deeluxe, and Pow Gloves.
What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
Right now, what I’m most passionate about is still freeriding. Riding in powder, enjoying the great outdoors – that’s what motivates me every time I strap in. I love exploring all types of terrain and am always hunting for the best snow.
What’s your setup for next season?
My main setup will be the Bataleon Tornado X Beyond Medals 159, with Blaster FASE AsymWrap bindings and Salsa Boa boots. This combo gives me everything I need: responsiveness, float, and comfort – perfect for freeriding in all conditions.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
Not really… but I’m excited to see what the other reps are riding. Thanks for the opportunity!
Dominic Dreher
Please introduce yourself.
What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
At the moment I really love carving, but I’m also always up for some jibbing on the slopes.
What’s your setup for next season?
I’ll rock the new model from Drake, the Battle Rusty, with the Drake Supersport Binding and the new Legend Boot from Northwave.
Philipp Kunz
Portrait by Tom Schäfer, action by Tino Müller
Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m from Zurich… and yes, I actually rode a horse in a mankini.
What’s your role at ACE?
Passionate snowboarder and owner. We’re the official distributor of ARBOR Snowboards since 2019. My role? I do it all.
What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
These days, it’s all about turns and sprays. Over the years, my riding has evolved from a freestyle approach to a more surf-inspired style — I love the feeling of a perfect turn and gliding over the snow with almost no sound. I’ve been addicted to riding sideways since 1988.
What’s your setup for next season?
I’m riding the ARBOR Coda 159W & ARBOR Cypress in black — If I could only take one board, this would be it.
Ralph Sigrist
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Ralph and I have two homes… One is in the heart of Zurich, where I spend time with my wife and kids, mostly during summer. The other home is in the heart of the Surselva. That’s close to many summits. Laax and our office with the warehouse is also there.
What’s your role at Sardona?
I manage the distribution for Never Summer and Flux in Switzerland and am currently building a structure for Sims in Europe as well.
What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
I started snowboarding on 26.12.1991. I was such a fanboy of all pros, brands and shops. And I still just love everything about it. I can’t ride proper rails in the park, but somehow I’m obsessed with watching street riding. Thanks to Flöru for that!
What’s your setup for next season?
It’s a tough choice! Never Summer released so many awesome new shapes, and Sims has amazing carving boards that fit my style perfectly. But for this interview I’d like to highlight the Vanilla from Sims. I can’t ride it, since it’s a women’s board, but its bold, dynamic design, (where the top graphic aligns perfectly with the base) really stands out in a sea of so many boring, or random designs out there.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
Thanks, Tom, for inventing the snowboarder and pushing freestyle snowboarding. Sims is pure juice. Keep supporting the original.
Sacha Zeller
Please introduce yourself.
I live in beautiful Adelboden, home of the famous Gran Masta Park, in the heart of the Swiss alps.
What’s your role at Nidecker?
I’m responsible for all things Nidecker in central Switzerland. I started snowboarding in 1989 and it hooked me straight away. Since then, I live, breathe and love snowboarding to the fullest. It dominated pretty much my whole life and I can’t imagine a life without it. I was able to ride some famous resorts all over the world and met friends for life doing so. Nothing better to share the stoke with your friends… and yes, even on powder days!
Snowboarding has the power to heal, to give meaning and to create hope!
I’m quite new in the Nidecker Group and I feel better than with any of the other brands that I have had the pleasure of working with before. It really feels like we’re one big family and I love to work with such amazing human beings within our company.
What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
On the mountain, you can find me pretty much everywhere, but if there is a halfpipe, start looking for me there… (unless there is that rare white fluffy gold).
I’m not as good as my colleagues when it comes to keeping up in Aprés but I might join for a beer. I’m known for my role as the driver, bringing my colleagues home safely.
What’s your setup for next season?
This season, my setup of choice was the YES Halldor xtrm with the YES Airmaster bindings and ThirtyTwo Grenier Double Boa Boots. Next winter, I might switch to the FASE binding system. Not sure about that, but I really love how much faster I am than all my friends with regular two-strap soft bindings.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
Last but not least, I would like to show some love for the following human beings: Whiteout’s Ahriel, for his effortless passion and keeping the print media alive. The whole Nidecker family – we’re different not only by design, but also by passion. Every snowboarder in our small, but important, scene in Switzerland. We’re in this together. And finally thank you snowboarding! Love you.
Patrick Kenel
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Patrick Kenel, and I come from the picturesque town of Altdorf, located in the stunning canton of Uri. The area is known for its breathtaking landscapes, towering mountains, and serene lakes – it’s truly a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts like myself.
What’s your role at Mervin?
For the past two winters, I’ve had the pleasure of working as a Sales Representative for Lib Tech, GNU and Bent Metal at Tapwater Distribution.
What kind of snowboarding are you the most stoked on at the moment?
I began my journey in the world of snowboarding at a young age, starting out as a snowboard instructor in the iconic town of Andermatt. My love for the sport grew as I had the opportunity to teach and share my passion with others. Over time, my role evolved, and I transitioned into training and mentoring young snowboard instructors, helping them develop their skills and instilling in them the same passion that I had for the sport.
My career took me further afield as I taught snowboarding internationally, expanding my horizons and gaining valuable experience in diverse snow conditions and cultures. Alongside teaching, I worked in a snowboard shop, where I deepened my understanding of the equipment, the industry, and the unique needs of snowboarders.
Eventually, I took the leap into the snowboarding industry itself and spent nearly a decade working with Nitro, a brand I’ve long respected. During my time there, I learned the inner workings of the industry, from product development to sales, and had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most passionate and innovative people in the field.
Today, I am excited to be part of Tapwater, where my love for outdoor sports has expanded to the world of watersports. Whether frozen or liquid, I’m now working in a company that brings water-based sports to life. With Mervin, I represent a brand that seamlessly bridges both worlds, covering the fluidity of water and the crispness of winter.
What’s gonna be your main setup for next season?
If I had to choose just one board, it would be the DPR. This board is designed to make the most of your local resort terrain every day, with a focus on agile, trench carving, trick progression, switch landings, and ripping through powder when the conditions are right. The early-rise nose offers a forgiving feel, making turns effortless and providing excellent flotation in deep snow. A mild camber profile brings the board to life, adding powerful pop in the tail for those side hits and explosive maneuvers. My Bent Metal Anvil Bindings offer precision, control, and versatility. With a responsive high-back and flexible baseplate, they provide excellent edge-to-edge performance for carving, side hits, and pow.
Anything else that you’d like to add?
Turn time into emotions. 1 Love.