Elena Koenz

Nationality: Swiss

Favorite Terrain: Backcountry

Snowboarding Since: 2000

ORIGINS

I grew up in the mountains of the Lower Engadine in Switzerland. I started snowboarding at 12 years old in Scuol, the resort near my hometown Vnà, and I was hooked straight away. I loved the challenge of learning new things and the freedom & creativity of the sport. After competing all around the world I felt like I wanted to slow down. By doing so I found a new passion - splitboarding. There is so much to learn and explore in the mountains, even in my own backyard. Finding beautiful lines and nice spots to create some sort of art with a snowboard under my feet is what makes snowboarding magical to me.

PERSPECTIVE

Growing up in a remote village spending time in nature every day, I learned to appreciate the seasons and the simple beauty of the mountains and woods surrounding us. When I was chasing my snowboard career, I forgot about that a bit . Now with touring it feels so nice to find my way back to being close with nature. I love outdoor sports but also see the downside when people go out there without looking left and right, only interested in the craziest line. I try to behave like a humble visitor respecting the mountain and the animals that live there.

STORY

Some years ago I started to work as a freestyle coach for kids. It’s nice to share my passion with the next generation. I spend a lot of time in the park shredding with the kids or coaching them. It’s a nice balance to all the backcountry touring I do. I also do a lot of art; I draw snowboard lines and I paint on snowboards. My snowboarding projects are definitely influenced by my artistic thoughts.