Snowboarding
Markus Keller’s thoughts on technical developments, progression and his future in snowboarding.
Markus Keller, halfpipe world champion (2013) and Swiss halfpipe and slopestyle champion, is one of the best snowboarders in Switzerland. With the CHAMäLEON movie (2013) he showed the world that even at the age of 32 he is one hell of a stylish and all-round snowboarder. We met him and talked about the development of snowboarding, technical changes, his personal progression and his future in snowboarding.
You can read the first part of this interview here.
Triples are a standard trick in slopestyle nowadays. Do you think we will see them in the half pipe in the near future?
Yes, certainly. We can already see doubles on small kickers and small pipes, so it’s just a matter of time. Even a quadruple on a kicker is just a matter of time.
Since Sochi especailly a lot is possible. The riders train more professionally and practice things like acrobatics.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of progression, but personally, I’m glad I don’t have to do that and can define my personal progression in a different way. We shouldn’t forget that it’s not all about snowboarding as a competitive sport, it’s also about just getting people on a board. And in my opinion you don’t achieve that with performance snowboarding. Riders and brands will start to realise that, too.
What are you up to at the moment? Who are you riding with and what projects do you have lined up?
What does that mean to you? Don’t you miss a little planning reliability?
Yes, but there are advantages to it, too. You can achieve a lot with today’s tools and media without investing too many resources. Take for example the BEO run – minimal expenditure, but a reach of half a million people. It’s also a good opportunity for young riders without financially strong sponsors. Everybody has the chance to promote themselves and present their riding to the public.
On the flip side there is so much footage out there. One day you’re the talk of the town and the next day you’re gone. Video parts that people still talk about years later are rare. Some athlete projects like Travis Rice’s still work, though.
For us riders things have definitely changed. In general, sponsors don’t plan two years ahead with big budgets.
But I want to emphasise the opportunities for young riders. Today it’s all about becoming active and being creative. Every youngster should use those boundless opportunities.
You just need a good idea and then do it. It’s crazy what you can do with little technology at your hands.
From the youngsters back to you – at the age of 32, do you think a lot about your future? Do you already have any plans for the time after your career as a pro?
Yes, of course I think about my future. And I have some ideas but nothing that’s ripe for a decision. But I am aware of the fact that I am not the youngest anymore.
Will you stay in the snowboarding world or venture off to do something completely different?
At the moment I spend a lot of time on remodeling my house. But I have plenty of ideas and interests, some in respect to snowboarding. And I would love to share the experience that I’ve gained over the years.
I’m already doing it when I’m riding backcountry with younger riders or when it comes to organisational aspects. And I think I could also pass on my technical knowledge.
We can’t wait! One last question, what was the highlight of your season?
All in all, the days at the BEO. It’s a lot of fun and one reason why I’ve been riding at the BEO for more than 10 years now, even if you won’t find me at that many contests anymore – except for the special events. Despite the snow fall it was a great week. Some runs, a photo shoot and pipe training in the afternoon. Plus, the experience of riding the long pipe with the Quiver board. It’s always nice to meet old friends and have a beer together in the evening.
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