What’s up everyone! Zazi here, sending some good vibes your way from Laax! Things are very amazing here in the Swiss Alps. Training on my board almost every day at the snowpark. But there is something else – a proper awesome adventure, I just gotta share with you all.
You guys know my main love is shredding pow on my snowboard, right? But what you might not know is how much cross-training plays a role, and how much fun it can be! So, picture this: here in Laax, Switzerland – a snowboarder’s paradise, for sure. And who is here coaching me and pushing my limits on the slopes? None other than the legendary Iouri Podladtchikov! Seriously, just being able to learn from him is insane.
But the story doesn’t end on the mountain. After a full morning (starting at 9h) of carving and catching air on the snow (my legs were burning in the best way!), around 16h we head indoors to the Freestyle Academy Laax. This place is an absolute playground for action sports junkies, covering 2000 square meters. They’ve got everything – trampolines, foam pits, and most importantly for this story: an amazing indoor skatepark!
Now, I love skateboarding, always have. It’s such a different flow than snowboarding, but it’s incredible for balance and just feeling the movement. And getting to skate the bowl and even the vert ramp there with Iouri is just next level.
You might think a snowboard coach would stick to the snow, but Iouri is all about pushing boundaries and exploring different ways to move. He’s actually a super solid skateboarder himself! So, after crushing it on the slopes, we are dropping into the bowl, carving lines, trying (and sometimes failing hilariously) at different tricks. The energy is just awesome.
The bowl is so much fun – that feeling of pumping and flowing around the curves is addictive. And then there is the vert ramp… Okay, that is a whole different beast! It’s seriously intimidating staring up at that wall. But having Iouri there, giving tips and even dropping in himself, gave me that extra push to try things I wouldn’t normally. Let’s just say there were a few wobbly moments and maybe a bail or two (or ten!), but the feeling of landing something new, even a small thing, is so rewarding.
It is so cool to see that even at his level, Iouri is still learning and pushing himself in different disciplines. It is a great reminder that progression isn’t just about mastering one thing, but about exploring movement in all its forms. Plus, having someone like him cheering you on (and maybe laughing with you after a wipeout!) makes the whole process way more enjoyable.
These days in Laax, hitting the slopes in the morning and then the skatepark in the afternoon with Iouri, are such an incredible experience. It’s these moments of pushing your comfort zone, trying new things, and sharing the stoke with awesome people that really stick with you. Definitely can’t wait for the next adventure that combines snow, concrete, and good vibes!
Stay rad!
Zazi
PS. Follow the adventures of Zazi, the Indonesian Athlete, Teen Model & Snowboard Girl, on Instagram: Click Here !
