Gigi Rüf is a true original in the snowboarding world. Hailing from Austria, he’s built a legacy not just on podiums and on film, but on a restless creativity and curiosity that’s pushed the sport into new terrain. Known for his smooth, powerful style and backcountry vision, Gigi has stacked up X Games medals, filmed iconic segments, and helped redefine what modern freeriding looks like.
As a long-time Mons athlete, he brings that same instigator energy to our crew, chasing lines that spark imagination and proving that progression never stands still. With another chapter at NST Snow ahead, he’s still asking the same question he always has: what’s possible if you go a little further?
We yarn with Gigi more below.
Hey Gigi. Stoked to have you. Want to introduce yourself?
I’m Christian “Gigi” Rüf. Longtime professional snowboarder, still making a living delivering action and feeding R&D back into the brands I work with. For the past 14 years I’ve also been running our family business, Slash Snowboards, building boards the way we believe they should perform.
What was your first memory of skiing, snowboarding and biking?
In that order? Skiing was trying to jump high enough that my brother could see the base of my skis. That was the benchmark. Snowboarding... teaming up with my best classmates and just trying to figure it out together. Then our oldest son got us into biking. I remember being scared… and my arms being absolutely exhausted.
What’s the coolest thing you’ve done lately? Any fun missions?
I joined a park session and hiked jumps for four hours straight.
What’s one thing you’re learning or trying to get better at right now?
Don’t laugh. I want to get better at continuing what I’m already doing. Maybe that’s my age talking. When you love something deeply, you hold onto it. Being good for the right reasons doesn’t mean you’re good at selling your soul - or waiting forever for someone to value your work at full price.
What’s one dream or mission you’d love to see come to life?
Pursuit of happiness. Family first. Relationship first. Everything else comes after that.
What’s the next mission you’re scheming, or what’s getting you fired up at the moment?
We just launched slashsnow.com/experiences — creating real-life sessions and moments around snowboarding. Less product. More connection.
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about you?
That I’m still this fired up at my age.
Favourite Mons item in your wardrobe?
How many times do I have to say it… I can’t live without the balaclava. Thank you.
What draws you to NST specifically?
Nothing. I already took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. I just want to continue a career in what I do best - and apparently, I didn’t learn anything better.
What kind of snowboarder do you think NST rewards?
It’s a versatile course, but having judging done by like-minded shredders gives it comfort. It rewards authenticity.
How does competing at NST compare to other events?
It’s a hybrid of freestyle and big mountain – exactly what I came to do.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
More attention to healthy things.
Would you rather: fight 1 horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?
I stopped thinking the moment I imagined duck-sized horses. Can’t fight that.
