Between the Lines: Nicolas Huber
Zalando Takes You Inside the World of Pro Winter Sports
The Laax Open is back in January, and so is Presenting Partner Zalando. Still, this year with a twist: with the premiere of the three-part documentary 'Between the Lines', Zalando is seamlessly combining high-quality winter sports products with inspiring content and well-founded advice to create an unmatched shopping and experience hub.
The documentary follows four top Swiss snowboarders and freeskiers – David Hablützel, Nicolas Huber, Mathilde Gremaud, and Giulia Tanno as they prepare for Olympic tickets and World Cup titles and offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their commitment and dedication as they share their stories and challenges.
In episode one, ‘A line we draw’, the focus is on the season start and preparations. David is followed as he prepares to return to the competitive circuit after a knee injury, hitting the gym and skating with friends along the way. Nicolas, on the other hand, is met in St. Moritz for cliff diving with his wife and shares insights into his love for acting and its impact on his day-to-day life. Episode 2, launching in January 2026, will focus on the start of the World Cup season, highlighting Hablützel's comeback, Huber's struggles as a freestyle veteran, and the tour life of Gremaud and Tanno. It all culminates in Episode 3, the 2026 LAAX Open, the last World Cup before the Olympic Games, dropping in February 2026.
To stay up to date on the next episodes and for more projects, check out the Zalando YouTube channel!
On the occasion of the series' first episode premiering last weekend in Zurich, we had a chat with Nicolas Huber to learn some more about the man behind the viral clips and medals.
How has snowboarding changed you as a person? What have you learned about yourself?
I am a person who is passionate about snowboarding. This passion fills me with happiness – and I want to share this happiness with the world. The sport has taught me discipline, perseverance, and the joy of small steps.
What makes this sport so special for you away from the cameras?
Total freedom. No one tells you what to do – you decide your own path.
What do you look forward to every season when you start training?
Spending time with my wife Anastasia. Relaxing together after training, spa, recreation, or a little adventure – that gives me energy.
What is your biggest dream beyond medals?
To be able to snowboard healthily and happily into old age – preferably with my children.
What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome, mentally or physically, to get where you are today?
For me, the most important thing was learning how to deal with defeat and never losing faith in myself. Every setback is an opportunity to take a step forward. Getting back up again and again, that's the key.
Besides sports, acting is another passion of yours. What fascinates you about it?
I really enjoy slipping into new roles. It would be too boring for me to always be “Nicolas Huber, the athlete.” I love reinventing myself again and again.
How would you describe your style on the slopes?
In terms of fashion, I like baggy pants and hoodies – I feel comfortable in them and can move around freely.
How does your style on the slopes differ from your style off the slopes?
In both worlds, it's important to me that I feel comfortable in my clothes. I like to wear XXL hoodies. In summer, I tend to dress more sportily – less is more.
What trends in winter sports equipment/clothing (technical or fashion-related) do you find exciting at the moment?
Fashionable functionality. More and more people want something that looks good and is technically top-notch at the same time. For me, that's the perfect combination.
What are the absolute must-have features in your winter sports equipment that a beginner might overlook?
Good ski underwear, GORE-TEX pants, and high-quality gloves—the basics that really make a difference on a day on the mountain.
Get inspired by Nicolas’s styles from the first episode and head over to Zalando to discover more wintersports.
During LAAX Open, visitors can expect lots of fun things from Zalando, including the Zalando ANYTIME MARKET at Crap Sogn Gion, packed with surprises, a free waxing station at the ANYTIME SERVICE in the valley, and much more.