Riding with Dope Snow athlete Juan Bolinger
Growing up in the Swiss Alps, Juan’s riding has always been about fun and flow. From park laps to freeride lines, here’s a glimpse into the life of a rider who keeps it real.
Name: Gian Andri “Juan” Bolinger
Bio: Freeskier · Dope Snow Team · Swiss National Team
Age: 21
Hometown: Samedan, Switzerland
Based in: Zuoz, Switzerland
Juan Bolinger has been on skis since he was two years old, but it wasn’t until a day on the slopes with the Freestyle Engadina Team that everything clicked. By six, he was already hooked on freestyle skiing, chasing jumps and tricks instead of ski school lines. Fast forward, and Juan has grown into one of Switzerland’s most exciting young freeskiers - known for a riding style he sums up in three words: fast, compact, intimidating.
Now part of the Dope Snow crew, Juan rides with confidence, style, and a love for progression that’s taken him from backyard slopes to the Swatch Nines and now toward the ultimate goal: a spot on the Swiss freeski team for the Winter Olympics in Milano. In this interview, he shares how it all started, the moments that shaped him, and the funny stories (like winning a comp in rental boots) that prove his journey is as entertaining as it is impressive.
How did you first get into skiing, and what hooked you from the start?
My dad got me and my brother on skis when I was just two years old. At first, I was going to a normal ski school, but I never really liked being stuck behind the teacher in a line. Everything changed when I was six and spent a day skiing with Paolo La Fata, the coach of the Freestyle Engadina Team. That was my first real taste of freestyle skiing - and I loved it instantly.
Everything changed when I was six and spent a day skiing with Paolo La Fata. That was my first real taste of freestyle skiing and I loved it instantly.
Juan
How would you describe your riding style in three words?
Fast, Compact, Intimidating.
What’s it like riding as part of the Dope crew, and how does it influence your riding?
It’s an honor to ride with the Dope Snow crew and represent such a young, creative, and stylish brand alongside some of the best freestyle skiers and snowboarders in the world. Freestyle skiing is all about style as much as performance - it’s a judged sport - so looking confident on the slopes really matters. The gear keeps me protected from harsh weather and crashes, and it also fits perfectly with the way I like to ride. It gives me confidence to push my limits.
Freestyle skiing is all about style as much as performance. Looking confident on the slopes really matters.
Juan
What’s the craziest trick you’ve landed that still feels unreal looking back?
One of my favorite tricks I’ve ever landed was the switch double cork 990 on the gap rail at Swatch Nines. That one definitely stands out in my career. But honestly, there isn’t one that’s way above the rest - every trick feels big to me when I land it.
Who do you love riding with the most, and how do they push your skiing?
I love skiing with Kai Mahler. He was one of my biggest idols growing up, and now he’s a good friend too. I always tried to copy his style on jumps. But the skier I’ve probably spent the most time training and riding with is my brother. He’s super creative and always fun to watch, and I really enjoy skiing with him. Having him around has always been an advantage because whenever he learned a new trick, I couldn’t leave the slope without trying it too.
I love skiing with Kai Mahler. He was one of my biggest idols growing up, and now he’s a good friend too.
Juan
What’s the funniest or weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on a trip?
When I was about 9 or 10, I went to a Swiss Freeski Tour competition which was a five-hour drive away. When we finally got there, I realized I had forgotten my ski boots. I had to rent some random kids’ boots for the comp, and they were so loose that at one point a ski came off with the boot too. Somehow, I still ended up winning my category with those rental boots!
When you’re not riding, what keeps you busy and inspired?
I started golfing last summer with some teammates, and I really caught the bug. Golf has become a great summer alternative and also helps me train my mental game. I used to skate a lot when I was younger, but I kept getting injured trying new tricks, so golf feels like a safer way to stay sharp in the off-season.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next season?
I’m really hyped for the Winter Olympics in Milano next season. The big goal is to make the tough Swiss freeski team selection and then put down the best runs of my life on the Olympic stage.
The big goal is to make the tough Swiss freeski team selection and then put down the best runs of my life on the Olympic stage.
Juan
