From Wiesbaden to Laax: Snowboarding with Dope Snow athlete Melina Merkhoffer
What started on a borrowed race board has turned into a life built around snowboarding, park progression, and plenty of unforgettable days on the mountain.
Name: Melina Merkhoffer
Bio: Snowboarder · Dope Snow Team · Park & Freestyle
Age: 29
Hometown: Wiesbaden, Germany
Based in: Laax Baby! Switzerland
From catching edges on a race board at 15 to stomping her first backflip and backside 5 shifty, Melina Merkhoffer has come a long way in snowboarding. Based in Laax, where she says she could ride every single day without getting tired, Melina has built her style around creativity, progression, and plenty of airtime in the park.
Right now, as we chat to her from New Zealand, she’s soaking up every session, chasing new tricks, and even eyeing a freeride comp for the fun of it. As part of the Dope Snow crew, she brings the same fun, no-nonsense energy to everything she does, whether it’s lapping with her friends, pushing her park riding, or surprising people with her other passion: playing piano.
How did your snowboarding journey begin, and what stands out from those first days?
It all kicked off on a school trip to Austria when I was 15. One of my buddies was strapped into a snowboard and made it look way too sick not to try. I borrowed a setup from a friend, not realizing it was a full-on race board with ski boots, haha. I spent three days fighting that thing, catching edges left and right - hating every second. I bailed to skis for the rest of the trip.
But the next year my ego was like, nah, you’re not done yet. I got myself on a proper snowboard with soft boots this time, and it was a total game changer. Everything finally clicked, and I was hooked on snowboarding straight away.
One of my buddies was strapped into a snowboard and made it look way too sick not to try.
Melina
How did you first get involved with Dope?
I’ve always been super active on social media, so I came across Dope pretty early in their journey. What stood out to me right away was the vibe - so different from the typical snowboard brands. I’ve always loved how Dope does things in their own way.
What’s your favorite type of terrain to ride, and what makes it special for you?
I feel most at home in the park, especially on jumps. I could lap them all day, every day. Honestly, living in Laax feels like paradise - I could ride here every single day and never get tired of it.
Honestly, living in Laax feels like paradise - I could ride here every single day and never get tired of it.
Melina
What’s the most fun or challenging trick you’ve landed recently?
Definitely my backside 540 shifty. I’d been grinding on that trick for over a year, and I finally grew the guts to send it here in New Zealand! I’ve never really been much of a backside spinner, so that made it an extra battle but I’m so hyped I finally stomped it.
Definitely my backside 540 shifty. I’d been grinding on that trick for over a year, and I finally grew the guts to send it in New Zealand.
Melina
Tell us about a day on the mountain you’ll never forget.
There are so many moments, but I’ll never forget the day I landed my first backflip on a snowboard. I’d dreamed about that trick forever, and then one day I just went for it and landed it first try. The feeling was unreal. Pure magic. That’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever.
I’ll never forget the day I landed my first backflip on a snowboard. The feeling was unreal. Pure magic.
Melina
Any surprising hobbies or passions your fans wouldn’t expect?
I LOVE playing piano. It’s definitely my biggest passion besides snowboarding!
What’s one thing about snowboarding that still really excites you?
Honestly, it’s the thrill of landing a new trick. That feeling is just insane. But it’s not only about me. I love heading up to the mountain, riding with my crew, and watching them stomp new tricks too. That energy is the best. Snowboarding really feels like one big family out there.
Snowboarding really feels like one big family out there.
Melina
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