After a busy winter season I had the luck to do an interview with our friend Florian Preuss. He is the German Slopestyle Champion 2016 and part of the Big Air & Pipe Freeski Germany National Team, just to name a few quick things about him! So, let’s get to know him better – enjoy!
Hey ???? For anyone who doesn’t know you, who is Florian Preuss?
Hi, I am Florian but my friends call me Flo and I’m a big child from Germany that has tried to grow up for the past 25 years. Right now I am finishing my studies in mechanical engineering. But my life was always centered around skiing, mountains, lakes and waves to have the most fun possible. If I would not have become a professional freeskier traveling the world 8 month a year searching for the next adventure like city big airs, ski tours or events like the Audi Nines I might have become a decent tennis player.
How did you get into the snowlifestyle when growing up? And when did you start skiing?
My whole family is pretty much into snow sports. So I was 18 months when I was on the slopes for the first time. However, I didn’t have too many snow days until I turned 18. From then I started couchsurfing around Innsbruck and living from my car to ski as much as possible. Maybe the best decision of my life.
How do you work with Instagram? Can you give us some behind the scenes?
I don’t call it work what I do with Instagram. I just like photography and try to share some good pictures. Of course I like adding some backflips to nice sceneries. But to be honest…I don’t care too much about followers as long as I am stoked about the clips I am sharing.
Why do you do what you do?
Because it makes me happy and gives me a lot of opportunities to travel, explore and to learn about life.
If you could give your 10 years younger Florian some advice about life, what would it be?
Do what you love to do and don’t be afraid of new stuff. It’s always an opportunity as long as you do it for yourself!
What would say to anyone wanting to start skiing?
If you want to be a skier – be a skier! Live skiing, go skiing as much as possible and dream skiing over night.
Who was your idol growing up?
My idols were Andreas Hatveit, Sammy Carlson, Nico Zacek and Tobi Reindl! I always looked up to them and tried to learn from everyone of them.
Do you have any dream trick you would like to pull off next season?
I don’t like to force myself doing any special tricks. But if an opportunity pops up I will try to make the most of it, for sure. Pretty much like with the looping a couple weeks ago at the Audi Nines. I didn’t even think of riding a loop and suddenly it was there…so I did it.
What do you do when you don’t skiing, and how does it help you prepare during the off-season?
I love to play a lot of tennis in summer. After a wrist injury one year ago I had to change from my right to my left hand. It is a real challenge – for coordination and mentally. But I love to prove everybody wrong who tells me I can’t win matches with my “wrong” hand.
Winter or summer?
Winter
Favorite food?
Mango
The club or house party with friends?
House party for sure! Because my friends are the best!
Florian's immense passion for skiing is reflected in his style on the slopes. His wardrobe strikes a perfect mix of performance, function, and aesthetic - much like the ski jackets for men and men's ski trousers that he's spotted wearing. Wrapped up in his favorite brand - Dope, he meticulously selects pieces that withstand his rigorous adventures while reflecting his personality. Discover more about the brand and styles he endorses to influence your own winter adventure gear.
If you like to see more of Florian’s adventures and life you can follow him here @flopreussskiing
