Michi Weinländer
Name: Michael Weinländer
Nickname, Why: Weini or Weinsters / just a short version
Home: Bad Kleinkirchheim
Home away from home: Innsbruck
Stance: 55cm
Size: 183cm
Weight: 74kg
Sponsors: Völkl Snowboards, Swans, Bliss, Ortovox
Snowboarding, Why: I grew up next to a ski lift... and a good way of self-expression!
You probably have a nickname!? Tell us about the funny story behind!
Good Friends call me Weini or Weinsters…it’s just a shortcut of my family name.
When I introduce myself I’m “Michi”
In French it will sound like this: “Salut, je suis Micky!”
Do you remember your first day on a snowboard?
Quite well! It was end of season 1989/90!
I lost a bet and the wager was to go one day snowboarding with a good friend of mine.
He convinced me that snowboarding it is way better and cooler than freestyle skiing – if you can call it freestyle what I’ve done back into these days…some mogul skiing, duffies & 360ties… we just had a funny time in neon overalls…
How did you learn new tricks back in the days?
As I was used to jump with skies, I tried out the same obstacles that I already knew - additionally some old school videos and Craig Kelly did their part too!
When I started to ride in competitions, I always saw the good guys & their style.
Competitions always had been a good inspiration, lots of fun & a chance to compare myself with other riders.
Why did you never stop snowboarding since then?
Everyday is a good day! It’s never the same and it is good to feel the nature out there!
Furthermore it makes a difference if you are standing sideways or parallel – so far I have not seen a parallel skater or surfer…? I guess that’s why I will be gliding on a snowboard as long as I can.
But I have to confess, that as I am getting older I like to pick the sunny “blue bird” days ; )
Additionally I can play golf & go skiing when I am older…
You probably have visited a bunch of different ski resorts already. What is your favorite place, what was the most exotic and where would you like to live and ride in the future?
The French Alps are quite cool: Chamonix, La Grave...
But also Switzerland has good stuff to offer: Flumserberg, Zermatt, Saas Fee...
Perfect mountains also here in Austria: like Arlberg or around Innsbruck...
Japan, the United States & Alaska are the most exotic places I have visited so far.
Not to forget Morocco, where the search for snow ended up in an alternative surf trip.
In future I want to stay & live in Austria, Switzerland or the Bahamas ; )
You also must have seen tons of snowboard videos in the past. What’s your favorite video part and why do you remember it?
I love the reminisce about „Riders on the Storm“, „TB“ and all the old school stuff.
The one with Cadillac Tramps and White Zombie soundtrack was/is great!
Nowadays productions are high end and offer good filming. I like all the Pirates stuff and films of Marco Lutz. These crews started a new area for snowboard films in Europe…
Let us know about your favorite trick! Do you have any specials in your trick bag?
I come up with powder sprays just like that & love soft powder landings.
In general playing with the opportunities in the backcountry makes great fun.
But when I come by the park a BS3 with various grabs is a good one for the first or second hit…
What do you like most about Völkl Snowboards?
The construction & the riding characteristics are unique. Just try one and you’ll know what I’m talking about!
The people who work in the race lab are great! As they continuously research for improvements and new inventions.
Furthermore I like the team management & the various team trips, meetings, parties and chances to hang out with the boys & girls. Where else is the season-end celebrated in a team meeting done at the French Atlantic coast? Völkl Summer Surf rocks!
What about entertainment? Let us know about your gigabytes of MP3s and videos!
I like to DJ with my 2 turntables and Vestax battle mixer. It’s my alternative to playing computer games…
So I own some vinyls, CDs and Serato Scratch for the mp3s.
Videos? You mean my holiday movie-collection?
I am a fan of online entertainment eg. video, radio etc.
How do you make your stomach happy? You for sure have some favorite drinks and food!?
I prefer fish and vegetarian food… sushi time by time is fine.
If I find myself in a traditional restaurant I’ll maybe order a “Wiener Schnitzel” as I don’t cook meat on my own.
Water is the best drink and I am really happy, that I can drink it just out of the tab!
A Long drink or “Radler” (which is half beer & half lemonade) is good for having a drink in a bar.
What was your best experience so far in life? Can you explain a little?
Experience: L.O.V.E.
Any explanation needed?
And finally what is your biggest dream?
Having so much money or power to change some things in this world.
Talking about pollution, poorness and injustice...
Focus on what you do & stay true to yourself!
