Getting high with CBD – Freestyle skier Nicolas Zürcher from Bern

That the sport requires not only a lot of concentration and fearlessness, but can also be very exhausting, is shown not only by these images. As an optimal balance to the physically demanding sport, the athletic Swiss relies on HANAFSAN CBD products.

CBD in Competitive Sports: Recovery and Balance for Athletes - Interview with Nicolas Zürcher

Nicolas, the current winter season is heavily influenced by strict COVID19 measures and associated restrictions – what do you think, how will this winter be for you and your guys? Do you have preferred ski areas? Fortunately, the ski resorts in Switzerland are still largely open at the moment. However, we are usually off the "main routes." We spend our season in the ski areas of the Bernese Oberland. Adelboden-Lenk is our most sought-after destination, as it has one of the best snow parks in Switzerland, the Gran Masta Park. Personally, I also enjoy spending time in Gstaad, as I grew up there – it’s an incredibly beautiful region, both in summer and winter.

As a regular spectator, your videos can take one's breath away – how is it that this rather risky sport has captivated you so much? What fascinates you about freestyle skiing? I first stood on skis at the age of 2, and shortly thereafter, I was already active in competitive skiing. Skiing immediately captivated me, but regular alpine skiing became too one-dimensional for me over time. That's why I was increasingly drawn to freestyle skiing. Today, I can say that it was the absolutely right choice. What particularly fascinates me about our sport is that you can express your creativity on skis. There is no right or wrong. Everyone has their own personal style, but you are also constantly inspired by other riders. Additionally, I like that the freestyle ski and snowboard community is very family-oriented. We all go on trips together and not only have the greatest fun but also try to push each other. We are very well connected and get along great off the slopes as well.

For you, the year 2020 was probably special as well. How did you cope during this "exceptional time"? To be honest; quite well! Although the lockdown in March meant the premature end of the last ski season, I was more than happy to have experienced some ski days, as I made my comeback in mid-February after a torn ACL and meniscus. The closure of the ski resorts didn’t stop me from climbing the mountains a few times alone with my ski touring equipment and enjoying the snow again. In the summer, I went downhill biking more often and, despite everything, was able to take some nice trips abroad. Both professionally and privately, it was an eventful and fulfilling year for me; despite the "exceptional state."

How do you actually train in the summer? In Switzerland, it is also possible to ski in the summer thanks to the glacier ski areas in Zermatt and Saas-Fee. However, due to my aforementioned and just healed knee injury, I decided against summer skiing this year, as I didn't want to take any risks. Freeski is by no means my only passion. I can also get excited about downhill biking, playing and especially watching football, swimming in the Aare, or boxing. Additionally, I occasionally stand behind the music decks as a house and techno DJ and organize some events with three good friends. I certainly won’t be bored in the summer either.

You are originally Swiss and still reside in Bern. How is the topic of cannabis addressed in Switzerland? A few weeks ago, the legalization of cannabis was still a topic in the government council - what is the Swiss perspective on the cultural plant? From my point of view, the approach to cannabis in Switzerland is very open, progressive, and straightforward, which is probably why the topic was taken up in the government council. It is not a taboo subject; it is discussed, and many Swiss support the benefits and effects of the cultural plant for medical purposes and sometimes beyond. CBD has been recognized and accepted for some time. But the legalization of cannabis with increased THC content is also on the rise. Overall, we are relatively well positioned in comparison to Europe, I must say.

Do you see a future for hemp, CBD & Co. in society as well as in the sports scene? Definitely! I already know several freeskier and snowboarders who benefit health-wise from hemp and CBD and prefer natural products. I personally always have a CBD oil in my pocket and use it regularly externally to protect certain skin areas. Also, regarding food, a diet with hemp foods is not only absolutely sustainable for me but also healthy. Thus, I am clearly of the opinion that the cannabis plant will find more and more acceptance and advocates in our future.

In conclusion: The brand HANAFSAN has established itself in the DACH region in recent years. How do you perceive the brand and its philosophy so far? Very positively, familiarly, and professionally. Having its own pharmaceutical production and a bio certification speaks for itself. The benefits and quality of HANAFSAN products are clearly and transparently demonstrated. I have already been able to convince myself of that. The topic of education is also at the forefront – that’s how it should be, because that’s the way to a successful future. HANAFSAN is also a very innovative brand – a key reason why I am extremely happy to represent the brand as an ambassador on the Swiss ski slopes.

Image source: © Nicolas Zürcher / Melanie Uhkoetter / Mateusz Boican / Pascal Isler