Sponsorship has always been one of the most visible ways brands shape the culture of skiing and snowboarding. When an athlete wears a logo on their jacket or skis in branded gear, it is not just a marketing move. It is a statement about what kind of riding a company wants to support and what values it wants to project. For years, the focus of sponsorship was often on elite results. Podium finishes, medals, and standout video parts were the benchmarks that secured deals.
In recent years the picture has broadened. Riders and audiences want more than highlight reels. They want to see athletes as people, to understand their journeys, and to find stories they can relate to. Brands that succeed in this new environment are those that give athletes space to share their perspectives and connect authentically with the community.
Montec is one of those brands. Known for its outerwear and growing presence in both skiing and snowboarding, Montec has built a sponsorship program that focuses on diverse voices. Through its online magazine, the company publishes in-depth features that present athletes as more than just performers. Whether freeride veterans, late starters, or slope riders, Montec’s team shows that there are many paths into mountain sports.
Athletes shaping Montec’s identity
At the core of Montec’s roster are athletes with strong freeride credentials. Fabio Studer, a long-time competitor on the Freeride World Tour, brings experience from both contests and films. He reflects in his Montec interview on how staying authentic to his vision matters more than chasing results, and the brand positions him as a voice of freeride credibility.
Alongside Studer is Felix Wiemers, another rider with deep competitive roots. Wiemers transitioned from freestyle contests to big mountain lines, making his mark in freeride competitions as well as in the backcountry. His presence on the team emphasizes Montec’s support for athletes who evolve over time rather than fitting into one fixed mold.
The team also highlights newer perspectives. Zuza Witych entered freeride later than most athletes but quickly rose to success, competing at the highest level on the Freeride World Tour. Her profile demonstrates that passion and persistence can overcome a late start.
Sarah Bacher, competing on the Freeride World Qualifier circuit, brings another important message: that visibility for women in freeride matters, and younger riders need role models who show what is possible.
Balancing out the freeride-heavy roster is Max Zimmermann, a slope and freestyle skier who speaks about consistency, progression, and the community side of skiing. His voice reflects a different side of the culture, one that values steady improvement and sharing the sport with others as much as high-profile competition.
Why Montec’s approach stands out
Together these five athletes illustrate why Montec’s sponsorship program is distinctive. Studer and Wiemers embody freeride heritage and long-term dedication. Witych and Bacher highlight resilience and representation, showing that the sport is open to many different starting points. Zimmermann represents consistency and cultural connection through slope skiing.
By presenting these athletes side by side, Montec creates a roster that is not just about results but about the many ways people live mountain sports. The brand gives back by amplifying diverse stories, offering visibility to athletes at different stages of their journeys, and showing the community that there is no single model for success.
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