Whisky. The Tutor. Mountain of Angels 2/5
For most mountain families, dreams are made of sharing a fundamental love and passion for the same sports. Whisky and his son are no different. In their story, this passion deepens their father-son relationship, with Whisky being a teacher, introducing his son to all the magic of his powder backyard.
Mountain of Angels: a local freeride series
The fact that Engelberg means 'Mountain of Angels' can’t be a coincidence. The Swiss freeride mecca is renowned globally for its big lines, consistent snowfall, and legendary mountain culture. In a series of five local episodes, we’re telling the stories of our angels. Six freeride skiers share their lives with us, each with their own unique connection to the place, their individual experiences, levels of proficiency, and approaches.
About Whisky
He knows them all—the big, long runs and the hidden spots. Patrick Ambühl, aka Whisky, has lived in Engelberg for many years and knows the area like the back of his hand. His life has changed quite a bit in recent years: instead of points on the Freeride World Tour, the talented skier now collects memories with his family in the mountains. Whisky has made it his life’s mission to pass on his passion and joy for skiing to his children. But how easy is it to pursue your own dreams and goals while being a good father? In the film's interview, Whisky gives us insights into how he balances it all.
“When you have kids, your life changes, and so does your skiing.”
From solo lines to family runs: How having kids changed Whisky’s skiing
What style of skiing do you prefer?
I'm 43 years old, and I've skied probably 40 years of my life. I think my skiing is a bit old school. I like doing small drops, backflips or 360s. I love all types of skiing – piste, park skiing, but the best skiing is freeriding in deep powder. Out with friends, with family. That's the best part.
Has your attitude towards taking risks changed since you had children?
Yes, it has changed. When you have kids, your life changes, and so does your skiing. It's important to come back home at night. You tend to say more often that it's not worth the risk and choose a different line. Before having a family, I took higher risk, for sure. Now, when I go up and when I'm not fully sure, I head home. The risk just isn't acceptable anymore. I can ski so much every year, every day if I want. I have a super nice job, I don't mind skipping that one line. I can try again tomorrow or next week.
In this episode of our series, you ski with your son Niklas. How does it feel to see him growing up on skis?
I like it a lot to see my kids growing up and learning how to ski, getting better and better. I like to teach them step by step. Niklas is learning backflips at the moment. We started on the trampoline in a sports school, and then we went out. I think next year he’s got it. It’s super cool to see him progressing. I think he learned a lot from me. He has the same style. He makes the same turns, and the way he places his pole in the snow. And I’m super happy to see this. It’s like a mini-me.
Do you also teach him about snow safety?
Yes, he learns about the snow every day when we go up. The most important thing for us is that we ski with a good feeling. Niklas sees the snow in the morning, and when we’re out together, I teach him what we do and why. A big part of it is to let him make decisions. But I always make sure that it's safe for us.
“When the whole family skis together in one place. I think that is the best thing ever.”
Before you had kids, you used to ski a lot for yourself. Do you still get to ski as much?
It’s different. I can ski by myself early in the morning, and with my family in the afternoon. And yes – the best part is skiing with my family. With little Joya who is now four years old, my son Niklas, and my wife Sonja. We do three or four runs, go home to change clothes, and grab a drink in the ski lodge. That's a perfect day for me. I still like skiing for myself, but it’s different. When the whole family skis together in one place, I think that is the best thing ever.
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