Arvid Auner’s pursuit of authenticity

Jan 07, 2026·Snowboard Alpine

Arvid Auner with the PSL crystal globe. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

It is 2022 atop a snow-dusted podium, “Land der Berge, Land am Strome” filling the speakers, gold medal dangling from his neck, Arvid Auner smiled from ear to ear. That year in Bad Gastein, Austria he had everything he dreamed of, but his real goals still lay ahead.

Stand at the finish in Bad Gastein and a red wave of flags obscures your vision as raucous cheers pound your eardrums.

Alpine sports are a point of pride in Austria. Auner carries that weight at every start gate, channeling that pressure into heart-pumping fuel as he slaloms down the slope.

“Austria has such a deep-rooted alpine and winter sports culture, and growing up here shapes you from a young age. For me, it’s about respecting that tradition, while also bringing my own personality to it,”– Auner said.

Auner strives to represent that culture in a modern and authentic way.

“I want to show that performance and values go hand in hand – dedication, respect, and enjoying the journey,”– Auner said.

The Austrian’s self-expression means more than any medal ever could.

“My greatest achievement so far is establishing myself at the highest level in a very demanding discipline and staying consistent over time. Getting to the point where I am now, required a lot of patience, setbacks, and belief in my own path. Medals, the globe and all victories represent the achievements but still cannot describe my love for this sport and the possibility to call this my job,”– Auner said.

Auner aims to inspire his peers – past, present, and future. He hopes his mark on the sport is painted with stories of his professionalism and passion before anyone mentions his 12 (and counting) world cup medals.

One of those peers, past and present, is snowboard Alpine legend - and Auner’s roommate on tour - Benjamin Karl. Or as Auner calls him “Benji”.

Karl is the current Olympic champion and five-time world champion and the veteran of the Austrian team. Despite his success, Auner values Karl’s mentorship, particularly on the mental side of the sport.

“He showed me what it really means to be an athlete over many years – staying curious, disciplined, and humble at the same time. Having someone like that around gives you perspective and raises your own standards,”– Auner said.

Auner competes at Scuol last season. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

The two have been tour roommates for seven seasons. The bond goes beyond the board.

“We support each other in the finish area, if we are not racing each other and knowing that there is a person like Benji standing behind you gives you more than wings. The way he believed in me during difficult times will always stay in my heart,”– Auner said.

Karl preaches patience, consistency and attitude above speed, precision, and victories. That mindset shapes Auner’s approach and the results have followed.

Auner has podiumed twice at the world championships, 12 times on the World Cup tour, and won five World Cup races. Three of those victories came in parallel slalom, including this season in Davos.

Many on the tour consider PSL to be the more stressful discipline, just the way Auner likes it.

“It’s more direct, more explosive, and mentally extremely demanding. You’re riding head-to-head, there’s no room for hesitation, and decisions have to be made instantly. 25 to 30 seconds full of dancing down the hill, until you are at the top of the podium,”– Auner said.

Auner celebrates silver at 2025 world championships. Photo: @FIS/Miha Matavz

The intricate details and mental demands of PSL connect with Auner’s number one pursuit: authenticity.

“I enjoy that intensity. PSL rewards focus, confidence, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. For me, it feels like pure competition – very raw and honest. You either deliver in that moment or you don’t,”– Auner said.

Someone this successful in their sport must have no life outside of it right? Wrong. Auner finds time for much more than slalom gates.

When asked about his offseason hobbies, Auner replies like many world-class athletes, listing other strenuous activities. He surfs, bikes and skateboards, but his true passion lies behind the lens.

Auner is also a cinematographer often filming his own snowboard action content and much more. He dances on his board displaying his personality and captures those moments through his videos. What started with simple action-cam clips of his friends and training blossomed into much more.

“Over time, I understood how powerful storytelling through moving images can be. It’s not only about capturing actions, but about emotions, atmospheres, and people. That’s what drew me in. Filming became another way for me to express myself in a creative way, similar to snowboarding, just with a different tool,”– Auner said.

Auner doing what he loves most in offseason, kitesurfing in Paros.

Auner was a natural behind the camera.

“I’m inspired by filmmakers and athletes, who manage to keep things real and honest. People who focus on mood, timing, and storytelling instead of just flashy effects. For me, good cinematography feels effortless, but you know there’s a lot of thought and experience behind it,”– Auner said.

He has elevated his skills beyond snowboard videos, starting his own video marketing production company AR Video Media with a familiar goal in mind.

Man sitting on grass with professional camera, smiling, surrounded by trees, with a tall building in the background.

Auner filming at World Games in Chengdu.

“Video is not just art – it’s communication. It can build trust, create identity, and give brands or athletes a clear voice. I aim to understand what makes a video good, who it speaks to, and the message behind it. Especially in sports, authenticity is everything. If marketing is done right, it doesn’t feel like marketing at all – it feels like a story people want to be part of,”– Auner said.

Auner will hope to add another chapter to his journey with another win in Bad Gastein later this month. Auner will continue to ride along the World Cup circuit camera in hand and board strapped to his feet.

No matter the tool, Auner keeps writing his story - one gate, one clip, one run at a time.

Continue reading

Jan 03, 2026·Snowboard Alpine

The Greatest Snowboarding Journey You’ve Never Heard Of

Dec 20, 2025·Snowboard Alpine

Davos delivers drama as Auner dominates and Caffont breaks through

Dec 19, 2025·Snowboard Alpine

Snowboarders ready to attack sweet Swiss slopes in Davos

Arvid Auner’s pursuit of authenticity

Continue reading

Follow FIS Alpine Snowboard on Social