The Basics
Name
Nils Jacob Victor Wester
Nickname
Jake
Date of Birth / Birthplace
11/17-1987
Summer Home
Stockholm, Sweden or Bali, Indonesia
Winter Home
Everywhere there's snow, mostly in north America though.
Website
www.jacobwester.com
Riding Since?
5 years of age. Although I hit small jumps in my backyard on XS skis when I was 3.
Home Resort
Åre, Sweden
Sponsors
Armada Skis, Oakley, Dalbello, Sweet Protection, Nord surfboards
The Essentials
2008/2009 Recap and best memory?
Started out awesome, placed 1st in two city comps and got 4th in the second two. Had a good time and felt confident in my skiing, until I tweaked an ankle at the Dew Tour. Had to take a month off skiing, healed up, and started shooting with MSP in March. Got a few really good park shots and the odd pow shot too, then ended the season with another podium finish in Whistler. In conclusion, good early season, good late season, not so much in between. Best memory is winning freestyle.ch in Switzerland in September!
2009/2010 Outlook and goals?
Just to get as much filming in as possible, because I always end up focusing too hard on doing all the comps that I cant find time to plan good film trips. I’m going to do a few big comps but then try to get out in the BC as much as possible. I’m trying not to plan anything, just kind of wing it and see where it takes me.
What is your ski style – how would you describe yourself?
As technical as it gets without compromising style.
Your ideal day on the mountain is…
Bottomless pow, some friends, and no one else around. I’m sure you've never heard that one before!
Do you have a competition day superstition or ritual you stick with?
I always have to put on my right boot first.
Where do you find clarity and inspiration?
When I sleep.
What’s your favorite trick, and one you want to work on?
Favorite right now is 5 tails but it changes all the time. I have so many tricks I want to try to get but I have to figure out switch unnatural over 720s this season.
What was the moment of the biggest breakthrough in your skiing progression?
Getting sponsored and being given the opportunity to go outside Sweden to ski.
Before you got all your gear and lift tickets for free, how were you able to fund your skiing?
I was only 14 back then, but my parents were always skiing. So I went with them.
How did you get your first sponsor?
Through a friend who knew someone, who in turn knew someone, who heard I was ok at skiing!
How, as a gifted athlete in the spotlight, can you act as a positive force in the ski world and the greater community at large?
Oh man, I wish I had a profound and thought-provoking answer here. I just want to ski man, ok?
What do you want your legacy in the ski industry to be?
Same as the above.
What drew you to be part of the Armada family?
Well, if you’re a big, core, popular skiing brand and you ask a 17-year old if he wants free gear and a travel budget, its not like he would say no, would he?
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Was skiing always the plan?
I never had any plans for anything, everything just kind of fell into place when I watched the first free radicals movies in Salen, a ski resort in Sweden. That made me realize that I wanted to be just like the guys in those movies.
Where are you in 10 years?
Hopefully I’m still skiing and making a living that way. I know I will always be involved in the ski industry, so if I’m not still a professional athlete, I know I will be doing something similar.
Your influences?
Hmm, not any I can think of.
Who was your local hero growing up?
Some guy whose name I cant remember who used to rip my local hill, doing penciled 720s all the time.
When and where was your first skiing picture published? What trick? Did you stick it?
I have absolutely no idea. I’m bad at remembering these things.
Where was your first video appearance and with what music?
30 seconds in free radicals 4, or maybe 5. Some reggae song I think.
How important is music for you in a skiing video?
Not very important, as long as it flows well with the video.
What’s your favorite music track for a video part, if you could choose any?
I don’t think I could, it totally depends on the skiing in said part.
What’s your favorite Ski Movie ever and why?
Free Radicals 1 because it still gets me stoked to ski, a feat few other ski movies accomplish these days.
Favorite video part ever and why?
Pep Fujas - session 1242
The Random
Best après ski spot?
Åre town square in the spring, Åre.
Your ride?
Audi A3
Tell us about a day in the life.
That totally depends on what time of the year we're talking. It usually involves me waking up and getting out of bed in the morning.
What’s in your fridge?
Food and beverages – the usual for a fridge.
Something you are terrible at.
Giving interviews like this, and cleaning my flat. And anything that has to do with playing soccer.
Who’s your celebrity crush?
Alec Baldwin
Personal Motto
Surf more!
Shout outs to family, friends, and fans
Yes, please!
