Ten questions for... Carlo Rusterholz, builder and shaper of the half pipe

1) Carlo, what do you like about your job?

I am my own boss, and it's a very diverse job that has allowed me to travel to various places around the world. Being self-employed, much of my work involves projects for major events like the Olympic Games or World Championships. This was also the case with the pipe at Corvatsch.

2) As the “father” of the pipe, will you be on-site next year for the World Championships?

Yes, I have a two-year contract and will be responsible for the perfect shape of the pipe during the World Championship. The European Cup this year was a trial run where I wanted to see what works on the pipe and where improvements are needed.

3) And what have you observed? Where will you have to make improvements?

I think we still need to work on the Side Slipe, which means skiing and snowboarding to flatten the pipe floor better between the runs. This is a task that is often underestimated, despite it being a crucial aspect for the pipe. It is difficult to slide down evenly without creating waves.

4) Are you also a freestyler yourself and do you test your pipes yourself?

Yes, I am a freestyler myself, although not the youngest anymore. I also ride through the pipe, but I don't do big jumps like the pros. As a snowboarder, I know what to look out for when shaping and building a pipe. For example, I can tell while riding through whether the floor has waves and whether the pipe has been well-prepared.

5) How did you get into this profession, and how does one become a halfpipe builder?

That is a funny story. I have always enjoyed building figures and models ever since I was a little boy playing in the sand. Additionally, snow grooming vehicles have always been a source of fascination for me. Unfortunately, there is no proper education for this, and a lot of the work is "learning by doing." For twelve years, I was able to gain experience by building the snow park in Arosa, refining my skills further. That's where I built my first pipe too.

6) Do you regularly meet with other pipe builders?

Yes, for me, exchanging ideas with other pipe builders and shapers is important to stay up-to-date and be able to compete with the best. Currently, there are only two other people in Switzerland working at this top level.

7) What distinguishes a good shaper/pipe builder?

Good question. One definitely needs a good 3D imagination. This way, you can already visualize how the terrain should look during construction and how to shape it. Creativity, a sense of machinery, and precision are also important skills for this job. To build a pipe, for example, the orientation of the pipe is crucial, and this should be considered during the planning phase. The pipe at Corvatsch is an ideal example as it is north facing, which is ideal because both walls are evenly exposed to the sun.

8) Do you have a role model or mentor?

Not a role model directly, but as a teenager, I was incredibly fascinated by the work and precision of the major snow park companies, and I always wanted to work with one of them. And I am proud to say that I succeeded in doing so.

9) You mentioned your experiences abroad. Are there significant differences? How does Switzerland or Engadin compare?

It's definitely very adventurous, and sometimes one must adjust to the technical requirements. Sometimes I had to suddenly repair the machines myself. Therefore, a certain degree of knowledge in machine mechanics is helpful. Switzerland can keep up well with abroad. In my opinion, Corvatsch even has one of the best facilities at the pro level. Besides excellent infrastructure, personally, I also believe that the overall offering, such as good and cool restaurant and entertainment options, is essential. In this regard, we can still learn a little from abroad... 😜

10) What does it mean to you personally to have built the pipe for the Freestyle World Championship in Switzerland?

I'm very pleased to have the opportunity to work at a World Championship at home! I hope that the vibe of 2025 will be even better than this year and I'm hoping for great weather!

Did you ever wonder how a pipe is built? Carlo explains it.