Iban Diez Medina

Iban comes from the Cantabrian Range in Northern Spain and started snowboarding 22 years ago. Straight out of ‘Back to the Future’ he ripped the trucks of his skateboard and used the deck for his first time sliding on snow. Inspired by this he then learnt to snowboard at his local resort of San Isidro, a mere 30 minute drive from his home town.

Iban loves freeriding and in the last few years has enjoyed trips to ride the infamous powder of Japan as well as splitboarding in the depths of Northern Norway.

With a degree in Physical Education and as a fully qualified snowboard instructor Iban really knows how to get the best out of his clients.

From: Spain

Spoken Languages: English, Spanish & a bit of French

Number of years snowboarding: 22

Number of seasons instructing: 12

Number of seasons you’ve worked for MINT: 6

Favourite type of lessons to teach: Beginners and intermediates. I love encouraging clients with a lack of self-confidence

Favourite country/resort to snowboard (outside of Portes du Soleil): Japan, Niseko or Rusutsu

What board do you ride: Burton Custom X / Arbor no name

Favourite mountain pocket snack: a bunch of nuts

How you spend your days off when not teaching: Splitboarding or riding with friends

Favourite Run in the Portes du Soleil: Off piste run down the Vallée de la Manche or the Tête de Lindarets, because of the stunning views and easy access

Favourite lunch spot in the Portes du Soleil: Changabang in Avoriaz because the spicy burger is delicious and the staff are super nice

Your dream snowboard holiday: I just need 2 meters of pow pow and sunny days, it could be in Canada, the USA or Japan it doesn’t really matter!