Nicolas Müller is living the charmed life. He's paid well to chase powder around the world, with not a cheese wedge, handrail or competition podium in sight. Honestly, who wouldn't want that? Although his easy-style approach could lead you to believe otherwise, he has worked hard for this life. Müller has been dropping mind-blowing parts for years and is a living legend that has earned the right to call freeriding his discipline of choice.

Earlier this year, word got out that Müller would be following in the footsteps of fellow all-mountain ripper Gigi Rüf and leaving long-term sponsor Burton. After a few weeks of Internet gossiping, the press release hit: Müller was on Nike boots and outerwear. ESPN.com caught up with the globetrotter, on location in Alaska filming for the upcoming Absinthe Films release, for a chat on team switch ups and how the move would effect the outspoken environmentalist's ability to affect positive change.

(Writer's note: In true shaka fashion, Müller signed off from his correspondence with "Alohas from Juneau," and I, for one, am excited to see his how his latest mountain surfing sessions play out on film.)

ESPN.com: The obvious question on people's mind is what motivated the switch to Nike boots and outerwear? Did Nike's sustainability program have anything to do with it?
Nicolas Müller: When I was approached by Nike Snowboarding, I was flattered. Growing up with the Swoosh on all my heroes' feet -- Michael Jordan, Ronaldo [Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima], Roger Federer -- it was a no brainer to feel it out. I realized after visiting the headquarters that, wow, they really 'Just Do It.' The cherry on top was the sustainability program, but even more than that [is the fact that] the athletes, their health and the best possible way to perform is the most important thing. Being part of Nike feels like going your own way, following your own challenges and the sky may be the limit.