Risto Mattila

A fierce competitor in the Half Pipe, Risto has remained the most focused and determined rider when it comes to competing on the professional level. He and Markku Koski went to the same resort in Finland when they were younger, progressing their riding and entering the competition scene.

Risto is fully aware and supportive of snowboarding’s progression because “if you don’t progress, you’re out of it.” He loves to learn new tricks that he sees other riders throwing down, which pushes him to progress even futher and become the best he possibly can.

Last season Risto placed 6th in Big Air at the 6str TTR Nissan X-Trail Jam in Japan in December, second in the quarterpipe at the 6str TTR O`Neill Evolution in Davos in January and second in 5str slopestyle Crans-Montana Champs Open by RipCurl, and placed 4th at TAC 2009.

Like many other TTR competitors, Risto is also able to find time within his busy schedule to film. He feels that it is an important aspect to snowboarding, and that competing and filming are so different, yet vital, that neither should be overlooked.

Risto Mattila

Age: 29
Origin: Helsinki Finland
Sponsors: Billabong, Drake, Northwave, Giro, Toyota Kostum Shoes

Risto Mattila

Age: 29
Origin: Helsinki Finland
Sponsors: Billabong, Drake, Northwave, Giro, Toyota Kostum Shoes

Peetu Piiroinen

Already at the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere portion of the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour 2008 the buzz was circulating around Peetu Piiroinen of Finland. Transworld Snowboarding Magazine quotes Jussi Oksanen on Peetu’s potential: “Peetu can ride anything. He can kill the pipe, slopestyle, and rails. And this year at the Open, it was really gnarly conditions – icy and [bad] weather – and he was doing tens left and right. He’s still super young and only going to get better. I think he’s going to be the next contest machine.”

After one of the most climactic TTR seasons to date it is clear that Jussi’s prophecy held its weight. Winning the Burton Global Open series the previous year, Peetu Piiroinen, a now iconic rider on the Burton European team, quickly escalated his exposure and professional status to global levels after becoming the 2009 and first Finnish born Swatch TTR World Champion.

“I think Peetu rode the best on the Tour for sure, out of everybody” said fellow Finnish rider Antti Autti at the season-ending 6Star Burton US Open. “ He was good in every event.”

Chalking up contest win after contest win is an essential ingredient within Piiroinen’s snowboarding career, a key component that has been ingrained in his riding since day one. Once school finished up all those years back, Peetu’s ‘hobby’ quickly became an obvious obsession. Contest riding soon turned to sponsorship and progression turned into championship.

And while upon first approach Peetu might seem like the most reserved guy on the chair, his on-board character testifies to an aggressive determination seen only in a handful of TTR riders who also revere Piiroinen’s abilities.

“Of course, he’s good at everything and he’s just so solid,” claims Chas Guldemond, who finished second behind Piiroinen in the final 2009 TTR rankings. “He just knows when it’s time. He’s gonna give it all. I see it in his eyes. He’s not scared by any of it. He’s there to do it and he’s going to put it all out on the line.”

Highlights of Peetu Piiroinen’s winning season begin at the 2008 6Star Nissan X-Trail Jam, where an impressive Quareterpipe hit combined with a Corked Backside 9 in the Big air had him standing on the podium next to contest veteran Shaun White.

In his best performance of the season, Peetu grabbed his only contest title of the 08/09 season at the 6Star O’Neill evolution Quarterpipe by executing one monster of a Backside 5, a relentless demonstration of his transition prowess.

Piiroinen locked in his stand as World No. 1 at the 2009 6Star Billabong Air & Style impressing both crowd and judges with lofty airs and a buttery smooth Backside 5. He would hold his Tour lead all the way through to the end with a second place in the 6Star Burton US Open Halfpipe that solidified his position as the 2009 Tour Champion.

Peetu Piiroinen

Age: 22
Origin: Hyvinkää YT Finland
Sponsors: Burton, Anon, RED, Toyota, Sonera, Battery Energydrink, Nike 6.0

Antti Autti

When a professional snowboarder considers Jamie Lynn, Craig Kelly and Peter Line as his all time favourite riders and influences, well, you know you’re looking at a guy who knows what snowboarding is all about. Hailing from a small town in the northern reaches of Finland called Rovaniemi, Antti started snowboarding in 1995 on a small local hill and has since established himself as a fierce international competitor, traveling the globe over and making his mark. Although he claims to be a fairly chilled out guy who doesn’t get rocked by competitive pressure, his already boisterous career and list of results would suggest Antti as one of the more competitive riders currently riding on the tour. Competing since 2001 with podium results reaching as far back as 2003, the winter of 2005 was certainly the time of his breakthrough. An impressive four FIS World Cup podiums and a third place finish at the 05 Burton US Open however would pale in comparison to his performance at the 05 Winter X-games where he became the first European rider to win Halfpipe Gold. His success would continue well into the following seasons, proving his worth in both Halfpipe and Slopestyle contests. The winter of 2006 would see Antti finish second in the Slopestyle at the 5Star Burton European Open, an incredible fifth place Halfpipe finish at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino as well as two top ten slopestyle and halfpipe results at the 06 Burton US Open. Over the next two seasons Antti Autti maintained a high caliber level of riding, building upon his reputation as a threat to every other competitor with seemingly innate transition talents and a unique and signature spinning style. Skip ahead to the winter of 2009, where Antti improved upon his string of results considerably and became a key contender for the Swatch TTR World Tour Title. Bagging top five results at major 6Star events such as the O’Neill Evolution, Burton US Open and Billabong Air & Style Innsbruck, as well as a podium finish at the 09 Oakley Arctic Challenge, Antti found himself finishing his 2009 Swatch TTR Tour season as World No. 3 – a feat for which much recognition is due. With all these results, some may think Antti to be solely a competitor. Au contraire mon frère. Antti is in fact the complete package. Back home he has been actively promoting the sport in Finland as well as organizing his own events. Antti was also heavily involved in the Scrapbook Project, a snowboarding documentary that captures the essence of Finnish riding, everything from on-mountain feats and behind the scenes antics. Finally, Antti has also been hard at work on his new board project in collaboration with NDK, the same crew behind YES. Looking ahead, the 2010 winter season his high anticipation of what Antti Autti will bring to the table. Be sure to look out for Antti at many of the top tier contests this season as well as some progressive style from the Finnish legend. Check out Antti`s own web here - anttisworld.com Antti placed 2nd at The Oakley Arctic Challenge 09, and we are looking forward to having this sympathetic Finnish rider with us for TAC 2010!

		Antti Autti Age: 24 Origin: Rovaniemi Finland Sponsors:Flow, Billabong, Giro, Toyota, Kostum Shoes, Skull Candy, Rockstar Energydrink

Arthur Longo

In spite of heavy snowfall Arthur Longo tamed the monster quarterpipe at The Oakley Arctic Challenge 2009, and his varied and stylish riding took him to the top. The Oakley Arctic Challenge is happy to have our 2009 TAC Champion back for the 2010 event!

The super talent from Les 2 Alpes, France, grew up with some good coaching. Former TTR World Snowboard Tour Champion 0506 Mathieu Crepel and Julien Haricot besides other members of the Psykopit Crew were pushing his riding level a lot in the past and today.

Longo’s 07/08 season was great with over 10 posted TTR results and 3 Top 10 finishes. Highlights include his 8th place in the Quarterpipe at the 6-Star O’Neill Evolution 08 and a 5th at the 5-Star Billabong Air & Style Quarterpipe in Innsbruck after stomping some of the biggest BS Airs of the night.

Last season was a good one for Arthur. He placed 4th in the quarterpipe at the 6str TTR O`Neill Evolution stomping huge McTwists, and he also won the slopestyle at the 5str Crans-Montana Champs Open by RipCurl. His winning run consisting of a Switch Backside 9, Fronside 7 to Backside 7 on the kicker line, followed by a Frontside 9, Backside 5, Frontside 7 to Haakon flip in the Halfpipe.

Although a heavy competitor, Longo still knows how to enjoy snowboarding. With influences such as Andreas Wiig, Eero Ettala and Travis Parker – he knows how “to rider just for fun and rock ‘n’ roll.” He’s even known to laugh all the time while riding. Longo has set his sights on attaining a part in a Mack Dawg film, competition and winning in the Olympics and ultimately becoming a TTR Title Champion. Arthur’s advice for other up-and-coming riders? “Take it easy, always be happy on your board, and take care of mother nature.”

Arthur Longo

Age: 21
Origin: Les Deux Alpes, France
Sponsors: Apo Boards, Vans, Volcom, Electric, Pull Inn

Ståle Sandbech

Ståle has been a rookie at The Oakley Arctic Challenge several years, and he is now considered as one of the best young riders in the world.

His style and neverending motivation is giving him a competitive edge, the results talk for themselves - 7. place SS Burton European Open 09, 1st place in Protest World Rookie Fest 09 in Livigno, invite to Billabong Air and Style 09, for the second time, along with several national results, and he was also nominated as Rookie of the Year 2008 at the Norwegian Snowboard Awards 08.

In season 2009/2010 Ståle impressed everyone by placing 4th at the high level 6Star Burton European Open Halfpipe. He has now also been invited to the Vancouver Olympics. Pretty amazing resume for a 16 year old!

This kid promises to be one of Norway's next big dawgs and the amount of magazines that start checking him out is constantly rising

Ståle Sandbech

Age: 16
Origin: Rykkinn, Norway
Sponsors: Oakley, Thirtytwo/etnies, Rome, Smartfish, Session

Ulrik Badertscher

Ulrik is a promising Norwegian rider with the skills and guts to go big and technical. He won Tacky Invitational in 2008, placed second in DnB NOR Arctic Open 08. You can also see Ulrik in the snowboardmovie ”Notes” and ”They came from” by Factor Films.Ulrik got a wild card for The Oakley Arctic Challenge in 2008 and 2009, and was stoked to qualify for The Oakley Arctic Challenge at SWAG MAX IT in Vierli this November.

This season has been really good for Ulrik, he placed 7th at the second stop of Dew Tour, 8th at the last stop and placed 8th overall in the tour.

What is your best memory from TAC?

Taking part in 2006, even though I didn`t make the cut. And when Henning Marthinsen won in 2006 and placed second in 2007!

What is you goal for The Oakley Arctic Challenge?

Ride as good as possible. There are so many good riders, so it`s all about doing your best!

Here's a little taste of what we can expect from Ulrik!

Ulrik Badertscher

Age: 21
Origin: Nittedal, Norway
Sponsors: Quiksilver, Vans, Sweet, Scullcandy, New Era, Varingskollen Skisenter

Heikki Sorsa

The Finnish rider who grew up riding at Talma, a local hill near Helsinki, Finland is one of the most versatile riders around, able to take it from the arena to the mountain to the street with ease.

With his controlled style and love for progression, Sorsa pushes the sport in all directions simultaneously filming and competing during the same season all while maintaining an attitude that screams ‘fun’.Back in 2002, Sorsa competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City for Half Pipe. He was also the previous world record holder with a height of 9.5 meters, set at the Arctic Challenge, which was broken by Terje in 2007.

We are looking forward to see what this legendary rider is up to in Wyllerløypa!

Heikki Sorsa

Age: 28
Origin: Helsinki, Finland
Sponsors: Burton, Analog, Gravis, White Moment, Oakley, GSM-Suomi, Red Bull

Mikkel Bang

As long as Mikkel is around things will never get boring. Growing from a little grom to one of the few tall riders that can still pull off original smooth style, Mikkel has been showing the world what young guns are made of.

Mikkel started riding at the young age of seven and year after year has progressed his snowboarding skills and style. Mikkel won the Rookie Challenge at the Nokia Air & Style Munich 06, which brought him back this year to the Main event in 2007. Defying all odds, Mikkel pushed through the field, even knocking Travis Rice in the early rounds. Mikkel landed himself a 2nd place finish at the Nokia Air & Style stomping huge BS 1080s that even short guys have trouble sticking.

The ‘Bangster’, by which he is better known, also finished 4th in the 07/08 5Star Abominable Snowjam in Mt. Hood. The 07/08 season certainly showcased Mikkel’s ability to shred, maintaining a lock on the TTR Top 10 for weeks on end. He continued his efforts in Laax Switzerland with a 16th in the Slopestyle at the 6Star Burton European Open, an event that hosted hundreds of riders from all over Europe and the world. Mikkel really shone in Japan, beginning with his 9th place at the 6Star Nissan X-Trail Jam. But later on in the season, Mikkel took Japan by storm grabbing hold of the 5Star Nissan X-Trail Nippon Open Title in Alts Bandai. Bang was slaying the entire course, with a BS lipslide on the box, a Switch BS 9 off one of the kickers, and a huge alley-oop FS 3 at the bottom. The 6-Star Burton US Open gave Mikkel his final opportunity to post a high scoring 6th result, and although he may not have finished as well as he and other had hoped, he still pulled off a sick finish to the 07/08 Tour, placing 14th in the end-of-season TTR Rankings.

In season 08/09, Bang came out of the gate firing, ready to improve on his previous years finish. He followed the tour downunder where he took out the 5Star Burton NZ Open Slopestyle and also pulled in some more points over the ditch in Australia.

When not on the snow you can find Mikkel ripping on his surfboard or skateboard, goofing around with his buddies and just enjoying life in general. Check him out in Analog’s moving picture project by visiting www.analogclothing.com.

Mikkel Bang

Age: 19
Origin: Oslo, Norway
Sponsors: Burton, Analog, Oakley, Nike 6.0, Monster Energy Drink, Session Boardshop, Hemsedal Skiheiser

Torstein Horgmo

When he was just 16 years of age, young Norwegian Torstein Horgmo started to receive attention by winning the Burton European Open Junior Jam 2004 followed by the Air & Style Rookie Challenge in 2005. Shortly after, he barely missed the podium with his fourth place at the 5Star BEO 2006, which pushed him even more to win his first ever TTR title just a week after by claiming the Slopestyle at the 5Star O’Neill Pro Freestyle in Avoriaz, France. The same season he got a personal invitation by Terje to ride at the legendary Arctic Challenge and finished in 10th.

In 2006, Horgmo received his chance to compete in the main event at the TTR 6Star Nokia Air & Style, where he stomped super clean FS 10s and impressed fans and judges alike. Unfortunately, in February of that year he cracked his spine and couldn’t compete in any other competition for the rest of the 06/07 season. The injury may have put him out of action for a while but such was Horgmo’s determination that in 2007 he exploded back onto the competitive circuit looking more styled out and focused than ever. In 2007, the 20 year old spin machine from Trondheim, seemed to have fully recovered and unleashed a series of top results at all the big Southern Hemisphere events, Winning the 5Star Abominable Snowjam Slopestyle in the States, and clearly dominating the 3Star Oakley Stylewars.

Two more top results down under gave him a solid foundation going into the Northern Hemisphere part of the tour, where he put in strong performances across the board, finishing up in the TTR Top 10.

In the mid of 2008/09 season, Torstein has posted some sick results downunder, taking out the 5Star Burton Australian Open Slopestyle, and scoring a second place finish at the 4Star Oakley Stylewars, events which always seem to favour him. Torstein is a serious contender on the Tour, able to float 7s and 10s with clean, undeniable style. Torstein has proved that not even a broken back can hold him down, aqnd ende at 15th place on the 08/09 TTR ranking list.

Torstein Horgmo

Age: 22
Origin: Trondheim, Norway
Sponsors: DC, Oakley, Vestal, Session skate shop

Eero Ettala

Finland has become known for breeding some of the best snowboarders in the business, and it's because of riders like Eero Ettala that it's earned this reputation. The fact that Eero grew up riding on the tiny (we're talking three turn mountain here), hard packed glacier snow of Talma, Finland didn't stop him from progressing into one of the strongest riders in the world. Eero's got everything from 1260's in the park to double backflips in the backcountry in his bag o' tricks. There has even been rumors whispered of a triple backflip in the works.

The leaders in the snowboard industry caught on quick to Eero Ettala and his formidable skills, and companies like Oakley, Red Bull and Nitro were keen to sign the newest Finnish wonder-kid. Mack Dawg Production Company, one of the paramount snowboard movie making companies in the business for 20 years running, also took note of Eero's talent and promptly threw him into the mix with full parts in both "Picture This" and "Follow me Around".

Eero's payed his dues in the saturated world of snowboarding. He's bounced back from surgery and injuries, placed respectively in the Winter X Games Slopestyle (where it's an honor to just be invited these days), and spent plenty of time in the backcountry digging out snowmobiles and building kickers.

After Mack Dawg Production hung up their hat in 2008 Eero, with the help of Oakley, turned his sites to his newest project, a multimedia project called "Tracking Eero". You can find out more about the highly talked about TV show and Movie project that documents his 2008/2009 season traveling around the globe at www.trackingeero.com.

This season Eero has already won X-Games Gold in slopestyle - will he do the same at The Oakley Arctic Challenge?

Eero Ettala

Age: 25
Origin: Helsinki, Finland
Sponsors: Oakley, Nitro, Level, Red Bull, Giro

Aleksander Østreng

Straight outta Rykkinn, Aleksander Østreng is one of Norways most talented up and coming riders, and had one h... of a season winter 08/09.

Already voted as the best newcomer at the Norwegian Friflyt-Awards 2009, and as Rookie of the Year at the Norwegian SnowboardAwards 2009.

Aleksander has been snowboarding since the age of 11, and he is currently living in Geilo where he is a student at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport.

Now he is ready for another epic winter, and for sure up to no good.

We are looking forward to watch Aleksander rip the park in Tryvann. apart. Watch out for this guy. Oh yeah.

Alexander Østreng

Age: 18
Origin: Rykkinn, Norway
Sponsors: DC, Electric og Swag

Chas Guldemond

Chas Guldemond, the ‘bucking bronco’ is confirmed for The Oakley Arctic Challenge 2010.

Last season his campaign for the 08/09 title kicked off strong in the New Zealand and Australian events where he was laying down technical tricks with effortless style, slipping into contention with the best of them. The road to the top spot was not all fun and games though, as he suffered a bone crunching put down that saw him knocked unconscious when attempting to pull off a heavy duty cab 1080; but like a true champion he shook off the slam and was back with a bang for the remaining Aussie events.

The 4Star Oakley Stylewars was a jam-format big air contest held over three days and while Chas rolled in a day late, the memory of the crash still fresh in his mind, no one could have guessed he had recently bailed hard. Chas put on a strong performance, locked in 5th place, and secured enough points to hold onto the No. 1 spot in the TTR rankings.

“Heading to Stylewars after the injury, I just wanted to get my feet back underneath me,” said Guldemond. “My head didn’t really mess with me and I made good riding decisions, so it ended up going really well.” Cruising on from the 4Star Stylewars, Guldemond high-tailed it across the outback, arriving in Perisher ready to maintain his momentum and step it up for the 3Star Boost Mobile SnoSho and the 5Star Australian Open.

Again, he did not disappoint and building on his freight train momentum he continued to throw down sick runs and score top 5 results across every event he entered whilst on Australian soil. Chas’ ability to back up performance after performance in Oz saw him boarding the plane to Cali with a smile on his dial, the TTR numero uno position locked under his belt.

Guldemond has been putting in the hours at the gym and the skate park because he knows with the level of riding so high he’s going to have to put in the hours to hold onto the top spot: “Anything can happen. I got 1440s, other guys have double corked tricks. It’s going to be crazy” said Guldemond. “Hopefully I’ll be unstoppable.”

Check out Chas latest results:
3rd place Xgames slopestyle
1st place Dew Tour in Snowbasin Utah slopestyle
1st place Grand Prix Slopestyle Mammoth Ca
Chas and company at Dew Tour Snowbasin
Another video from Dew Tour Snowbasin
Chas` TTR profile

Chas Guldemond

Age: 22
Origin: Truckee, USA
Sponsors: Rockstar Energy Drink, Electric, Kicker, Northstar

Christian Haller

The new up-and-comer from Switzerland has already laid a nice footprint in snowboarding. Learning to ride when he was just 8, and progressing at his home resort of Davos, Christian Haller has become one of the next generation riders to look out for.

Already featured on the covers of many European Snowboard mags, Christian also came out with a solid part for Mellow Mood Production’s Green for fall 07, which showcases his smooth style and ability to rip on all types of terrain.

We`re happy to welcome Christian to rip the course in Wyllerløypa!

Christian Haller

Age: 19
Origin: Zernez, Switzerland
Sponsors: Burton, Anon, Arcus, Swatch

Matti Kinnunen

Finnish snowboarding superstar on the rise, Matti Kinnunen, is confirmed for The Oakley Arctic Challenge 2010.

Kinnunen started out skateboarding, and gradually started snowboarding when winter time came along.

Kinnunen won Finnish Open 09, beating legends like Risto Mattila and Heikki Sorsa. This fall he convinced the judges and the crowd in Modena, Italy and won the TTR 4 str Nissan Stompit.

Besides this he has developed his own pro model board, and filmed with Flatlight Films.

Check out Matti at the TTR 4str Nissan Stompit

Matti Kinnunen

Age: 22
Origin: Pudasjärvi Finland
Sponsors: Amplid Snowboards, Meatfly Outerwear, Atikin Clothing, Battery Energy Drink, Spy Optics, Syötekeskus skiresort

Sondre Tiller

Sondre Tiller - former rookie at TAC 2003 - won the SWAG MAX IT slopestyle in Vierli, and got himself a ticket to ride at The Oakley Arctic Challenge 2010.

Sondre is one of the best up and coming riders in Norway, and with a growing repertoire of tricks and his pop on the jumps he goes big with his great style.

Sondre has a part in "They came from" by Factor Films and in "I`m here, out there" by Video Wizards.

Sondre placed 4th at Andreas Wiig Invitational and has a growing number of great results.. Now he can look forward to compete with the big guys in Wyllerløypa in January 2010.

Sondre Tiller

Age: 18
Origin: Moelv, Norway
Sponsors: DC, Oakley, Sweet

Sage Kotsenburg

If you know snowboarding, you would know about Sage Kotsenburg, and if you don’t, you will soon. Young Sage was born with a snowboard strapped to his feet. At just 15 years old he is already one the riders to watch at Park City, no mean feat when you consider the proliferation of talent that comes out of this shred hot-spot. Sage is gradually working his way up the Swatch TTR ranking and his profile is steadily growing.

Definitely one of the most motivated young riders coming out of the U.S, Sage knows he has what it takes to be throwing down with the big dogs and he is doing everything he can to step it up in his quest for snowboarding super-stardom. The family that ‘shreds together, stays together’ and the fact that the whole Kotsenburg family are stoked on riding will help Sage in his mission to become one of the world’s best. With siblings as training partners and parents that manage, film and finance his career, Sage has got the support network in place to boost him into the big time.

After two second places (Breckenridge and Mt. Snow) and a third place (Snowbasin), Sage recently won the overall Dew Tour slopestyle, and we are eagerly looking forward to watch him in action at TAC 2010!

Check out Sage's moves here

Sage Kotsenburg

Age: 16
Origin: Park City, UT, USA
Sponsors: DC, Quiksilver, Capita, Union Bindings, Celtek, NEFF, Milo

Eric Willett

Eric Willet is currently ranked as the 7th in the TTR-ranking, after a great start of the season with several good results down under.

This self-declared park-lover thinks snowboarding should be fun, and his plans for the season?

- Have as much fun as humanly possible, shred with my friends in Breck, travel to as many comps as I can, and film a bit!

We hope you will have some fun in Oslo, Eric!

Check out Eric here..

Eric Willett

Age: 21
Origin: Frisco, CO, USA
Sponsors: O-Matic, Smith, Vans, Flux Bindings

Gjermund Bråten

From the small village of Torpo, Gjermund has grown up to be one of the best up-and-coming Norwegian riders.

After finishing The College of Elite Sports in Geilo this spring he is now travelling the world to compete and train to become even better. Maybe you saw him at Billabong Air&Style in Innsbruck?

Gjermund is described as a hard working and stylish rider with a lot of potential.

Besides being a great snowboarder, Gjermund is also a very good folk dancer. Ask him to do a Hallingkast, and you will see how he developed his fs rodeo.

Gjermund Bråten

Age: 19
Origin: Torpo, Norway
Sponsors: Nike 6.0, Oakley, SWAG, DnBNOR

Roope Tonteri

Roope Tonteri is one of the young up-and-coming riders who follows in the footsteps of his fellow countrymen and legendary snowboarders like Heikki Sorsa, Eero Ettala, Risto Mattila and Anti Autti.. to mention a few.

Last year he won the finals of the World Rookie Fest and got to film with the Pirates Crew - read more about that here.

This year, he won the Protest World Rookie Fest in Livigno, and thereby qualified for The Oakley Arctic Challenge 2010.

We are excited to have another great talent confirmed as one of our riders at TAC 2010. Welcome to Oslo, Roope!

Roope Tonteri

Age: 17
Origin: Valkeala Finland
Sponsors: Burton, Anon, RED, Etnies

Markus Malin

Markus Malin, the cool and calm halfpipe slayer from Finland has been posting top ten results from almost every halfpipe event he has entered on the Swatch TTR World Tour. Markus ended his season 2008/2009 in the Swatch TTR World No 8 spot and has already stacked up some great results in early season 2009/2010, taking 4th place at the halfpipe formats of the 6Star O’Neill Evolution, 5th Place at the 6Star Burton European Open and 3rd place at the 5Star Canadian Open halpipe.

His 2008/2009 season started off with a bang, when he placed 2nd at the 5Star Burton New Zealand Open and 3rd at the 5Star Burton Australian Open halfpipes. Heading to the Southern Hemisphere proved valuable for Malin, as it helped him to maintain a solid spot in the rankings throughout the season. He did not find the podium again until placing 2nd at the 5Star Nissan X-Trail Asian Open, however, this result, combined with consistent finishes, ensured his spot in the Swatch TTR Top 10.

This season Markus has finished his studies and is now focusing on the riding, so expect to see a lot more of Markus on the podium. Finland is currently producing some of the world’s best riders and Malin is no exception.

Markus Malin

Age: 22
Origin: Lahti, Finland
Sponsors: 32 Snowboard Boots, Dragon, Pow Gloves

Marko Grilc

Newly re-emerged on the competition scene, Marko Grilc a.k.a “Grilo”, is no one hit wonder, but a familiar face in the snowboard world since a decade. Introduced to the wonders of snowboarding by his brother at the age of 7, he quickly picked up the skills. He soon began competing, claiming early success winning himself four Youth World Championships. Shortly afterwards he was snatched up by one of the leading snowboarding brands, Burton, who have in the past 10 years nursed him on his way to success and given him the opportunity to design his own board for four years, as well as work on clothing designs.

The friendly and outgoing Grilc has successfully been focusing on filming for many years now and has kept away from the competitive snowboarding scene. His impeccable style and floaty airs in the backcountry and parks all around the world have been captured in some standout video parts for Pirate Productions, Standard Films, Blank Paper Productions and Burton.

In season 2008/2009, upon his return to competitions, Marko claimed a World No. 32 placement on the Swatch TTR Tour and rode for the Slovene team finishing 2nd in the overall ranking in FIS Big Air. He began his 2009/2010 season in the Southern Hemisphere, bagging some good TTR results such as the 3rd place at the 3Star Boost Mobile Sho Sho, which lead for him to jump up into TTR World No. 4 after the first Northern Hemisphere event, the 4Star Horsefeathers Pleasure Jam.

At the first 6Star event of season 2009/10, the Billabong Air & Style/II, Marko landed a switch backside double corked 1080 in the super finals, which in the delight of 11.500 viewers, earned him the coveted Ring of Glory. This bumped him up to the Swatch TTR Tour lead, for the first time in his career, and gave him an invite to the 6Star Oakley Arctic Challenge and the 6Star O’Neill Evolution. “This is the best day of my life by far. I never even thought that this could happen. I am just very stoked” said the overwhelmed Grilc after the prize giving. “I went to Australia and New Zealand and then today I am number one. I don't even know what to say. It came out of fun and pleasure and now I am here and I am stoked.”

Stemming from Ljublijana in Slovenia Marko is somewhat of a national hero, and upon winning the Air & Style his phone filled with congratulation messages. The season 09/10 is looking bright for this experienced rider, and we are happy to see him back on the TTR Tour with a motivation to take over the top spot.

For more information and videos of "Grilo", you can also visit his brilliant website www.grilo.si

Marko Grilc

Age: 26
Origin: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Sponsors: Burton, Red Bull

Janne Lipsanen

We let Janne use his own words in his profile...

- I`m from Mikkeli, Finland. Nowadays I`m spending my time snowboarding. This year I have done a few contests, O`Neill Evolution and Burton European Open, but most of the time I have been shooting backcountry for Ripcurl`s Welcome Home movie. My goal is to get a good TTR-ranking in this year so I`m really looking forward to TTR 6-star- The Oakley Artic Challenge.

Janne Lipsanen

Age: 21
Origin: Mikkeli, Finland
Sponsors: Rip Curl, K2

Seppe Smits

Seppe Smits may come from a country with no mountains whatsoever, but this is not deterring him from chasing his dream of rising up the Swatch TTR rankings.Seppe grew up as a ‘Fridge Kid’, learning how to ride on Belgium’s dry slopes before actually shredding a real mountain for the first time during 1999 in Gerlos, Austria. You would think growing up on dry slope limits the skill set of a young rider, however, the young Seppe can do it all and everyone is waiting to see when he will claim his first major TTR victory. (editor's note: Which he now did by winning the Rookie Challenge at 6Star Billabong Air&Style. This gets him an invite to next year's main event!)Like many young riders he eventually kicked his skiing habit and began to focus 100 percent on snowboarding. Speaking on his discovery of snowboarding, Seppe states “I rapidly decided snowboarding was way more fun. Skiing was over”!

- The season has been pretty good for me so far. I got 1st place at the Air & Style Rookie Challenge and did good on some other TTR's. So until now I've been able to get a spot in the TTR top 10.

This year I've got a filming project going with Harakiri, from Onboard Magazine. But so far I haven't been able to film at all since I've been doing nothing but contests so far this season.

With the Arctic challenge I hope to stay in the TTR top 10.

Seppe has recently arrived from Japan, where he got a third place at the Tokyo Big Air.

Here you can se some great tricks by the young Belgian.

Seppe Smits

Age: 18
Origin: Westmalle, Belgium
Sponsors: Burton, Red Bull, Anon, Hotzone, Red, Gravis

Tore Holvik

Being from Geilo and with snowboard as a main interest, The Norwegian College of Elite Sports in Geilo was a natural choice for Tore. With his best friend Roger Kleivdal, he developed his skills and started to take part in international contests in 2007.

Tore Holvik is a rider with lots of capacity to do technical tricks. This has earned him a spot in the Norwegian National Team, and several film parts in films like "Too Tacky", "Notes" by Factorfilms and "They came from" by Factorfilms.

Last season was pretty good for Tore, until he dislocated his hip in February. This season he is back, and started out in the Southern Hemisphere with several good results, and he is currently representing Norway in the Olympics.

Tore Holvik

Age: 21
Origin: Geilo, Norway
Sponsors: Nike 6.0, Sweet, Bataleon, DnB NOR, Grenade, Dragon

Ville Outila

Ville Outila is from Ojakkala in Finland. He is joining the big Finnish crew hitting the slopestyle in Wyllerløypa 6th - 7th March.

This season he has already competed in Horsefeather Pleasure Jam, O`Neill Evolution, Burton European Open and Canadian Open, with his best result placing 4th in the slopestyle at Burton European Open.

Ville is also into powder kickers, so let`s see how long it will be snowing in Oslo - maybe he`ll even get some powder runs when he is here.

Ville Outila

Age: 24
Origin: Ojakkala, Finland
Sponsors: Atomic, Horsefeathers, Blue-Tomato, TSG, Osiris, Level

Janne Korpi

Janne Korpi is a member of the Finnish force who have a strong presence on the Swatch TTR World Snowboard Tour.Janne was a gifted sports child, nearly following in his family footsteps of horseracing before stepping up in the world of Swatch TTR Snowboarding. In 2005/06 Janne burst onto the scene with a 1st place finish in the 5Star Nescafé Snowboard Championships in Leysin and a podium place in the Slopestyle at the 2006 Burton European Open in Laax . These results combined with other consistent performance helped him earn a 7th place finish at the conclusion of the season, ready to bring it on in 07/08. With a new sponsor in O’Neill, his season began well in 07/08 when he finished third at the 6Star O’Neill Evolution Slopestyle. He then went on to post a number of top 5 finishes before earning himself a victory at the 5Star Chevrolet Grand Prix in Killington, Vermont. Overall his consistent performances helped him finish in Swatch TTR World No.8 and when the season 08/09 kicked off down South he was ready to up the ante.

In season 08/09, Janne was rapidly catching up to Swatch TTR World No.1, Chas Guldemond, thanks to some good and consistent results from Southern Hemisphere season, however, disaster struck when he got injured during the 6Star O’Neill Evolution Quarterpipe competition. The night before, Janne had been dominating the Slopestyle course, impressing the crowd with effortless style and lofty airs. He walked away with his third major TTR Slopestyle victory that night and was on track to also secure victory in next night’s Quarterpipe. Unfortunately, Janne’s injury ruled him out for the next few months, but now he is back, and we are looking forward to watch him rip the park in Wyllerløypa.

Janne Korpi

Age: 24
Origin: Nummela, Finland
Sponsors: Kissmark, O`Neill, Smith, Level, Ogio, Vans

Mark Mcmorris

Mark arrived in Oslo straight from Italy and the 5str Burn River Jump in Livigno where he placed 3rd in the big jump competition and 6th in the slopestyle.More info about this young ripper will soon follow.

Here you can enjoy a few videos of Mark!

O'Neill Team in Europe

World Cup Big Air

O'Neill Team in Colorado

Mark Mcmorris

Age: 16

Origin: Regina, Canada

Sponsors: O`Neill, Class 5 Snowboards, Camp of Champions, The Source Boardshop

Atsushi Ishikawa

Tokyo's local team name "Sclover 3 Riders" teamed up their own media driven freestyle crew in 1998. Atsushi was 2nd generation fresh man to join. and with his great style he stomps Street, Park, Big Air and has made himself a name as one of Japan's top freestyler.

Results up date:

2009 TTR 4 Star Nanshan Open, China. SlopeStyle 2nd

2008 Japan's The Slope Winner

2007 TTR 6 Star Nissan X-Trail Jam SJ 13th

Toyota Big Air 10th (Best Japanese Qulifyer)

2006 Japan's SlopeStyle 2nd

Atsushi Ishikawa

Age: 32

Origin: Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Sponsors: Flow, Quiksilver, Deeluxe, Spy, eb's, Rockstar, Scorpion, Audio Technica, YukiBancho, Skins, DVS, Katsutaya, Catamaran Swiss

Miikka Hast

For a few years now Miikka has kept a very high profile not only in the international freestyle contest scene, but also filming with big name crews in the US and Europe.

More info about this Finnish ripper is coming soon!

Miikka Hast

Age: 28

Origin: Rovaniemi, Finland

Sponsors: Ftwo, Giro, Protest

Kim Rune Hansen

Kim “Kimmi” Rune Hansen is yet another Norwegian rider preparing to mount an assault on the TTR rankings. In a shred hot-spot like Norway that produces so many top riders it can be hard to stand out from the crowd, but here is a competitor who knows what he wants and is not afraid to chase it. He is a star fast rising on the international scene and attention will be focused on Kimmi this season as he pursues his dream of cracking into the TTR Top 10. Snowboarding since he was 13, he grew up riding around the Norwegian area of Trysil with a solid crew of older snowboarders. He soon progressed and started to train at the NTG Academy in Geilo, Norway, a school which combines snowboarding and a formal education for talented athletes. The NTG ‘School Of Shred’ paved the way for his entry into the Norwegian National Team. As of then it wasn’t long before the young Kim Rune Hansen found a sponsor in Burton, scoring good contest results and drawing international attention.

		Kim Rune Hansen Age: 21 Origin: Hamar, Norway Sponsors: Burton, Rockstar, DnB NOR, Anon, Gravis, Swag

Mats Hofgaard

Mats got a wildcard for The Oakley Arctic Challenge, and proved himself worthy of the golden ticket by qualifying for the semifinals. Mats has been amongst the best Norwegian riders for many years, he is a stylish rider with a positive attitude and a bag full of new tricks, waiting to slay the park in Wyllerløypa. Yeah Mats!

		Mats Hofgaard Age: 21 Origin: Elverum, Norway Sponsors: DC, Oakley, Session Boardshop, Neff, Skullcandy, Airhole

Sam Hulbert

More information about this young ripper is soon coming!

Sam Hulbert

Age: 20

Origin: Peterborough NH, United States

Sponsors: Ride, Celtek, Oakley, Kicker, Easternboarder

Brandon Reis

This is me, Brandon Reis. I be twenty years old and act like im 14 never gonna grow up. I’ve been snowboarding for ten years now and hope to be doing it for a lot longer. My home as of now is peterborough NH in the summer and west side for the winters. I am stoked on my self with what I have done in snowboarding so far but for me its not even close to what I fully want so there is a lot for me to still accomplish.

Snowboarding is a sport that when I first tried it I fell in love with it, I don’t think I could live with out it. It gets tough competing a ton but its all worth it. I think one reason I love it is because when you get off that chair lift and you push over to that spot where you feel like you can see so far that it seems like for ever, you take those few minutes just to take it all I. This makes me realize every time how lucky I am to have this life and to get to do the things I do and see the places I get to see, and have this talent that is a very slim chance of haveing, this is why I think I love snowboarding.

Who influences me?

Id say the same people that help me love the sport. My friends, My family because with out them I wouldn't have had the opportunitys that I have been able to do, Bill Enos the man who has built a part of me and will most likely keep building me here and there because this is the guy that made me proud of my talent the guy who has introduced me to many, the man who has made it happen for me, If I never went to waterville Valley and trained and lived in the 525 east house and played with the pupps every night and became a worrier! I would not be a snowboarder, or I would be a snowboarder but not like I am now. So I thank Bill Enos and his awesome family for what they have given and taught me.

Bio from flow.com

Brandon Reis

Age: 21
Origin: West Peterborough NH, United States
Sponsors: Oakley, Flow

Andreas Ygre Wiig

Unfortunately, Andreas has injured his ankle and will not be able to compete at TAC 2010.

We are proud to introduce Andreas as a rider and partner in constructing the TAC 2010 slopestyle together with the TAC crew.

Andreas exploded onto the international snowboard scene in 2001. And since then, snowboarding has never been the same.

An overnight success, Wiig stepped squarely into the ranks of the pro competition circuit delivering X Games medal-winning runs as well as filming progressive movie footage. You could say it all came naturally to Andreas, yet he’s also one of the hardest working athletes in the sport: as motivated as he is talented. There are few riders versatile enough to grasp back-to-back XGames Gold medals in slopestyle and also produce groundbreaking backcountry movie segments.

www.andreaswiig.com

Andreas Ygre Wiig

Age: 28
Origin: Asker, Norway
Sponsors: Forum, Foursquare, Electric, Matix, Rockstar Energy Drink, Toyota, Boost Mobile, Pro Tec, Vestal, & Keystone

Shayne Pospisil

Shayne Pospisil unfortunately injured his knee and will not be able to compete at TAC 2010. Get well soon, buddy. Shayne was in Oslo for the first time at TAC 2008 where he ripped it and placed second in the finals. In 2009 he was back, and proved to us all that he could handle transitions, as he won the highest air together with Daniel Josefson. Last season was pretty good for this young American. He competed at Innsbruck Air and Style in Innsbruck where he placed 6th. After Innsbruck he went to NY for the Red Bull Snowscrapers where he knocked out both Terje Haakonsen and Scotty Lago and finally won againt Torstein Horgmo with a supersolid bs 9, before a crazy crowd. Shayne is an not only a world class snowboarder, he is also a good skater and a passionate surfer. We`re looking forward to having Shayne back in Oslo!

		Shayne Pospisil Age: 24 Origin: Manasquan, New Jersey Sponsors: Billabong, DaKine, Head, Smith, Valsurf

Joachim Krogstie

Joachim is unfortunately injured, with a broken arm, and will not be able to compete at TAC 2010. Get well soon, Joachim!

Joachim Krogstie has for many years been a stylish rider, but hasn`t competed much. The last few winters he has stayed in Breckenridge, USA and hanging out in Trysil to develope his riding. But in the end of last season he got a boost, and after a months stay in Saas Fee this fall he is more motivated about snowboarding than ever.

His motivation has surely payed of already, with a 7th place at Pleasure Jam in Austria, and now a third place at SWAG MAX IT in Vierli - and the golden ticket to ride at The Oakley Arctic Challenge 2010.

Joachim Krogstie

Age: 21
Origin: Hamar, Norway
Sponsors: Analog, SWAG, Anon, R.E.D, Freestyle, Scullcandy, Jelly Belly.

Tyler Flanagan

Tyler tore some ligaments during filming in Japan, and will not be able to compete at TAC 2010. Get well soon, hope to see you in Oslo next year!

Tyler might be young, but he took third overall in the this year’s Winter Dew Cup.

Right now Tyler is heading to Japan to film with Volcom, then taking a little break in Hawaii before heading to Norway. After Norway he’ll be going to Tignes for the European X Games.

Four countries in four weeks.

Tyler Flanagan

Age: 16
Origin: Mammoth Lakes, CA, United States
Sponsors: Volcom, 32 Snowboard Boots, Grenade, Rockstar, Electric Visual, Vestal, Union Bindings, Etnies

Elias Elhardt

Elias unfortunately compressed his ankle during filming, and will not be able to compete at TAC 2010 . Hope to see you next year!

Elias made an impact this season. Last season he showed off with an outstanding part in the current Pirates video, he quickly learned double corks at the end of summer at the Hintertuxer and now he gets top placements in current contests.

We are for sure looking forward to what he will be up to in Wyllerløypa at The Oakley Arctic Challenge 2010.

Elias Elhardt

Age: 21
Origin: Oberstaufen, Germany
Sponsors: Rip Curl, Rossignol, Deeluxe

Charles Reid

Hailing from Mt Tremblant, Charles Reid is part of a new breed of French Canadian Shredders who is making a name for himself on the Swatch TTR World Tour. 2008/2009 was a killer season for Charles Reid and it started off strong with a win at the 4Star Oakley Stylewars and a 2nd at the 5Star Burton New Zealand Open. It was here where he unleashed what would become one of his signature tricks – the Double Cork, a move which helped him find the podium several more times during the season. He kept working tirelessly, crossing the globe, competing in Swatch TTR events but it was not until he returned home for the Burton Canadian Open that he found himself on the podium again. He snatched first in the Halfpipe which helped bolster him in the TTR ranking and boost his confidence ahead of the next contest in Japan. Reid’s form continued at the 5Star Nissan X-Trail Asian Open where he placed second in the Halfpipe. He then headed back to the U.S where he took part in the 5Star Intelligent Design and came second. As it looks Charles is taking a high stand for the 09/10 seson as well, climbing to TTR rank nr 2 after NZO and Oakley Stylewars.

		Charles Reid Age: 19 Origin: Mont-Tremblant Canada Sponsors: Burton, Oakley, Nomis, Axis