04 April 2005

Norwegian freeskier Andreas Håtveit reinforced his reputation as one of the world's hottest upcoming freestyle skiers by winning the Wengen Big Air last week.

With 20 of Europe's best freeskiers competing, there was tough competition, but Håtveit easily qualified for the final, then proceeded to land the ultimate prize with a succession of stunning jumps - a Bio 540 in the style jump, followed by a Switch 900, then a crowd-pleasing Switch 1080 for the two technical runs.

The win came on the back of his 4th place in the FIS halfpipe held in Finland a few days before. Despite a hectic last-minute travel plan the effort was worth it:

"I was really stoked to win this contest. I practiced so much in the USA through January and February, but I had a small injury so I lowered my sights for the rest of the season and only expected to get somewhere in the top 6. So to take first place was just so sweet, it was the best feeling!"

The 18 year-old is based out of Sudndalen in Norway. His incredible skills and moves are no accident: From the age of 12, his parents built a full jump in the garden of their house to allow Andreas to practise every day.

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