Kari Traa is a celebrated former Olympic freestyle skier from Norway, renowned for her remarkable achievements in the sport. Her career took off in 1990 when she made her international debut at the World Cup in La Clusaz, France. Over the next 17 years, Traa established herself as a dominant force in mogul skiing, securing a total of 37 World Cup victories and earning four World Championship gold medals. Her Olympic journey culminated in a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, alongside a silver in 2006 and a bronze in 1998, solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Traa ventured into entrepreneurship by founding her own sportswear brand, Kari Traa Ltd., in 2002. The brand quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs tailored specifically for women, drawing inspiration from traditional Norwegian clothing. Under her leadership, the company has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing women’s sports brands, celebrated for its commitment to quality and sustainability, including the use of mulesing-free merino wool and microplastic-free materials.

Post-retirement, Traa has dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of ski talents, actively participating in recruitment initiatives and organizing world cup events. Her involvement in the Ekstremsportveko festival in Voss showcases her passion for extreme sports and community engagement, further enhancing her influence in the skiing world.

Kari Traa’s impact extends beyond sports; she is a media personality and an advocate for women’s empowerment in athletics. Her autobiography, published in 2006, and her numerous accolades, including being named “Sexiest Woman in Norway,” reflect her multifaceted career and enduring legacy in both sports and fashion.