Kjersti Buaas

Kjersti Buaas achieved her first international breakthrough by winning the Junior World Championships in 1999, which swiftly led to her first professional snowboard contract and World Cup victory in 2000. She had previously secured her first sponsorship in 1996 after winning a local big jump contest. Buaas then debuted on the Olympic stage at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, where she placed 4th in the halfpipe, showcasing a distinctive style marked by large air to fakie maneuvers. Buaas continued her competitive ascent, earning a bronze medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, in women’s halfpipe, a remarkable feat achieved despite recovering from a broken leg just one week prior.

Beyond her extensive competitive career, which spanned two decades, Buaas has significantly impacted the snowboarding community as a coach for Slovakia at the 2018 Olympics. Her post-competition endeavors include a 2nd place finish on the popular TV show ‘Mesternes Mester’ in 2020. Recognized as ‘Queen Of Style’ by Onboard Magazine and a recipient of multiple Norwegian ‘Rider of the Year’ awards, Buaas has also actively engaged in various film projects, documentaries, and TV shows. She is a dedicated advocate for environmental causes, collaborating with non-profit organizations to champion human and environmental health initiatives.