Rookie Ladley Kills It In Arctic Challenge

Press Release

• February 25 2009
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OSLO, Norway (Feb. 24) - Steamboat native and distinguished U.S. Snowboarding rookie Matt Ladley officially hit the big time last Saturday by taking second at the prestigious Arctic Challenge Quarterpipe event hosted annually by Norwegian snowboarding legend Terje Haakonsen.

“I still can’t believe it. This was the most fun competition of my life, and I am pumped to have done so well. It’s like a dream”, said Ladley.

The 10 meter tall quarterpipe has stood as a monument on which snowboarding’s best riders have tested the limits of transition riding. The only TTR 6-star event in the world, historic performances have become expected from this convergence of the world’s best.

Most riders qualify through other TTR events. Ladley received a rare personal invitation from Haakonsen himself. That personal invitation has more than once precipitated a Cinderella story in the past, and this year that pattern was repeated.

“It’s no surprise to me that Matt achieved this”, said Bud Keene, U.S. Snowboarding Rookie coach. “His talent has never been in question, but the story of his rise is his hard work. Keep your eyes out – he’s just getting started”.

During the final Ladley upped the ante with every hit stomping a massive backside rodeo, backside 540, backside 720, and a backside 900, all in the 15-20 foot range. In the end, Ladley narrowly missed the win, collecting 1336 points finishing just behind Arthur Longo with 1340. Antti Autti of Finland was third.

Following stellar U.S. Snowboarding Rookie training camps at Mt. Hood last Summer and this Fall in New Zealand, Ladley received a setback by shattering his collarbone in December. Nine screws, a titanium plate, and five weeks later, Ladley was back with a vengeance, scoring a seventh place finish at the second Dew Tour Halfpipe at Mt. Snow.

The following week he won the first Revolution Tour halfpipe of the season at Copper, before being invited to be a practicing alternate at the X Games halfpipe, where he shone brightly.  His Arctic Challenge success sets him up well going into Junior Worlds in Japan, the final Grand Prix in Killington, and the US Open at Stratton.