In the beginning Peetu might have been one of many Finnish up-and-coming riders who tried to make the jump from their icy local kickers into international rankings. 2010 he managed to do exactly that not only because of the last two TTR-overall wins and the Olympic Silver medal in pipe, but also with the overall win in the Burton Global Series. After coming second at the Air&Style Big Air as well as Quarterpipe in 2009, he is definitely one of the strongest players this year. And don’t worry, latest at the after show party there won’t be any more shy-guy business.

At sixteen years of age Yuki is the youngest rider in the competition field. He is Japan's rising talent in Big Air and Slopestyle and he proved this with his success last season. At least since he won the Air & Style Beijing 2012 with a Backside Tripple Cork 1440 Mute every snowboarder on earth knows his name. Let the show begin Yuki!

Once you’ve seen Seppe Smits shredding, you’ll never make jokes about Belgians again. The former Big Air Junior World Champion has done super well at his debut at the Billabong Air & Style Rookie Challenge in Innsbruck-Tirol in December 2009, winning the contest with a Backside 1260. At the Air & Style in Beijing and Munich he impressed with two second places. The smart Belgian is definitely a candidate for the win in Innsbruck 2013.

You might think being labeled the next big thing in snowboarding by the legend himself, Terje Haakonsen, would have been quite a lot of pressure for Ståle. But it was no problem for this young Norwegian who started winning titles, the kind that grownups dream of winning, when he was only sixteen. With the third place in slope style at the New Zealand Open in August 2011 he proved how serious he is. We expect him to be as successful as last year at Oakley and Shaun White present Air & Style Beijing, but Ståle expects to raise the bar for himself yet again, and take home a hard fought win!

Niklas who? Niklas Mattson is Sweden’s new hope in snowboarding. 2010 he won the Oxbom Session, the contest with the most progressive riding level in Scandinavia not to mention his 3^rd place at the Billabong Air & Style Innsbruck last year. Niklas crashes rails and kickers like no other – he’s got all 1260’s spun flat and double corked in his repertoire - and that’s no joke! Let’s see how the underdog with sensation potential is doing at the Billabong Air & Style Innsbruck-Tirol 2013.

He competed at the age of 15 at the US Open and as he stood next to all the big names at the drop-in, Mark McMorris quickly showed what he is for snowboarding: the future. With his victory at the Billabong Air & Style Innsbruck-Tirol in February 2011 and the first backside triple cork 1440 in the history of snowboarding he has confirmed it again. With his victory in slope style at the Burton New Zealand Open he’s already served notice of what to expect from him in Innsbruck - maybe even one more driple cork...

Since his gold and silver medal at the X-Games Slope style in Tignes and Aspen 2010 the name Eric Willett should be in everyone’s vocabulary. In 2011 the young man with the curly hair could convince with countless victories as for the win at the US Open Slope style or the first place at the Billabong Ante Up in Whistler. Eric already is one of the favorites at the Billabong Air & Style Innsbruck-Tirol 2013.

The young man from Quebec, Canada, is an outstanding talented snowboarder. If you don’t know him, here’s a little hint: Antoine is the current number 1 of the World Snowboard Slopestyle Tour Ranking. In the ongoing season he scored a lot of top-results, among others he won the Stylewars Slopetyle in Australia and made the second place at Freestyle.ch in Switzerland and ranked fourth place at Billabong Bro Down in New Zealand. With his consistency Antoine has definitely all he needs to become a sensation in Innsbruck.

2010/11 was Sebastien Toutant aka Seb Toots most successful season so far. The victories at the X-Games in Aspen and the Oakley and Shaun White present Air & Style Beijing 2010 proved of what the 19 year old Canadian is made of. By now triple corks also count to his game plan, whereat the style never comes too short. Who now thinks that Seb is just a pure contest machine should absolutely watch his online part - it's smashing.

Since his victory at the World Rookie Finals 2010, Roope Tonteri has been a solid component on the international contest circuit. When reviewing the great accomplishments this 20 year old has already achieved, like his win at the European Open slope style 2011, it’s not surprising that he is leading the Overall Championship Ranking on the World Snowboard Tour. Roope is definately one of the top dogs for Air & Style Innsbruck 2013. In Beijing 2012 he showed what he can bring down – Backside 1260 Double Cork, Switch Frontside 1440, “no big deal”!

A country that has such an abundance of mountains like Austria is sure to produce tons of pro-riders . Clemens Schattschneider, is truly someone Austria can be incredibly proud of. "Clemi" didn't just come in ninth at the Billabong Air & Style Rookie Challenge 2011 but also rode into the finals beside the really big names at the 2011 O'Neill Evolution. Though he is beyond stoked to take a run at the famous Air & Style ramp, his favorite mountain is still Stuhleck. Hopefully all of Clemi’s love for his home country and their love for him will pay out at Air & Style Innsbruck 2013!

It’s not always easy to be compared with your older brother, especially when he’s one of the best snowboarders of our time. Regardless, Petja Piiroinen is blazing his own trails though and has already achieved some proper results at the age of 21. Not the least of which was being crowned the FIS Big Air Champion in 2011! The Billabong Air & Style Contest Innsbruck-Tirol 2012 was the first time ever both Piiroinen brothers competed at the same contest. Peetu won by throwing a massive cab 1260 and in Beijing 2012 he made the second place.. Which Piiroinen do you think will take top honors in the third “Bro Show” in Innsbruck?

We still remember how Ulrik Badertscher won the Oakley and Shaun White present Air & Style Beijing 2011! Impressing the masses with unique tricks is what makes Ulrik so special. Some fans were blown away when he conjured a massive double front flip out of a pole jam, but maybe we should mention that Ulrik spent almost every school holiday at a circus school which may help explain his affinity for pulling ridiculous tricks out of thin air. We are definitely looking forward the Ulrik Show in Innsbruck 2013.

Sage Kotsenburg comes from a pure and true snowboarding family. Not only does he often ride with his brother Blaze, but his parents get on their boards and shred as well as manage his career, film for him and support him however they can. Clearly the family environment pays off, because the young American landed a third place in Big Air at X Games in Aspen and likewise at the Artic Challenge 2011 in Slope style! Fun little inside fact about Sage, he’s actually afraid of heights!? Sage carries a few different kinds of double corks in his luggage, let’s see what he’ll pull out for us in Innsbruck 2013! 

Maxcence is pretty new in the a league but the young French Canadian is really talented. Maxence is in the same program as his Canadian compatriots Sebastien Toutant and Mark McMorris. Who recognizes his talent and knows how hard he works, understands how many potential this young guy has. We are sure that Maxence’s going to have a huge impact on the competition-scene. At the Air & Style Beijing 2012 he gave us a pretaste of his unbelievable talent with his solid jumps. In Aspen he stomped a 1620 triple cork. Maxence will definitely use his chance and we are looking forward to see him at the Billabong Air & Style Innsbruck-Tirol 2013!

Sven is one of the young and aspiring Swedish riders. Like Niklas Mattson, Halldor Helgason and Hampus Mosesson his talents were honed at one of the best snowboard academies in the world, “Snowboard RIKS,” in Malung. The first time international attention was paid to Sven was when he won the World Rookie Finals in Chile. In 2012 he won the World Rookie Fest (U18) and ever since, Sven has been rocking every contest. We are more than confident that this isn’t the end of the list of events this young Swedish snowboarder is taking home trophies from… 

Victor grew up in a snowboarding family. Some believe that snowboarding may be written into his DNA, just like in his older brother Xavier de Le Rue, definitely one of the world’s best freeriders. Victor is not your typical contest-kid. He spent a lot of time in the backcountry with his brother, and became somewhat of a backcountry freestyle specialist in his early years. None the less he’s also a potent Big Air rider, as proven by his second place at Big Air Stuttgart in 2011 and his third place at the Pony Session in France. If you want to see Victor in action, watch Rip Curl’s new movie “Alive and Kicking” or you could just watch the Billabong Air & Style Innsbruck-Tirol 2013!

Mathias Weissenbacher is the doozy of Schladming’s snowboardschool. In the mean time Mathias left his school and his FIS past behind him and got completely involved in the Contest-world of the World Snowboard Tour. For example Mathias made the second places at the Pleasure Jam 2011 in Dachstein and at the Nescafe Champs 2012 in Leysin. Being an Austrian, Mathias is really looking forward to show his landsmen his best ride. At his first Air & Style competition ever in Beijing 2012 he scored an amazing fourth place and we are excited if he’s going to continue his successful road. With the perfect support of the Austrian crowd everything is possible!

Norway’s contingent at the Air & Style Beijing is the largest of any nation in the world.  Impressive fact since the population of Norway is 5 million, roughly the same as some of the smaller neighborhoods around Beijing. In the tradition of his fellow countrymen, Emil busts mad tricks and does it with a smooth Norwegian style. Last season Emil bested some of the world’s best riders such as Ulrik Badertscher, Roope Tonteri and Stale Sandbech in slopestyle at the Burn River Jump in Livigno. We know he has the chops, but are curious to see how Emil will handle his first ever appearance on the grand stage at Air & Style.

Eric what? Eric who? Eric Beauchemin is one of the newest rising stars on the snowboard horizon. Eric is a graduate of the Stratton Mountain School, one of the most esteemed snowboarding schools in the United States. Just like the Mitrani brothers, Louie Vito and Danny Davis, Eric was one of the star pupils of his class. His contest results are backing up the reputation of his school’s alumni, as he recently won the Pleasure Jam in Schladming. Eric feeds off of competition, and destroys kickers and rails alike. Though he has only made it onto the big stage as of late, he should be considered a dark horse for a surprise podium at Billabong Air & Style 2013!

Even though his name doesn’t sound very German, Ethan is the future of, “made in Germany” snowboarding. After his parts in Isenseven’s “Kaleidoscope” and this year’s Standart movie "2112", it is internationally acknowledged that this small guy will go big. Ethan is a true all-rounder, his style is banging and his favorite avocations are kicker and rails. By the way, he is also hitting it in the pipe. Ethan is the man! In this spirit, Schlaaaaaaaaaand!

Aleksander is yet another one of the rising Norwegian stars assaulting the snowboarding scene.  Like Torstein Horgmo, Stale Sandbech and Gjiermund Braaten, his talents were honed at the elite NTG Geilo Snowboarding School.  Aleksander earned international attention for the first time at the Andreas Wiig Invitational in 2009, where he placed 3rd behind Halldor Helgason and Torstein Horgmo.  In February 2012 he won the Burton European Open in Laax with an amazing run. We are excited to see what this proven winner shows us in Innsbruck! 

From Stovner, Norway Terje Håkonsen has dominated snowboarding on all fronts. 25 years in the making his snowboarding career remains unparalled by any, key moments of which are pivoting-points in snowboarding's history - from his boycott of the '98 Nagano Olympics to establishing the Arctic Challenge in 2000 then leading to the birth of the World Snowboard Tour (TTR), Terje has revolutionised snowboarding. An avid surfer and family man, Terje is the total-package deal, style master and true snowboarding legend...

Style for days and a stacked bag of tricks, Gigi Rüf SHREDS. An individual that has, and continues to influence riders around the world, this family man is regarded as one of the style legends of snowboarding. Snowboarding is his balance, it keeps him grounded - or not - depending on which way you look at it, Gigi BOOSTS and he's always frothing. His pure stoke channeled through that ever present, trademark smile... Mad respect Gigi.

From the days of Lil' Bastards to the latest MackDawgProductions snowboarding flicks, Devun Walsh remains one of the biggest influences in freestyle riding. Spending much of his time in the backcountry or on the golf course, Devun is living the dream. We're pumped to see him throw down at the 2013 Billabong Air & Style IBK...

Although Werni is only 25 years old he’s taken part in Big Air contests for many years now. In 2011 he even took home third place at the Billabong Air & Style in Innsbruck. In his repertoire there are tricks like frontside 1080 Double Corks or switch backside 1260’s, and many more. In the new Pirates Movie, Werni is part of the Unique 8 Crew. With his extrajudicial style he produced an amazing part and proved why he was picked to be part of the crew. Because of his injury he took home from the AIr & Style in Bejing he will not be able to compete on Saturday but Werni wasn't gonna miss to ride in front of his home crowd. We are very happy and proud to welcome him at the Style Session instead!

2006 is regarded as Danny's "Break-out year" on the contest front & since then he's been no stranger to the podium… Maintaining on the style front from park to pipe to balls-deep in the backcountry, Danny is a true, all-round freestyle rider who's just out to have a good time with his buddies…  

From the scaling heights of Alaska to the 22+ vert of the 1/4 and 1/2Pipes of the global contest circuit, Arthur Longo sends it DEEP. Terje has even quoted that he competes with Arthur for height - now that's saying a lot! With a fistful of impressive contest wins in his back pocket, expect Arthur to throw down in IBK...

Born in '83, Grilo's been getting at it since he was a grom, going pro in '98 & no stranger to the podium, Grilo is holding it down and consistently cleaning up on the contest front, among his countless many placings throughout his career, is the 2009 Air & Style IBK win… Props Grilo.

Mike Basich is a GURU. A pioneer in snowboarding, Mike was one of the wild-generation madmen. He is also one of the original riders from the first of the Air&Style contests in Seefeld, Mike is O.G A&S Alumni & we're honoured to welcome him back to the 20th Anniversary…

Riding since '91, Sani Alibabic has been on his game for years. With a full-clip of video parts documenting his outstanding snowboarding career, the former pro snowboarder & Nike's European team manager has still got it… Let's see it Sani!

To good to be true?! He's is one of Innsbruck's snowboarding pioneers and the oldest one in the riders field of the burn style session. His crazy actions in the Bergisel are still unforgotten and after 5 Air & Style contests he will once again return to the Bergisel to show that he can still kick it. Max Plötzeneder was there at the very first Air & Style and will bring the true oldschool back to this contest. Nowadays he's working with his brother Nando, is a family father and once in while shows his poker skills. We're pumped to see him ride again.

Jump and jib master, Iikka Backstrom is easily considered one of the most progressive riders in freestyle snowboarding to-date. From street to backcountry Iikka's got it tech and style DIALED. We're looking forward to Iika tearing shit up in the 2013 A&S Burn Style Session...

Bryan Iguchi is nothing short of inspirational. Guch is the soul of snowboarding, PERSONIFIED. 20 years in the game with a few years in the '90's under the pro spotlight, Guch left behind the hype to focus on his riding, but as always the spotlight continues to follow him, tagging Guch as one of the most influential riders in snowboarding history...

With Fredi Evensen on the A&S Style Session rider list, loaded with natural snowboarding talent he is bound to make it look good. Churning out banger video parts that are a tribute to his versatile riding style, Fredi has freestyle on lock.

Fredi "the Fox" Austbø has ridiculous skills. This Norwegian pro-skater/pro-snowboarder has ticked up some impressive stats throughout his career and we're pumped to have Fredi here on the Style Session rider line-up...

It's been said that Michi once drove off from a contest leaving $3000 in prize money on the roof of his car - his response? "Oh well.." LEGEND. Michi's laidback approach to life reflects in his riding skills - and mad skills he has. His first Air & Style was '96 making podium '97 & '98. Welcome back to A&S Michi!

Born 1979 in Leogang, Stefan started snowboarding at the age of 12. His carrer started with his 2nd place at the halfpipe Juniors World Championships in Japan. From 1999-2001 he dominated the legendary Air & Style contests and won it 3 times in a row. Today Stefan enjoys golfing, tennis and photography while not snowboarding. In 2012 he published his book "Joy - mit dem Snowboard in die Welt".

Local legend Tom "Beckna" Eberharter is no stranger to the Air & Style scene having competed in '97/'98 &'99. A Vans pro-rider for over a decade, Beckna now manages the Vans Team & still lives and loves snowboarding. It's an honour to have you at the 2013 IBK Burn Style Session Beckna...

One of Germany's most prolific and acclaimed riders, this skater turned snowboarder has got POP. From his impressive podium stats to his hammers video parts, Elias rides like a BOSS. Always reppin' a huge smile you know Elias is loving it... 

Backcountry BOSS Wolle Nyvelt took out the 3rd spot on the '99 Air & Style podium, and he's back to lay it down again at the 2013 burn Style Session. Transworld Rider Of The Year at the age of 30, Wolle's got the goods. A surfer at heart, the Austrian shred-legend is the co-father of Mayrhofen based board company Äsmo, a venture he started with buddy Steve Gruber, producing hand-built Powsurfers... We're stoked to have him here once again fronting for the Zillertal posse... SEND IT Wolle.

Photocredit: Christian Brecheis

If you grow up in a valley with the best parks of Austria in your backyard and have 365 days a year of shredding possibilities, you’re destined to become a pro rider. He definitely has fun doing what he does best - snowboarding. If you need convincing arguments, just watch his part in the Isenseven Flick "Kaleidoscope". This year he’ll join us at the burn Style Session and we are glad to welcome him once again in the Bergisel.