Created in 1999, The Oakley Arctic Challenge was created as an independent alternative to more established snowboarding events. The Oakley Artic Challenge is owned by the legendary snowboarder Terje Haakonsen. Having developed and invested in The Oakley Arctic Challenge, Terje fullfils the childhood dream of all snowboarders and paves the way for the upcoming talents and progression of the sport. The event protects some key values; independency, creativity, progression, borderless, playfulness, social and environmental responsibilities.

The first full on competition was held in 2000 in the North of Norway, since then it has gathered the best snowboarders on the planet to come together for this very special event. It has also seen global TV and media coverage, there are over 100 journalists and photographers on site every year. TV-channels as BBC, Nippon TV, MTV, Eurosport and Fox Sports have visited and covered the event. The Arctic Challenge was ranked as the best snowboard event in the world in Onboard Magazine's reader poll 2004.

Oakley has backed the event since 1999, and this year steps up their commitment by becoming the presenting sponsor.

The Arctic Challenge 2007 was divided in two parts that will combine the fundamental elements of snowboarding: competition, fun and outdoor experiences. The first part (Oslo - quarter pipe) was an open competition where superstars and talents will compete for one of the most prestigious titles in snowboarding. This competition can give access to join Terje Haakonsen on a freeriding competition through the untamed Arctic in northern Norway.

The 2007 competition was, as in the year before, held in Midtstuen (200 meters from the legendary Holmenkollen arena), a classic ski jump hill that has not been used since Armin Kogler became world champion in 1982. Last years historical re-opening was a joint effort between The Arctic Challenge, Oakley and Skiforeningen, the association looking after the endless ski slopes and wooded areas outside Oslo. This year we continue the cooperation and step up the effort by including sci-fi methods of slope-construction to launch the worlds best quarter-pipe riders into unchartered territory.

Risto Mattila                    FIN            Flow
Kevin Pearce                   USA          Burton
Kim Rune Hansen           NOR          Burton
Terje Haakonsen             NOR           Burton
Jake Blauvelt                   USA           Forum
Arthur Longo                   FRA            APO
Fumyuki Murakami          JPN            Forum
Takota Taniguchi             JPN            Allian
Manuel Pietropoli             ITA            Burton
Andy Finch                      USA            Rip Curl
Colin Frei                        SUI            K2
Markus Keller                  SUI            Dragon
Scotty Lago                    USA            Flow
Nicolas Mueller                SUI            Burton
Takaharu Nakai              JPN            Burton
Peetu Piiroinen               FIN            Burton
Shayne Pospisil               USA            Drake
Chad Otterstrom             USA            Rossignol

2006

For the 2006 TAC results go to last year's event bio page:
http://www.ttrworldtour.com/events/five5-star/the-arctic-challenge.html

2005

Men:
Best Trick: Andy Finch: Frontside rodeo 720
Highest Air: Andy Finch: 7,5 meters
Overall:
1) Markus Keller
2) Andy Finch
3) Terje Haakonsen
4) Mason Aguirre

Women:
1) Torah Bright
2) Doriane Vidal
3) Anne Molin Kongsgaard

2004

Quarterpipe:
Best Trick: Travis Rice
Highest Air: Andy Finch

Overall:
1) Travis Rice
2) Andy Finch
3) Terje Haakonsen
4) Gian Simmen

Halfpipe:
1) Andy Finch
2) Steve Fisher
3) Risto Mattila
4) Terje Haakonsen

2003

Quarterpipe:
Best Trick: Terje Haakonsen
Highest Air: Terje Haakonsen

Overall:
1) Travis Rice
2) Terje Haakonsen
3) Gian Simmen

Women's
Highest Air: Dorian Vidal

Halfpipe:
Best Run: Shaun White
Best Trick: Marius Otterstad
Best Entry: Halvor Lunn
Highest Air: Gian Simmen

Slopestyle:
1) Shaun White
2) Heikki Sorsa
3) Nate Sheehan

2001

Best Trick: Gian Simmen
Highest Air: Heikki Sorsa

Pipe:
1) Shaun White
2) Terje Haakonsen
3)Danny Kass

Quarter overall: Gian Simmen

2000

Pipe: Terje Haakonsen
Quarter overall: Romain de Marchi
Quarter highest air: Terje Haakonsen