Nine Queens, Austria: Kjersti Buaas

  PHOTO: KLAUS POLZER

"This past week has been so fun, progressive, creative, silly & heart opening! I have been in Austria for the annual Nine Queens event, where some of the world's best female snowboarders and skiers gather to progress their sports. This event is one of my all time favorites, because it allows you to express yourself on and off the snow in such a creative environment. While the snowboarders and skiers come to perform and compete,  simultaneously a group of hand-selected photographers come in to battle for a photo contest. Who has the most creative angle? Who captured the best action and who had the most unbelievable image at the end of the week? We celebrate on the last day with a contest on the mountain and gala night where the best action from the week gets showcased in super slow motion on a big screen.

PHOTO: DAVID MALACRIDA

I am so happy to end this week with a podium finish, sharing 2nd place with my buddy from Slovakia Klaudia Medlova. First place went to Anna Gasser who came back from a 10-week injury and 3rd went to 15-year-old super rookie & style master Hailey Langland. I also landed another frontside 1080 and this time I stomped it solid with a grab all the way through. I am inspired by the riding from the other ladies, both ski and snowboard, younger and older. You all make me believe I can do whatever I set my mind to :)" --Kjersti Buaas

PHOTO: Fullhouse Productions