The Teva Winter Mountain Games is quickly becoming “The event amongst the international telemark crowd,” says Andreas Sjöbeck of Stockholm, Sweden. Freeheelers like Andreas are realizing that this is the only organized telemark event — anywhere in the world — of its kind. It is a chance for freeheelers to showcase their talent in the air, and it isn’t against alpine skiers. This is where Andreas and others can, as he says,  “see a high level of freeheel competition and do some new big tricks for the public.”

TSM caught up with Andreas for a quick interview to hear a little more about him and his thoughts on the upcoming contest.

TSM: Have you ever been to the US? If so, where did you go? What did you do?

Sjöbeck: I have never been in the US; I am so stoked to have this opportunity to

come over and compete. 

TSM: How do you feel about competing at the TEVA Games this year?

Sjöbeck: It will feel really good to compete with other telemark park skiers. I’m also excited to see how my level of jumping compares to other telemarkers from around the

world.

TSM: You recently have been working on a double cork ten. Tell us more about what you are doing.

Sjöbeck: Yeah that’s right! I have been practicing that trick all summer. It´s

a big trick and it requires a lot of practice and commitment. You might even see it at the Teva Mountain Games on the 11th of February.

TSM: What is your home mountain?

Sjöbeck: I am working as a park coach and park shaper at Kläppen Ski Resort. It is

also my training facility.

TSM: How old are you?

Sjöbeck: I’m 21 years old.

TSM: How long have you been telemark skiing for?

Sjöbeck: This is my first season on telemark gear. Last season I tried it out

for 3 weeks, and I was totally stoked on it!

TSM: What companies are hooking you up with gear for the event?

Sjöbeck: I have one contract sponsor by Nordica Freeskiers. I’m also getting some

help from Kläppen Ski Resort, Steepstore.com, WESC clothing and

Cross Sportswear.

TSM: Any other athletes you are looking forward to seeing jump at the Teva Games?

Sjöbeck: Yeah! I am looking forward to meeting everyone and find some inspiration

that I can bring back home to Sweden. I have seen some edits of Dylan

Garner and Kjell Ellefson. I would like to get some time shredding with

those guys! Also that guy Ty Dayberry is something! He has those awesome back-to-back corks!