NordicLife Culture + Taste + History + Events + Personalities Ståle Sandbech Professional Snowboarder S tåle Sandbech strapped into his fi rst snowboard at the age of eight. Now, the 22-year-old is embracing the professional snowboarder life with a sponsorship by Rome Snowboards, multiple X Games medals and a silver medal in the 2014 Sochi Olympics. For all that high-profi le exposure, though, this native of Rykkinn, Norway, focuses on having a great time in perfect powder with some of his best friends. " My favorite place to go snowboarding is LAAX Ski Resort in Switzerland. It has it all: really big resort with great backcountry opportunities, good snowboard park, good vibes and good parties. " " Participating in the 2014 Olympics was one of the biggest achievements in my career. Going to the Olympics and doing what you love while the whole world is watching is pretty special. " " I think the best snowboarding experience anyone can have is riding fresh powder on a good mountain together with your best friends. " " The person that has infl uenced me the most is one of my best friends, Alek Østreng. We have been riding together forever and pushed each other since we were kids. " Check out more from the interview on Jan. 5 at sonsofnorway.com/blog. sonsofnorway.com VIKING JANUARY 2016 7 PHOTO BY MATT PAIN DESIGNhttp://www.sonsofnorway.com/blog http://www.sonsofnorway.com