Nationality: Finnish
Birthdate: 04.02.1981
Stance: Regular (+18,-6)
Sponsors: Flow, Billabong, Giro, GSM-Suomi, Volvo

Board: Flow team 157
Bindings: Flow team
Boots: Flow Zone

Check out the video profile and career stats on his bio page!

A fierce competitor in the Half Pipe, Risto has remained the most focused and determined rider when it comes to competing on the professional level. He and Markku Koski went to the same resort in Finland when they were younger, progressing their riding and entering the competition scene.

Risto is fully aware and supportive of snowboarding’s progression because “if you don’t progress, you’re out of it.” He loves to learn new tricks that he sees other riders throwing down, a characteristic that pushes him to progress even further and become the best he possibly can.

Like many other TTR competitors, Risto is also able to find time within his busy schedule to film. Like any aspiring rider, he knows that it’s an important aspect to snowboarding, and that competing and filming are so different, yet vital, that neither should be overlooked.

Risto has always competed well in freestyle contests, claiming the title of the 5-Star Star Burton European Open 2006 for Halfpipe. He also finished second at last year’s 6-Star Star Nokia Air & Style Munich and finished 3rd at last year’s 6-Star Nissan X-Trail Jam in the Quarterpipe.

Back at the end of the 05/06 TTR season, Risto came as close as one could get to becoming crowned TTR World Champion, but had to settle for second after an injury to his knee during one of his Halfpipe runs at the Burton US Open. Risto warns everyone though. to “not take snowboarding too seriously, to have fun on the slopes and do tricks to get good and progress. That’s how it should be.”

In 2008, Risto has already maintained a high position in the TTR Top 5 with consistent results all season long. In December 07, Risto’s domination began in Japan at the 6-Star Nissan X-Trail Jam with an overall 2nd place finish behind Travis Rice. Risto actually won the Big Air portion of the event with his FS 1080 Tail grab, ahead of Rice’s double BS Rodeo and Mathieu Crepel’s switch BS 1260. A rough finish in the QP had Risto settling for an overall 2nd.

Risto would become familiar with standing second on the podium in 2008 at the 6-Star O’Neill Evolution with seconds in both the Quarterpipe and Halfpipe after busting out his signature Finnish-style McTwists – always a crowd favourite, traveling farther down the pipe than anyone.

Mattila’s efforts at the 6-Star Oakley Arctic Challenge kept him in contention for the TTR Title. But after spending many weeks at TTR World No. 1, Risto was knocked down to World No. 2 by Kevin Pearce. Continuing with the 6-Star Burton US Open, Risto had his final shot at claiming the TTR Tour Title, competing directly with Pearce and fellow Finnish rider Peetu Piiroinen but unfortunately the stars would not align in Risto's favour. However, his season long consistency and a strong collection of results, Mattila would finish the 07/08 TTR season at World No. 4.




What does Snowboarding mean for you?

Almost everything that I do has something to do with snowboarding, so basically snowboarding is my life. It means everything to me.

How do you see your snowboarding progressing over the next few years?

For sure the airs are gonna get bigger and there is gonna be more spinning. But I really hope that style is going to be an even bigger factor as snowboarding progresses.

How has the snowboarding scene changed since you started?

There are so many more snowboarders nowadays which is great. There is also a lot more variation in the styles of riding. There are the jibbers with super baggy clothes, the rock guys with tight jeans, freeriders with 175cm long boards, pipers...... but still snowboarders are one, big, happy family which makes this sport so fun.

Who is currently the most stylish rider in your eyes?

Andreas Wiig is doing crazy tricks with super smooth style.

What is the best TTR event you've been to and why?

Hard to name one because they are all so great. Every TTR event is a good combination of  good snowboarding and crazy partying.