Former alpine skiing star Tom Stiansen orchestrated a 12-year practical joke on teammate Kjetil André Aamodt, convincing him that SAS EuroBonus points could be used to purchase items at the department store chain Smart Club, according to an interview on the podcast “Gukild og Johaug” and reporting by Se og Hør.
How the Decades-Long Prank Began
Stiansen and Aamodt competed together internationally for years, with a friendship dating back to before SAS launched its EuroBonus loyalty program in 1992, according to Stiansen’s statements on the podcast. Alongside other teammates, Stiansen joined the loyalty program early on, drawing immediate ridicule from Aamodt.
“Kjetil thought it was just nonsense and started teasing me right away,” Stiansen said on “Gukild og Johaug.” “He thought we were misers.”
Did you know? SAS introduced its EuroBonus frequent flyer program in 1992.
The Smart Club Setup and Family Collusion
The prank escalated when Aamodt visited Stiansen’s home for dinner and admired the hosts’ patio furniture, which had been purchased at Smart Club. Seizing the opening, Stiansen fabricated a partnership between the airline and the department store.
“They are from Smart Club, and what’s so brilliant is that I actually shopped with EuroBonus points, because now there is a collaboration between SAS and Smart Club,” Stiansen told Aamodt during the dinner. “You could have shopped the whole Smart Club if you had registered from the start.”
Aamodt registered for the non-existent scheme and spent over a decade accumulating points. To keep the ruse alive, Stiansen enlisted Aamodt’s entire family as co-conspirators, ensuring no one revealed the truth to the unsuspecting alpine champion.
The 30,000 Krone Checkout Confrontation
The prank reached its climax years later when Aamodt decided to cash in his accumulated balance after purchasing a new apartment, according to Dagbladet’s interview with Aamodt at TV 2’s autumn launch in Bergen. Aamodt loaded a shopping cart at Smart Club with a large gas grill, steaks, and shrimp, totaling 30,000 kroner.
“He had a whole pile of bonus points,” Stiansen said. “His shopping cart was overflowing.”
When Aamodt presented his EuroBonus card at the register, the cashier informed him that bonus points could not be used as payment. Lacking sufficient account funds to cover the purchase, Aamodt had to abandon the cart.
“I didn’t have coverage in my account, so I had to put all the items back and leave there with my tail between my legs,” Aamodt told Dagbladet, estimating the prank lasted 10 to 12 years.
“They fooled me well there,” Aamodt added. “I’m a bit gullible, but isn’t it charming to be a bit naive and gullible?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was involved in the Tom Stiansen and Kjetil André Aamodt prank?
Former alpine skiers Tom Stiansen and Kjetil André Aamodt were the main figures, with assistance from Aamodt’s family and fellow alpine teammates.
How long did the Smart Club prank last?
According to Aamodt’s interview with Dagbladet, the practical joke lasted between 10 and 12 years before the final confrontation at the cash register.
Could SAS EuroBonus points ever be used at Smart Club?
No. Stiansen completely fabricated the partnership between SAS and the department store chain Smart Club to trick his friend.
Join the Conversation
What is the longest practical joke you have ever pulled—or fallen victim to? Share your stories in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on your favorite personalities.