Ever wondered who dominates the slopes in the epic showdown of snowboarding?
From heart-stopping halfpipes to groundbreaking backcountry runs, these 15 snowboarding icons have carved their names into the mountain of legends.
Strap in and prepare to drop in on the stories of the greatest to ever ride the snow.
Best Snowboarders:
- Shaun White
- Terje Håkonsen
- Kelly Clark
- Travis Rice
- Chloe Kim
- Jamie Anderson
- Mark McMorris
- Danny Kass
- Ståle Sandbech
- Torah Bright
- Gretchen Bleiler
- Scotty Lago
- Hannah Teter
- Kazuhiro Kokubo
- Jake Burton Carpenter
Table of Contents
#1 Shaun White
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 3, 1986
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe, Slopestyle)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 3× Olympic Gold Medalist (2006, 2010, 2018), 13× X Games Gold Medalist (Winter), 10× ESPY Award winner
Nicknamed “The Flying Tomato” for his red hair and aerial prowess, Shaun White has been a trailblazer in snowboarding, known for his exceptional amplitude and technical tricks. He pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the halfpipe, often setting new standards for competitive snowboarding.
White faced a challenging crash in 2017 but made a triumphant return to claim his third Olympic gold in 2018. His impact on the sport includes promoting snowboarding through his Air+Style music and sports festivals. Beyond snowboarding, Shaun has ventured into fashion and music, influencing style and culture well outside the snowy mountains.
#2 Terje Håkonsen
- 🌍 Nationality: Norwegian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 11, 1974
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe, Slopestyle, Big Air)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 3× World Champion, 5× European Champion, Founded The Arctic Challenge
Terje Håkonsen, often hailed as one of the most influential snowboarders of all time, brought a smooth and dynamic style that inspired a generation. Known for his powerful turns and natural approach, Håkonsen has been a vocal advocate for the spirit of snowboarding.
Though he notably boycotted the Olympics over disagreements about its format, Håkonsen’s legacy in snowboarding remains untouched. He played a crucial role in shaping the sport’s culture and was a key figure in establishing rider-driven events like The Arctic Challenge. Terje also actively involves himself in environmental causes and sustainable practices within the snowboarding community.
#3 Kelly Clark
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: July 26, 1983
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2002), 2× Olympic Bronze Medalist (2010, 2014), 7× X Games Gold Medalist (Winter)
Kelly Clark dominated the women’s halfpipe scene for nearly two decades with her unparalleled consistency and progression. She was the first woman to land a 1080 in competition, pushing the envelope for what female snowboarders could achieve in competition.
Clark had her share of injuries and comebacks but always managed to return to the top, cementing her as a resilient and inspiring figure in snowboarding. Off the slopes, Kelly has invested in the next generation through the Kelly Clark Foundation, providing opportunities for youth in snowsports. Her philanthropy and advocacy for female athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport.
#4 Travis Rice
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: October 9, 1982
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Freeride, Big Mountain)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 1st place at Red Bull Supernatural, Filmed and starred in snowboarding films like “The Art of Flight”
Travis Rice is synonymous with big mountain and backcountry snowboarding, with an innovative and fearless approach to riding. His film projects have revolutionized the way snowboarding is perceived, bringing a cinematic and artistic angle to the sport.
Rice’s contributions to snowboarding extend beyond his riding achievements. He has created events such as the Red Bull Supernatural and Ultra Natural, blending freestyle creativity with natural terrain. Off the slopes, Travis is known for his environmental advocacy efforts, aiming to protect the landscapes that have defined his career.
#5 Chloe Kim
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 23, 2000
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2018), 5× X Games Gold Medalist (Winter), Two-time World Champion (2019, 2021)
Chloe Kim burst onto the snowboarding scene as a teenage phenom, known for her technical amplitude and complex combinations in the halfpipe. At 17, she captured gold at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, becoming the youngest woman to win an Olympic snowboarding medal.
Beyond her competitive success, Kim has used her platform to promote mental health awareness and has openly discussed her own struggles. Her influence stretches into the mainstream, with appearances on primetime television and endorsements, reflecting her crossover appeal and role model status for young athletes.
#6 Jamie Anderson
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 13, 1990
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Slopestyle, Big Air)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Gold Medalist (2014, 2018), Olympic Silver Medalist (2018), 7× X Games Gold Medalist (Winter)
Jamie Anderson is celebrated for her smooth style and natural finesse in slopestyle and big air events. She’s garnered an impressive collection of medals, asserting her dominance in these disciplines with poise and consistency.
Aside from her competitive triumphs, Anderson is an advocate for sustainability and holistic living, often sharing her passion for the environment and healthy lifestyles. Her advocacy for animal rights and organic farming showcase her commitment to principles beyond the sport, influencing fans to consider their relationship with nature and personal well-being.
#7 Mark McMorris
- 🌍 Nationality: Canadian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 9, 1993
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Slopestyle, Big Air)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Bronze Medalist (2014, 2018), 9× X Games Gold Medalist (Winter), Two-time World Champion (2013, 2021)
Mark McMorris has consistently proven himself as one of the world’s best in slopestyle and big air events, pushing boundaries with his impressive technical skills and creative approaches to features. His success in the X Games and other elite competitions underscores his talent and drive to excel.
In 2016, McMorris battled back from a life-threatening backcountry accident, displaying remarkable resilience. His recovery and subsequent return to the podium serve as a testament to his determination and spirit. Mark’s dedication to charitable work, including contributions to children’s hospitals, highlights his commitment to giving back to the community, underscoring his character as a person as well as an athlete.
#8 Danny Kass
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: September 21, 1982
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: 2× Olympic Silver Medalist (2002, 2006), 4× X Games Gold Medalist (Winter)
Danny Kass made a name for himself in the halfpipe with his signature style and innovative tricks. With back-to-back Olympic silver medals, he stood as a formidable competitor during his competitive years, drawing attention for his technical skill and charismatic personality.
Despite retiring from competitive snowboarding, Kass continues to influence the sport through Grenade Gloves, a company he co-founded which became a cultural phenomenon within and outside snowboarding circles. His entrepreneurial spirit and contributions to snowboard gear have left a lasting imprint, while his irreverent approach to the sport has endeared him to fans worldwide.
#9 Ståle Sandbech
- 🌍 Nationality: Norwegian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: June 3, 1993
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Slopestyle, Big Air)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Silver Medalist (2014 Slopestyle), X Games Medalist, World Championship Medalist
Ståle Sandbech, a Norwegian powerhouse in slopestyle and big air events, is known for his stylish tricks and impressive aerial control. His consistency and smooth riding style, combined with his skill at spinning and grabbing, make him a fan favorite and podium regular.
Sandbech’s impact on snowboarding goes beyond competition; he inspires a legion of young riders with his approachable persona and innovative riding. As a seasoned competitor, he’s contributed significantly to the sport’s progression, and his easy-going nature garners admiration both within and outside the snowboarding community. His contributions expand into creating popular snowboarding films, which showcase the sport’s culture and lifestyle.
#10 Torah Bright
- 🌍 Nationality: Australian
- 🎂 Date of Birth: December 27, 1986
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe, Slopestyle, Snowboard cross)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2010 Halfpipe), Olympic Silver Medalist (2014 Halfpipe), X Games Medalist
One of Australia’s most successful Olympic athletes, Torah Bright, shines in the halfpipe with a reputation for her amplitude and technical tricks. Her ambitious riding and versatility in slopestyle and snowboard cross further underscore her dynamic capabilities. Her strengths lie in her fearlessness and innovative approach to the halfpipe, which set the bar for future competitions.
Bright is equally known for her sunny disposition and advocacy for women in snowboarding, pushing for greater recognition and support for female athletes. Her legacy extends through her charity work and commitment to youth development programs, encouraging participation and nurturing future talent. Off the slopes, she inspires through her grace and persistence, ensuring her status as an ambassador for the sport.
#11 Gretchen Bleiler
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 10, 1981
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Silver Medalist (2006 Halfpipe), 4× X Games Gold Medalist, U.S. Open Champion
Renowned for her halfpipe prowess, Gretchen Bleiler was a dominant force in women’s snowboarding, celebrated for her competitive spirit and signature moves, like the Crippler 540. A trailblazer, Bleiler consistently pushed the limits of her sport, elevating the level of competition and inspiring a generation of female snowboarders.
Gretchen’s influence extends beyond the pipe; she’s a vocal advocate for environmental issues, leveraging her platform to promote sustainability within and outside the snowboarding world. Her dedication to this cause and her efforts in empowering young women solidify her role as more than a top athlete, but a purpose-driven leader. Her entrepreneurial ventures and community support work showcase the multifaceted nature of her impact.
#12 Scotty Lago
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: November 12, 1987
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe, Slopestyle)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Bronze Medalist (2010 Halfpipe), Winter X Games Medalist
Scotty Lago stands out as a snowboarding talent with his signature amplitude and style in both halfpipe and slopestyle competitions. His natural talent and creativity are exemplified by his ability to throw down complex combinations and maintain a smooth style, captivating audiences and judges alike.
Overcoming adversity and controversy, Lago has managed to maintain his status as a snowboarding enthusiast’s favorite, emphasizing the joy of the sport. His passion for snowboarding extends into working with youth, sharing his knowledge and love for the mountains. Scotty’s infectious enthusiasm not only defines his personal brand but also influences the snowboarding culture at large.
#13 Hannah Teter
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: January 27, 1987
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Olympic Gold Medalist (2006 Halfpipe), Olympic Silver Medalist (2010 Halfpipe), X Games Medalist
Hannah Teter is celebrated in the snowboarding community for her achievements in the halfpipe, characterized by her impressive technical skills and progressive combinations. Her athletic talent has elevated her to the highest levels of competition, winning medals on snowboarding’s grandest stages.
Teter is also known for her philanthropic efforts, including founding charitable organizations. Her work has substantial contributions toward humanitarian causes, demonstrating her commitment to using her success for the betterment of others. The social and environmental causes she supports reflect Hannah’s broader responsibility ethos, making her a role model not just in snowboarding, but in humanitarianism as well.
#14 Kazuhiro Kokubo
- 🌍 Nationality: Japanese
- 🎂 Date of Birth: August 16, 1988
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder (Halfpipe)
- 🏆 Career Highlights: X Games Medalist, World Snowboarding Championships Medalist
Kazuhiro Kokubo stands out with a distinctively fluid and stylish approach to snowboarding’s halfpipe discipline, earning praise for his powerful runs and deep bag of tricks. His appearances at international competitions are marked by his respect for the sport’s tradition and a desire to push its boundaries.
His career faced challenges including disciplinary controversies, but Kokubo remained a figure of resilience in the snowboarding world. His legacy in Japan and beyond includes inspiring the next generation of snowboarders with his relentless dedication to the craft and culture of the sport. Off the mountain, Kokubo’s journey serves as an example of overcoming adversity and staying true to one’s passions.
#15 Jake Burton Carpenter
- 🌍 Nationality: American
- 🎂 Date of Birth: April 29, 1954
- 🏂 Position/Role: Snowboarder, Founder of Burton Snowboards
- 🏆 Career Highlights: Pioneer of snowboarding, Creator of the modern snowboard, Industry innovator
Jake Burton Carpenter is not only one of the best snowboarding players; he is a true pioneer who revolutionized snowboarding by refining its equipment and popularizing it as a mainstream sport. Through his company, Burton Snowboards, he developed the modern snowboard, significantly impacting the sport’s accessibility and progression.
More than just an athlete, Burton was a visionary entrepreneur who cultivated a global brand and lifestyle deeply embedded in snowboarding culture. His contributions to the sport’s development are immeasurable, and his legacy lives on through every rider who straps into a snowboard. Burton’s dedication to the snowboarding community, as well as to various charitable efforts, speaks to his lasting influence as a sports innovator and benevolent leader.
Gain insights into the techniques and philosophies of top athletes by checking out our selection of the best snowboarding books.
After celebrating the achievements of legendary athletes, dive into the minds of today’s snowboarding experts and enthusiasts through our curated list of the best snowboarding podcasts.
FAQ
Who is the best Snowboarding player of all time?
Shaun White is considered the best Snowboarding player of all time. Here’s a link to our article on why we think Shaun White is the best snowboarding player of all time. His Olympic triumphs and X-Games medals underline his status in the sport.
Who are the top 10 greatest Snowboarding players of all time?
Shaun White, Terje Håkonsen, Kelly Clark, Travis Rice, Chloe Kim, Jamie Anderson, Mark McMorris, Danny Kass, Ståle Sandbech, and Torah Bright are the top 10 greatest Snowboarding players of all time. Each has made significant contributions to the sport with their exceptional talent and achievements.
Who is the most famous female Snowboarding player?
Kelly Clark is the most famous female Snowboarding player. With longstanding dominance in halfpipe competitions and numerous Olympic medals, she has been a prominent figure in women’s snowboarding.
