Famous Snowboarders You Should Follow for Inspiration: Learn from the Best
Snowboarding is a sport that blends skill, creativity, and adrenaline, and it’s no surprise that the sport has produced a host of incredible athletes who push the limits of what’s possible on the slopes. Whether you’re just starting to ride or are a seasoned pro, watching the best in the game can motivate you to improve your skills, try new tricks, and take your snowboarding to the next level.
We’ll introduce you to some of the most famous snowboarders in the world, each of whom has made significant contributions to the sport. From Olympic gold medalists to the trailblazers of freestyle snowboarding, these athletes are not only top-tier performers but also influencers who inspire millions of riders globally.
1. Shaun White: The Snowboarding Legend
No list of famous snowboarders would be complete without Shaun White, arguably the most famous snowboarder of all time. Known as the “Flying Tomato” due to his iconic red hair, White’s career is nothing short of legendary.
Achievements:
- 3-time Olympic gold medalist (2006, 2010, 2018) in the men’s halfpipe event
- 13-time X Games gold medalist
- Multiple World Championship titles
Shaun White’s influence on snowboarding extends far beyond his medal count. His technical prowess in the halfpipe has made him a household name, and his ability to execute tricks with precision and style has raised the standard for all snowboarders. White’s signature trick, the double cork 1440, was a game-changer in the sport, making him a dominant figure in both the Olympics and freestyle snowboarding competitions.
Off the slopes, White has also made his mark in the skateboarding world and as a fashion mogul, adding to his status as a global icon. If you’re looking for inspiration, White’s dedication, versatility, and innovative spirit make him a perfect role model.
Why Follow Shaun White?
If you’re looking for inspiration in mastering the halfpipe, learning new tricks, or simply striving for excellence, Shaun White’s journey will motivate you. His ability to stay at the top of his game for over a decade proves that consistency, perseverance, and innovation are key to success.
2. Chloe Kim: The Young Phenom
Chloe Kim is a name that has rapidly gained recognition in the snowboarding world, and she’s well on her way to becoming one of the sport’s greatest athletes. At only 24 years old (as of 2025), Kim has already achieved more than many athletes accomplish in an entire career.
Achievements:
- 2-time Olympic gold medalist (2018, 2022) in the women’s halfpipe event
- 5-time X Games gold medalist
- First woman to land back-to-back 1080s in competition
Chloe Kim burst onto the scene in 2018 when she won the gold medal in the Winter Olympics at just 17 years old, making her the youngest female Olympic snowboarding gold medalist. Her dominance continued into the 2022 Winter Olympics, where she defended her gold medal in the halfpipe.
Kim is known for her technical tricks, flawless execution, and ability to push the limits of what’s possible for female snowboarders. She has become a role model for young riders, especially women, showing that with determination and talent, anything is possible.
Why Follow Chloe Kim?
Kim’s ability to break barriers in women’s snowboarding while remaining humble and grounded makes her a great source of inspiration. Whether you’re working on your halfpipe skills or striving to overcome obstacles in your own life, Chloe Kim’s journey is full of valuable lessons about resilience, confidence, and the power of dreams.
3. Travis Rice: The Pioneer of Big Mountain Riding
While Shaun White and Chloe Kim dominate the freestyle scene, Travis Rice has made his name in big mountain snowboarding. Known for tackling some of the world’s most dangerous and remote mountains, Rice is one of the best in the sport when it comes to steep, technical terrain.
Achievements:
- Winner of the Red Bull Supernatural competition
- Star of the iconic snowboarding films “The Art of Flight” and “The Fourth Phase”
- Founder of the “Natural Selection Tour,” a freeride snowboarding competition
Travis Rice is known for his fearless approach to snowboarding and his incredible ability to navigate big mountain lines. His epic films, such as “The Art of Flight” and “The Fourth Phase,” have not only showcased his talents but also helped bring the art of backcountry snowboarding into the mainstream. He has redefined what’s possible in freeride snowboarding, and his passion for exploring the world’s most remote places continues to inspire riders to go beyond their comfort zones.
Why Follow Travis Rice?
If you’re more drawn to backcountry and big mountain snowboarding, Travis Rice is the perfect athlete to follow. His willingness to take on the world’s most challenging mountains and his exploration of the beauty of nature through snowboarding are sure to ignite your passion for freeriding.
4. Mark McMorris: The Freestyle Innovator
Mark McMorris is one of the most successful and influential freestyle snowboarders of his generation. Known for his smooth style, precision, and consistency, McMorris has pushed the boundaries of freestyle snowboarding with his tricks and innovation.
Achievements:
- 2-time Olympic bronze medalist (2014, 2018) in slopestyle
- 19 X Games medals, including 9 golds
- First to land the triple cork in a competition
McMorris is a trailblazer in freestyle snowboarding, consistently landing technical tricks in slopestyle competitions and dominating the X Games. He was the first rider to land a triple cork (a combination of three flips and four rotations), a move that solidified his place in the sport’s history.
Despite a severe injury in 2017 that threatened to end his career, McMorris made a remarkable comeback, showcasing his resilience and determination. His journey from injury to success is a testament to his commitment and love for the sport.
Why Follow Mark McMorris?
Mark McMorris exemplifies the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. If you want to learn how to stay mentally tough and push your limits in freestyle snowboarding, McMorris is an athlete whose career and mindset are worth following.
5. Jamie Anderson: The Queen of Slopestyle
Jamie Anderson has long been recognized as one of the top female snowboarders in the world, particularly in slopestyle competitions. Known for her smooth style, precision, and technical ability, Anderson has dominated both Olympic and X Games events for years.
Achievements:
- 2-time Olympic gold medalist (2014, 2018) in women’s slopestyle
- 15 X Games medals, including 7 golds
- First woman to land a double cork 1080
Jamie Anderson has been a dominant force in women’s snowboarding for over a decade. Her slopestyle performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics made history when she became the first woman to win a gold medal in the sport. She successfully defended her title in 2018, further solidifying her legacy. Anderson’s graceful yet powerful approach to slopestyle is truly inspiring.
Why Follow Jamie Anderson?
Jamie Anderson is the epitome of grace, technique, and strength. If you’re looking for inspiration to improve your slopestyle skills or to simply witness the power of a female athlete who has carved her way to the top, Jamie Anderson is an athlete to keep an eye on.
6. Ayumu Hirano: The Japanese Sensation
Ayumu Hirano is one of the top male snowboarders in the world, particularly in the halfpipe event. Known for his flawless technique and innovative tricks, Hirano has earned a reputation as one of the most consistent and talented riders on the planet.
Achievements:
- 2-time Olympic silver medalist (2014, 2018) in the halfpipe event
- 6-time X Games medalist
- First rider to land a triple cork in competition
Ayumu Hirano is one of the youngest snowboarders to reach the highest level of competition. His performance at the 2018 Winter Olympics, where he secured silver, made him a household name. Hirano is known for his ability to land some of the most difficult tricks, including the triple cork, which has only been attempted by a handful of riders.
Why Follow Ayumu Hirano?
Hirano’s consistent innovation and flawless execution in the halfpipe make him an incredible source of inspiration for riders looking to improve their tricks and style. His dedication to pushing the limits of halfpipe snowboarding ensures that he’ll remain a key figure in the sport for years to come.
7. Ben Ferguson: The All-Rounder
Ben Ferguson is one of the top riders in the world when it comes to halfpipe and slopestyle snowboarding. Known for his versatility, Ferguson excels in both disciplines and is also known for his smooth style and technical precision.
Achievements:
- X Games gold medalist in the superpipe
- Multiple podium finishes in the US Snowboarding Grand Prix
- Consistent top performances in both slopestyle and halfpipe competitions
Ben Ferguson’s ability to perform at a high level across multiple disciplines has made him a well-rounded snowboarder to watch. His deep bag of tricks and clean execution make him a contender in almost any snowboarding event he enters.
Why Follow Ben Ferguson?
Ben Ferguson is the perfect example of an all-around snowboarder who can excel in various formats of competition. His versatility is an inspiration for riders who want to become well-rounded athletes, not limited to just one discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can watching famous snowboarders help me improve my skills?
Watching the best snowboarders in action can provide inspiration and teach you new tricks, techniques, and styles to incorporate into your own riding. - Do I need to be a professional to follow snowboarding influencers?
Not at all! Snowboarding influencers, regardless of their skill level, can provide valuable insights for riders of all levels. - What social media platforms do these famous snowboarders use to share their content?
Most famous snowboarders are active on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter, where they share videos, training tips, and highlights of their snowboarding careers. - How do these snowboarders push the boundaries of the sport?
By continually innovating and landing new, more difficult tricks, famous snowboarders push the limits of what is possible in snowboarding. - Are there snowboarding tutorials available from these athletes?
Many famous snowboarders post tutorial-style videos and behind-the-scenes content on their social media channels, providing helpful tips for riders of all levels. - How can I get better at freestyle snowboarding?
Studying the techniques of freestyle riders like Shaun White or Mark McMorris can help you learn new tricks, improve your style, and refine your technique. - Why is snowboarding so inspiring?
Snowboarding represents freedom, creativity, and a connection to nature. Watching these athletes take risks, overcome challenges, and achieve greatness can be incredibly motivating.
Conclusion
Snowboarding is a sport that thrives on innovation, creativity, and pushing the limits of what’s possible. The snowboarders we’ve highlighted in this post are the true trailblazers of the sport, each contributing something unique to snowboarding culture. Whether you’re looking to improve your halfpipe skills, explore big mountain terrain, or simply find motivation to ride harder, following these famous snowboarders will give you the inspiration you need to take your snowboarding to the next level.
