The Top 10 Snowboarders of All-Time

By Jayson Panganiban July 05, 2024 09:20

Photo by Lee Jin-man, Associated Press file

Over the years, snowboarding has increased in popularity thanks to its talented champions and their contributions to the sport as a whole. In this list, we explore the ten greatest and most recognized snowboarders to ever set foot on a hill, discussing their essential work in shaping the present state of riding and the significant achievements that have stayed.

1. Craig Kelly

Nationality: American
Years Active: 1980s-1990s
His technical innovation and vision helped shape snowboarding into what it is today, inspiring hand-washing riders of all ages.

2. Terje Haakonsen

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Nationality: Norwegian
Years Active: 1980s-present
Top Accomplishments: Kick-starting competitive snowboarding in its formative years of the 1990s, winning virtually every contest entering and pushing boundaries. Famous for his groundbreaking exploits in big mountain riding,
Legacy: Raised the bar of what is possible in a slopestyle contest, blew minds with his unmatched level of talent and landings that had never been seen before, setting new standards for all snowboarders.

3. Shaun White

Nationality: American
Years Active: 2000s-present
Career highlights: Olympic Gold winner in snowboard halfpipe, multiple X-Games medals. Refreshing and powerful competitive snowboarder with an incredible gift.
Impact: Raised the profile of snowboarding as a global superstar, entranced fans around the world and helped make snowboarding mainstream.

4. Jamie Lynn

Nationality: American
Years Active: 1990s-2000s
Key Achievements: The riding style was revolutionary and inspired legions of riders. He is known for his high-impact video sections and artistic input into the sport.
Impact on the Sport: Resetting the aesthetic bar for snowboarding and influencing a generation of riders who sought to mimic his unique style and creativity.

5. JP Walker

Nationality: American
Years Active: 1990s-present
Key Achievements: Started & popularized jibbing, changing how snowboarders street and park rode.
Contribution to the sport: Redefined freestyle snowboarding with groundbreaking, game-changing tricks and styles, now an essential part of this kind of competition.

6. Travis Rice

Nationality: American
Years Active: 2000s-present
Claim to Fame: Pioneered big mountain and backcountry riding, fueling his ascension with film projects that redefined what was possible on skis.
Travis Rice has hitherto led the charge in pushing backcountry riding into new realms to transcend snowboarding's most aspirational and exploring possibilities through a bold vision.

7. Nico Muller

Nationality: Swiss
Years Active: 2000s-present
Notable Achievements: Some of Alaska's most stylish and effortless descents have set new technical standards time after time.
Sport Impact: Redefined backcountry snowboarding, talented, with a butt-naked style to the frightful places.

8. Gigi Ruf

Nationality: Austrian
Years Active: 2000s-present
Career Highlights: He was celebrated for his legendary backcountry freestyle skills, pushing riding in the remote and wild to new levels.
The Award's Impact: Redefining the backcountry freestyle snowboarding genre leads to new tricks and styles that have fundamentally changed how riders hit natural terrain.

9. David Benedek

Nationality: German
Years Active: 1990s-2000s
Notable Impact On The Sport: Redefined the look, style, and aerial elements of freestyle snowboarding while introducing a more creative approach to artistic expression in what was beginning to morph into an alternative sport.

10. Victoria Jealous

Nationality: Canadian
Years Active: 1990s-2000s
Highlights: Demonstrated her talent and bravery in big mountain boardercross by passing even steeps and overcoming conventional wisdom about women riders.
Sport Impact: Helped pave the way for a new generation of big mountain women, inspiring female riders across disciplines with her exciting and progressive runs.

Each of the top 10 snowboarders listed above has played an integral role in shaping the history and progression of snowboarding, vacillating between revolutionaries, pioneers, and antichrists, all living legends that have made their mark on next-generation riders. With their revolutionary maneuvers, pioneering ways, and unwavering commitments, they are the undisputed titans of snowboarding.