In the global ski community, there is a group of true “game changers” — not just athletes, but visionaries who have reshaped the entire industry. Some push the boundaries of what's possible on snow, others built empires from a single snowboard, and some captured the magic of skiing through film, inspiring millions to explore the mountains.

Today, let’s take a look at several of the most influential figures in the international ski industry — from legendary riders to brand founders, event organizers, and cultural pioneers. Their stories are ones every snow lover should know.

一、Athlete Icons – Skill Meets Influence

1. Shaun White

One of the most legendary snowboarders in history.

Three-time Olympic gold medalist.

Instrumental in bringing snowboarding from an extreme sport into the Olympic mainstream.

Founder of WHITESPACE, also a prominent investor in the snow sports industry.

2. Candide Thovex

A legend in freestyle skiing, known for his creative and mind-blowing ski videos (like the "One of Those Days" series).

Often hailed as the most imaginative skier on Earth.

3. Mikaela Shiffrin

Alpine skiing queen.

Multiple World Championship and Olympic medalist.

Deeply involved in brand collaborations with Atomic, Barilla, and others.

二、Industry Builders – Gear That Changed the Game

1. Jake Burton Carpenter (RIP)

Founder of Burton Snowboards.

A pioneer of modern snowboarding.

Played a key role in getting snowboarding recognized as an Olympic sport.

2. Nicolas Müller

Swiss pro snowboarder turned eco-conscious brand founder.

Created Atreebutes, promoting a nature-driven and sustainable snowboarding philosophy.

3. Peter Bauer

Alpine snowboard world champion.

Founder of Amplid Snowboards, known for cutting-edge innovation and premium design.

三、Content amp; Media Icons – Telling the Story of Snow

1. Travis Rice

One of the most visually stunning snowboarders of our time.

Created iconic snow films like The Art of Flight, The Fourth Phase, and Dark Matter.

Also a director, producer, and the mastermind behind the Natural Selection Tour.

2. Warren Miller (RIP)

Godfather of ski filmmaking.

Founder of Warren Miller Entertainment, documenting ski culture for decades.

四、Event amp; Resort Visionaries – Shaping the Experience

1. Nicolas Hale-Woods

Founder of the Freeride World Tour (FWT).

Turned freeride skiing into a global, structured, and commercialized sport.

2. Reinhold Zitz

Austrian ski resort operations expert.

Consulted on ski resort design and modernization in countries worldwide.

Skiing is more than just a sport — it’s a culture, a spirit, and a way of life. It’s people like these industry icons who have transformed snow from a seasonal delight into a global lifestyle.

Which ski industry legend do you admire most? Or do you have a personal favorite snow hero?