Top 5 Women Athletes in the History of Snow Sports

March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the many achievements and accomplishments of women in all aspects of life and society. This definitely extends to the world of sports. Today, the team from ASO Mammoth, your top choice for high-quality snowboard and ski rentals in Mammoth, puts the spotlight on five of the greatest female athletes in snow sports history.

1. Christl Cranz

Cranz was a German alpine ski racer who made her mark with a stunning performance at the 1936 Winter Olympics. She became the first woman to win a gold medal during the Winter Olympic games, doing so while competing in the combined slalom and giant slalom event. Cranz earned 13 championship honors throughout her professional skiing career.

2. Karine Ruby

Ruby was a French snowboarder who won nearly 30 medals in FIS World Cup snowboarding events. Her Winter Olympics medals include one gold in 1998 and one silver in 2002. Ruby is considered one of the most successful and accomplished female snowboarders in the history of this activity as a competitive sport. Ruby has also been rightfully referred to as the most decorated female snowboarder in the world.

3. Kelly Clark

Kelly Clark is a widely recognized and inspiring leader in the world of freestyle snowboarding. Specializing in the half pipe, Clark has more than 70 wins to her name. This is more than any competitor in this snowboarding style. During her four Olympic appearances, Clark earned three medals, including a gold in 2002. Clark developed a love for snowboarding early in life at the age of seven. She last competed in the Winter X Games in Aspen in 2019 before retiring from the sport.

4. Linsey Vonn

If we’re talking about the modern era of snow sports, Linsey Vonn is definitely one of the greatest female athletes of all time. In fact, the Olympic Organization officially recognizes Vonn as the most successful women’s skier of all time. She has set several world records, including one at the FIS World Cup. What’s more, this highly accomplished alpine skier became the first American woman to earn a gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada. Out of all alpine skiers, she’s the second-highest super ranking skier of all time. Vonn earned a bronze Olympic medal in the women’s downhill in 2018 before retiring due to injuries in 2019 after competing in that year’s World Championships.

5. Janica Kostelić

You can’t talk about impressive accomplishments in the world of snow sports without mentioning Janica Kostelić. She’s the only woman in winter sports history to have earned three gold medals in a single Olympics, accomplishing this task during the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. The alpine ski racer also earned top place five times during various world championships. Altogether, she won 30 individual races throughout her career. This list includes four combined titles and three slalom titles. 

You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to enjoy snow sports, so make plans today to visit Mammoth Mountain, where you’ll find a ton of fun things for the whole family to enjoy. While you’re here, stop by and see the friendly team at ASO Mammoth. Whether you need high-quality ski gear or Mammoth snowboard rental, you’ll find everything you need at our store. Drop by on your way to the slopes or give us a call at 760-965-3444.